The bustling streets of Fugalei and Savalalo echoed with the thunderous sounds of car engines, celebrating the arrival of passionate car enthusiasts at the Fugalei Bus Terminal for the highly anticipated 2024 Gus Bone Paint and Audio Competition (PAC) on Monday. 

Amidst the sea of vibrant and muscular vehicles, the debut of Wired to Your Future, a non-profit organisation hailing from American Samoa, added a new dimension to the car show.

The group, led by Timothy Teleso, brought over two cars to display at the event, showcasing their dedication and passion for car culture. 

Teleso, who hails from the village of Ili'ili, learned about the event through Facebook and building a relationship with Gus Bone provided an opportunity for the youth to engage with car enthusiasts from different communities. 

"We really appreciate what Chris (the event organiser) is doing and the cause that he's working towards," said Teleso.

"We also host our car shows in Pago; our goal this year is for us to come here and have some people come there. Just to build a relationship. Because in the car scene, it's more about camaraderie and enjoying each other's work," added Teleso.

Teleso who is a certified installer said these events are essential for young people, teaching them problem-solving skills and the value of hands-on work especially with cars. He gained his certificate in Hawai'i from the Mobile Electronics Certified Professional Programme. It is the only internationally recognised credential that certifies technicians and specialists on aftermarket product installation in vehicles.

Teleso also highlighted the group's non-profit status and their plans to start an after-school program for high school students aimed at teaching them about car maintenance and craftsmanship. 

"I think people usually tend to look down on tradies. Not only my trade but just a lot of trades, whether it's carpentry or electrician or welding. That's the main purpose of our non-profit is to promote trade," said Teleso. 

"We're working on starting an after-school program for high school students to come and learn our craft and our trade," Teleso explained, emphasising the value of such programmes for youth development.

Manutufatufa Christopher Feesago, the event organiser, said although PAC was centred around a love for cars and car audio, it has a deeper purpose that stems from the organiser's personal experience with his daughter, who is on the autism spectrum.  

"I'm just out here trying to fight for her and all the other ones that are like her - they're little geniuses," expressed the Manutufatufa, emphasising the need for more assistance and understanding for children with autism. 

The event has a significant impact on the community, as all proceeds are donated to a local preschool and program that aids children with autism. Last year, the event raised $17,000, and this year, the organisers hope to surpass that amount. 

"When it's personal, it's different. You know, and so that's just my main thing...people don't understand until it affects them personally," Manutufatufa highlighted when discussing the importance of community involvement and awareness about autism. 

Proceeds from the event will be donated to Senese Inclusive Education. 

In addition to the charitable aspect of the event, car enthusiasts from all over Upolu and Savai’i were also in attendance, showcasing their impressive car builds and contributing to the vibrant atmosphere. The event also serves as a platform to inspire bigger and better car audio projects, according to Manutufatufa.

"It's exciting for us. It pushes us more...to do more and bigger builds," said Manutufatufa.

Manutufatufa said that they are looking into the next car show that will be hosted in American Samoa in November.