What’s new at FuelFest in West Palm: Taste of Tokyo, drift ride-alongs, 800 exotic cars

Show Caption

Following record-setting shows in South Florida since 2022, FuelFest returns Saturday to West Palm Beach for its fourth annual show at the South Florida Fairgrounds, located at 9067 Southern Blvd.

All new for 2025 — judged car show sections, best of show awards and trophies and a showcase area: Taste of Tokyo, giving fans a Japanese underground car meet vibe with a variety of cars that are on the streets of Tokyo.

Now in its sixth year of hosting events globally from Los Angeles, Dallas, West Palm Beach, New Jersey, Atlanta, Arizona, Tokyo, London and Abu Dhabi, FuelFest blends the enthusiast’s passion for the automotive world with appearances by Fast & Furious franchise stars Tyrese Gibson, Cody Walker and drifting, live music with multiple artists on the festival stage, a huge car show, automotive culture and dozens of custom exhibits.

Last year, 15,000 fans attended FuelFest in West Palm Beach, double the turnout from its first year in town. Organizers expect record-breaking attendance again Saturday and for the event to sell out. Weather conditions are going to be ideal — a high of 83 degrees and sunny skies.

THIS WEEKEND: Looking for fun things to do this weekend March 7-9? Top 5 events in Palm Beach County

This year, the show will feature more than 800 top custom, exotic, rare and exclusive cars and trucks, plus drift ride-alongs and Fast & Furious screen used movie cars, various interactive fan racing activities and attractions.

Drifting is when cars skid side to side while racing one another. Lucky fans who want to experience the adrenaline rush for themselves could sign up for a ride-a-long with a professional, vetted driver.

The FuelFest drift pits are open access, allowing fans to get up close to their favorite race cars.

FuelFest raises money for charity founded by Paul Walker

Gibson, who plays Roman in the film franchise, and event organizer Walker, the younger brother of the late actor Paul Walker, who tragically perished at the age of 40 in a fatal car accident in November 2013, will be there to meet and greet fans. 

Paul Walker would have turned 51 in September and each FuelFest show pays tribute to the star. A portion of proceeds from every tour stop benefits Reach Out Worldwide (ROWW), a nonprofit Paul founded in 2010 after organizing a team of people to provide relief efforts in Haiti following an earthquake. Since then, ROWW has responded to natural disasters domestically and internationally to provide medical aid and supplies and assist in clean-up efforts.

FuelFest: If you go

• When: 1-8 p.m., Saturday.
• Where: South Florida Fairgrounds, 9067 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach.
• Tickets: $35 per person and kids 12 and under are free.
• For more information: Visit www.FuelFest.com.

James Coleman is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at [email protected] and follow him on X (formerly known as Twitter) at @JimColeman11. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.