Under the Texas Sun: Tuning 365 x SRO GT World Challenge America

Event Coverage
Under the Texas Sun: Tuning 365 x SRO GT World Challenge America

Story by Jamie Lake
Photography by Rj Lake (@nerdy.m3dia)

The Texas heat showed up early at Circuit of the Americas, and it didn’t let off. By mid-morning, the pavement was already radiating that familiar warmth that makes you second-guess black interiors and appreciate any bit of shade you can find. But if there’s one thing the Tuning 365 crowd doesn’t do, it’s back down from the heat.

Set against the backdrop of the GT World Challenge America weekend, the Tuning 365 Car Show felt right at home. You had the constant soundtrack of race cars ripping around the circuit, punctuated by announcers calling out podium finishes just a few steps away from the show field. It created a seamless blend of track energy and show culture—something you don’t get at your average parking lot meet.

GT race cars lined up in the paddock at Circuit of the Americas during GT World Challenge America, with crews and spectators gathered around.

The layout this year worked in everyone’s favor. With the car show section placed right next to the stage, participants weren’t just parked and forgotten—they were part of the action. You could lean against your car, talk builds with someone you just met, and then turn around to catch a podium ceremony happening in real time. It gave the whole experience a stronger sense of connection, like the show cars and race cars were sharing the same spotlight.

Pink GT race car with anime-style livery on display in the paddock at Circuit of the Americas during GT World Challenge America.

And people noticed. Foot traffic stayed steady all day, with spectators moving between the paddock, grandstands, and the show area. Every row had a crowd. Cameras were out, conversations were constant, and the variety kept things interesting—from clean OEM+ builds to fully dialed show cars that clearly didn’t come together overnight.

Lowered gray BMW sedan with polished multi-piece wheels on display at Circuit of the Americas during Tuning 365.Custom Lexus sedan with green, black, and purple livery sitting on aftermarket wheels at Tuning 365 at Circuit of the Americas.

What really stood out wasn’t just the cars, but the people standing next to them. Most owners were right there with their builds—talking with anyone who stopped by, answering questions, and just enjoying the moment. For a lot of them, it felt like more than just another show. Being there alongside the racing, the media, and a crowd that genuinely appreciated it all made it feel a little more meaningful.

⸻

Top 10 Winners

Lowered red and silver Lexus GS300 with chrome wheels on display at Circuit of the Americas during the Tuning 365 car show.
* Jonathan Jones — 2005 Lexus GS300

Modified red Roush Ford Mustang with exposed supercharged engine bay on display at Circuit of the Americas during the Tuning 365 car show.
* Caleb Allison — 2017 Ford Roush Mustang

Widebody red Honda Civic hatchback with aggressive aero, hood open, and large rear wing on display at Circuit of the Americas during the Tuning 365 car show.
* Jose Castro — 2019 Honda Civic Type R

Lowered Alfa Romeo Giulia with carbon fiber front end and bright green accents parked among show cars at Circuit of the Americas during the Tuning 365 event.
* Brandon Armstrong — 2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia

Custom purple Infiniti sedan with vented hood and exposed engine bay display, parked among show cars at Circuit of the Americas during the Tuning 365 event.
* Grant Wahlburg — 2011 Infiniti G37

Clean white Acura Integra Type R with hood open revealing a detailed engine bay, displayed among show cars at Circuit of the Americas during the Tuning 365 event.
* David Luna — 1999 Honda Integra Type R

Steven Pena’s customized Audi A8L W12 with hood open showcasing the engine bay, displayed at Circuit of the Americas during the Tuning 365 car show.
* Steven Pena — 2007 Audi A8L

Customized Infiniti Q50 with hood open, exposed engine bay, and color-shift body panels displayed at Circuit of the Americas during the Tuning 365 car show.
* Ricky Molis — 2015 Infiniti Q50

Widebody mint green Toyota A90 Supra with deep-dish wheels and oversized rear wing, sitting low at Circuit of the Americas during the Tuning 365 car show.
* Bryan Miguel — 2021 Toyota Supra

Modified blue Acura RSX with aggressive aero, hood open, and rear hatch raised, on display at Circuit of the Americas during the Tuning 365 car show.
* Kevin Mercado — 2006 Acura RSX

PASMAG's Editor’s Choice winner standing in front of a customized red Honda Acty kei truck, holding award plaque at Circuit of the Americas during the Tuning 365 car show.
Editor’s Choice: Ramon Maldonado — 1988 Honda Acty

Tuner Battlegrounds LIVE winner posing with award plaque beside a customized 2009 Toyota Camry at Circuit of the Americas during the Tuning 365 car show.
Tuner Battlegrounds LIVE concluded with Jose David Alcantara, also known as Somer, taking the win in a 2009 Toyota Camry.

Driver’s Choice award winner posing with plaque beside a modified BMW wagon with hood open at Circuit of the Americas during the Tuning 365 car show.

For Driver’s Choice, the award went to Jesse Billman’s LS-swapped 1988 BMW wagon.

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