SpeedSUVs.com — The end of December often brings a reflective mood, characterized by the nagging realization that some creative projects remained unfinished. While professional deadlines are strictly managed by editorial teams, certain stories, side trips, and behind-the-scenes details linger in a writer’s memory, waiting for the right moment to be shared. Reviewing a year’s worth of camera rolls reveals a treasure trove of these “straggler” stories, providing a unique perspective on the automotive adventures of 2025 before the new year begins.
Three Wide Across America with McLaren
One of the year’s most memorable experiences involved a cross-country journey with McLaren. The “States of Endurance” drive spanned 3,867 miles across eight states, intended to mirror the mileage covered during the 24 Hours of Le Mans. While the choice of an American route rather than a European one was unconventional, the spectacle of traveling in a convoy of supercars was unmatched. The trip, featuring professional race car drivers like Oliver Webb, Paul Rees, and Jack Barlow, combined the thrill of high-performance driving with unique experiences, such as learning traditional roping skills at a ranch.
Pros and Cons of the McLaren Experience
- Pros: Unparalleled access to supercar performance on diverse terrains; professional instruction from experienced race car drivers.
- Cons: The logistical scale of the trip was massive, making it difficult to capture every nuance in a single feature; extreme desert temperatures occasionally tested the endurance of both machines and drivers.
Custom Artistry in Automotive Design
Automotive culture extends far beyond the engine bay. A visit to stained glass artist Lindsey Lou Wonder highlighted the growing trend of integrating custom glasswork into vintage vehicles. Her work on taillights, sidelights, and van windows for cars from the 1960s and 70s demonstrates how personal expression is reshaping the classic car scene. Similarly, the SEMA Show offered a masterclass in detail with Troy Trepanier’s 1936 Ford roadster. The project featured a 312-cubic-inch Y-block engine with a 3D-printed Inconel exhaust manifold, proving that modern aerospace materials can enhance traditional hot rod builds without compromising their aesthetic integrity.
Diverse Adventures: From Lake Houses to Ohio Landmarks
A weekend at a Nissan-hosted event in Lake Arrowhead provided a varied driving experience, ranging from the practical Murano to the robust Frontier and the enthusiast-focused NISMO Z. The trip underscored the importance of rear-seat comfort in modern crossovers and the specific utility of midsize trucks. Further adventures included a cross-country SUV comparison in Ohio, where the team explored quirky landmarks like the former Longaberger basket headquarters and giant sculptures of corn, contrasting the serious nature of vehicle testing with the lighter side of American roadside tourism.
The Impact of the Altadena Fires
The year concluded on a somber but deeply human note in Altadena, California. Following the devastating Eaton fire in January 2025, many residents lost their homes and personal histories. A visit to the area, guided by photographer Dave Stone, focused on the “not EV” markings—labels applied by the Army Corps of Engineers to identify safe-to-handle vehicles in the wreckage. Seeing a 1969 Camaro, owned by James Jones for 50 years, served as a poignant reminder of how quickly disaster can strike and the lasting emotional connection owners maintain with their vehicles.
Summary of Lessons Learned
The stories of 2025 were a mix of high-speed thrills, technical marvels, and profound human resilience. Whether it was the engineering precision of a custom hot rod or the quiet heartbreak of a wildfire-stricken town, these experiences provided a balanced view of the automotive landscape. For those looking back at their own unfinished projects, the key is to recognize that the value of these stories lies in the memories and the connections made along the way. Moving into 2026, these narratives serve as a testament to the diverse ways we interact with the machines that define our journeys.
