It's been a while since our last episode, and I know many of you have been wondering where I've been and what’s been going on. Well, life has thrown quite a few surprises my way, and today, I’m here to share that journey with you and kickstart a new chapter for TSTDRVR.
A New Beginning
After a significant hiatus, I decided the best way to relaunch our car channel by purchasing a new car, so I booked plane tickets, picked up a check from the bank, and embarked on an adventure to fulfill a long-standing bucket list item: flying to another state to pick up a car and drive it back home.
The Hunt for the Perfect Car
My journey began a few months ago when my wife pointed out that while our truck was great for the family, we needed something larger to accommodate seven or eight people, especially when we have family visiting or taking our kids and their friends to events. I dived into the search for a suitable SUV. However, my wife’s nostalgic recollection of her childhood days changed everything. She shared fond memories of her father taking her to school in his 1969 white Camaro convertible. That story sparked a shift in my search, and suddenly, the hunt for a Camaro convertible was on.
The Big Reveal
After flying from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C., to Rochester, New York, I finally got my hands on a 2017 Camaro SS convertible. It’s a beautiful car, quite different from the SUV we initially considered. The reason behind this choice is deeply personal. My wife’s story resonated with me, and I wanted to create similar cherished memories with our children. The thought of taking my daughter to school in a convertible Camaro, making her feel like a million bucks, was a dream I wanted to bring to life.
First Impressions
Driving the Camaro SS has been nothing short of exhilarating. From the aggressive exhaust note to the impressive 455 horsepower and the surprisingly good fuel economy, this car is everything I hoped for and more. With almost every option, including magnetic ride control, the only thing it’s missing are the Recaro seats. But even without them, this car is a joy to drive. It’s comfortable, quiet, and perfect for creating new memories with my family.
Why the Hiatus?
The past two years have been incredibly challenging. In February 2022, my father, the man who instilled in me a love for cars, passed away unexpectedly. His death left a huge void in my life, and I struggled to find the motivation to continue with the channel. Just a year later, my best friend Matt also passed away from a massive heart attack. These losses, coupled with a severe accident that left me with burns over 20% of my body, took a significant toll on me.
But through it all, my wonderful family and supportive colleagues helped me persevere. I sought therapy and found ways to cope with the grief and trauma. Now, I’m ready to pour my energy back into what I love—cars and this channel.
Moving Forward
This summer, I’m making a big push to revive TSTDRVR. I’m passionate about cars, and I’m excited to share this passion with you all once again. Your honest feedback will be crucial in helping me make this channel better. I may be rusty, but I’m determined to bring you quality content and grow this channel.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. In the next episode, I’ll share a story about a car I once had and sold, and then we’ll dive into a thorough review of the Camaro SS. Stay tuned!
Rob Schultz, signing off. See you in the next episode. Take care!
