March Member "Naomi Thatsanaphon" Chicago CH

1. When did you join Team Elevate, and why?

I had the pleasure of joining Team Elevate back in 2022. I was a member for about a year and moved into the Chapter Sgt role in late 2023. One thing in particular that sparked my interest in the team was their overall impact and prevalence, not only within the Chicago car community but nationally as well. All of the builds were of the highest quality, which only motivated me more to build a car to that caliber. I remember going to my first-ever show and seeing Team Elevate’s lineup and being so impressed with their attention to detail and overall quality as opposed to the other various cars in the show.

2. What sparked your interest in cars?
I didn’t grow up around cars or have a mentor through my childhood working on cars. Growing up, my father owned a 1996 Honda Prelude VTEC. I would say that really sparked my interest in cars. From the various bikes he owned to cruising in his Prelude or on the back of his bike, I recall so many memories revolving [around] that.

In addition, I began building Testor models as a hobby, starting off with planes and then moving into cars. My mom’s friend worked at one of their factories and always brought over new models whenever she’d come over. I quickly realized I took a huge interest in building things with my hands and how things worked, especially [with] model cars!

I also played video games such as Need for Speed, Forza Motorsport, Gran Turismo, and Assetto Corsa, where I spent hours engaged with the games and learning about so many different models of cars.

3. What car(s) do you drive, and what modifications have you made to it?
My first and only build (so far) is a 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T.

Performance mods:
Manual transmission swap, Coolerworx short shifter, bore hone +1mm, line hone block, compression ratio 9:1, custom top mount manifold, custom downpipe, custom exhaust, custom hood exit wastegate, Precision Turbo 6266 turbo, Darton mid sleeves, Brian Crower stroker kit with custom oversized pistons +1mm, Ferrea Mitsubishi high-performance intake and exhaust valves, GSC Power [Division] beehive spring and titanium retainer kit, GSC Power [Division] stage 2 cams, EVO X high-performance rod bearings, ARP cam tower and turbo head stud kit, Cometic MLX Turbo oversized head gasket, TurboXS FMIC, Exceladyne billet engine mount, Deatschwerks 1000cc injectors, AEM fuel pump, Tial 44mm MVS external wastegate, TurboXS RFL BOV, Cusco OS-type strut tower bar, Brembo brake system upgrade with custom powder-coated calipers, StopTech slotted rotors, GFB G-Force III boost controller, AEM boost, oil pressure, and AFR gauges.

The engine rebuild included the replacement of all OEM gaskets, cam gears, oil pump, oil pan, timing chain kit, and water pump.

Interior mods:
Driver and passenger Bride Zeta IV bucket seats, Takata harnesses, custom CF steering wheel and shift knob, custom door cards, custom trunk setup, and a Cusco full 10-point roll cage.

Exterior mods:
Monster Service v1 widebody kit, Inozetek SuperGloss Violet wrap, G4werks Legatia CF V2 front lip, VIS Racing CF hood, VIS Racing CF front grille, custom retrofitted headlights, CF exterior door handles, CF gas door, Spec-D taillights, MNS America Hyper-G rear bumper, MNS America Type B side skirts, 326 Power wing.

Wheels:
Work Meister S1 3P with Yokohama Advan Apex V601 tires.

Suspension:
Airlift 3P.

4. What car would you consider your dream car, and what makes it special to you?
My dream car would 1000% be a Hakosuka GTR. It is such a beautiful, timeless, and elegant vehicle. Known for its heritage, which essentially “birthed” the Nissan GTR dynasty, and for that reason, I hope someday I will be able to own one—along with the other GTRs down its “family tree.”

5. What was your first car, and do you have any memorable stories from owning it?
My first car is my Genesis Coupe! This car has been through so many life milestones with me, from college, getting me home safe for holidays and to work/school, and embarking on a new adventure—having to move from Dallas-Fort Worth, TX to Chicago, IL! It holds so many memories that I will forever cherish.

One memory, in particular, is when I was able to first start it after the motor blew and having to wait about eight months for the motor to get rebuilt. After two days of nonstop work and with the help of one other friend, the engine was reinstalled, and the car was on the road again! The overall emotion and excitement made me realize how sentimental this car is to me. I could never forget how much I’ve learned and the people that I have met or connected with through my time with this build.