Genevieve Chappell “The Queen of Cars”

I was rolling over to the Pep Boys Speed Shop LA Grand Opening when the Eagles’ Deperado was ringing in my ears: “…Don’t you draw the queen of diamonds, boy She’ll beat you if she’s able. You know the queen of hearts is always your best bet.”
I don’t know about Henley and the boys but I’ll bet on “The Queen of Cars” Genevieve Chappell anytime. She’s not just a pretty face in front of a camera, but a savvy businesswoman too. But wait, there’s more. She knows her way around a garage as well.

I first heard of Genevieve Chappell about a year ago from her work with the short-lived Velocity TV – an online version of Velocity Magazine featuring the Orange County, CA car-culture. You can view the videos on Vimeo here: www.vimeo.com/velocitymag.

I had an opportunity to meet with Genevieve and found her as genuine as she is on the videos. I asked her about how she found her passion in cars and what is her earliest memory of cars:
“I truly believe, that people learn about, talk about and surround themselves with things they are interested in and love. I have always loved classic cars (first memory of this was age 4) as well as watching something old and rusty be transformed into something beautiful. I have always been extremely attracted to everything automotive (both exterior, interior and under the hood), it’s in my blood – so talking about anything and everything automotive related comes naturally to me and it makes me happy.”

She continues: “I don’t attribute my passion for automotive to anyone except myself. From a young age I was drawn to and inspired by design (fashion, interior, automotive) art and colors combinations, etc. Because of where I lived in Whittier Ca (from age 10-16 yrs) and observing my neighbors and guys I went to school with customizing their cars, I got to experience first hand the art and culture of automotive. From the mechanics to the engineering to the sound systems all the way to the custom design – it was absolutely amazing to me! It still is amazing to me!”

As she tells this story I can picture her hanging out with the guys doing a bit of wrenching, but most importantly enjoying the rides around the Southern California landscape. 1987, Before text messaging, when the summer days had a blue-green hue contrasting the bright sunsets. Her blonde hair flowing in the barren freeway breeze and cooling off with a cruise up Whittier Blvd., or up to Van Nuys.

I can understand how she found her passion in all things automotive, and I wonder how difficult it is for her in this male-dominated industry.

Difficult or not, she has made quite a mark.

For the past 10 years she has worked, operated and progressed to “expert status” in a man’s world – extremely difficult to attain to that status in this business/automotive industry.

She is considered and highlighted as a “Social Media Personality” in both the automotive world and techy world.

Her dedicated fans follow her almost exclusively via new media. That’s unique for this very old-school industry. She currently has 6000 readers a month on her website that read her daily blog updates. Make that 6001, I just signed up at: http://www.thequeenofcars.com

Enjoy the pics and keep a lookout for this bombshell exploding in the Car Scene of Southern California and Beyond.

To view photo gallery and Blacktop Magazine’s home page, click here

T-Bone

Thank you to all who came out to be apart of and support the 2009 Crusin’ For A Cure at the OC Fair Grounds in Costa Mesa, CA. As you know, this is the largest one day charity car show, that benefits prostate cancer – in the world!

I was honored when I received the call from “The Woman Herself” Debbie Baker asking me to host this years special edition video. Why? Well, for many reasons, but especially, because this year’s event was extra special – as we celebrated the Crusin’ For A Cure 10 year anniversary, the success of saving hundreds of lives, and the woman who has made all of this happen – Debbie Baker!

Prostate Cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death for men in this country andsadly to say after a 12 year battle – this deadly disease took the life of Debbie Baker’s beloved husband, Jim Poetker (Baker) earlier this year.

Yet, it’s because of this disease that Debbie Baker has been so determined to assist in saving as many men’s lives as possible! What has been the result of Debbie’s drive & sincere love for people? Well, some of your loved ones have been proactive by taking a PSA screening and they are still with us here today!

Personally – I think that is pretty remarkable!

This year alone, nearly 200,000 men will be diagnosed with Prostate Cancer and it will end up taking the lives of more than 27,000 men. When Cruisin’ for a Cure first started, the goal was to raise the awareness of the deadly disease. From humble beginnings in 2000 with 650 cars at the first show, Cruisin’ for a Cure has grown to more than 3,500 cars, 200 volunteers and thousands (20K to be exact) of active supporters, including some very influential individuals in the automotive industry. Guys like Hollywood’s best – George Barris. The guy with the smile, who adds extra shine to Orange County – Barry Meguire. He’s Nutz about NASCAR and raising money for children’s cancer - Gordon Stewart, AKA, Lugg Nutz. Plus we also had an exclusive interview with City Of Hope’s Urologist, Dr. Josephson, who gave us an up-close and behind the scenes look at the amazing technology and robot they use during surgeries.

Oh yea…and I also was persuaded by Tom West to sit in the Firestone Dragster during the demonstration – boy was that an experience! Take a look for yourself (click here to view video)

I would also like to give a special thank you to Steve Russo and Jon Van Buren who joined our production crew and took some amazing shots (see link) along with Randy Dubb, Jason Dubb, and Mark Richards from Still Motion Productions. Janel Hahn my assistant and “host in training” and of course Debbie Baker and Ross Kroenert – the two who make the magic happen!

See still images and gallery here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/genevievechappell/sets/72157622378447105/

In memory of Debbie’s wonderful husband June 16, 1936 – March 27, 2009. Rest In Peace!