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I don't think that I got "hooked" on cars more than I just happened into it.
Back when I was 17 and working on getting my drivers license, I had a feeling I wanted a "fast" car like most teenage boys do. I had seen the Iroc Z camaro's running around and really liked those. Then I saw my first (or took notice of for the first time) a 3rd gen GTA and it was all over.
Bought my first car at 17 1/2, an 84 SE Firebird. Didn't know jack about cars. Just liked the car. Traded that in and bought my 91 GTA. Still didn't know jack about cars, but REALLY liked that car. Fast forward to 1999, traded that in on a 99 Trans Am off the showroom floor. I finally had my "fast" car, but still didn't know jack about cars. About that time though, I discovered a wealth of knowledge floating around the internet, automotive magazines, but most importantly, a small group of people at the time who were known a the Norcal LS1 F-Body association. Through going to the track with those guys, meeting friends who were into cars, and hanging around, I started to realize just how deep this seed for cars I have goes.
Then, a lemon law experience with the 99, and my black 93 showed up, and things went full springs. Through hands on experience I've found my calling for working on cars, found my love for working on and driving them.
Becoming a gearhead for me wasn't a family thing, wasn't a friends thing, it was a natural evolution for me.
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