My passion for cars started in the early 2000s when I was in high school. For the most part, I learned about cars on my own, although my older brother Allan, who is an auto mechanic, provided some guidance. At 17, I purchased a used 2000 Volkswagen Jetta with my father, Lee Tiger. I had almost no experience driving a manual transmission car, but I was about to quickly learn. My dad told me I had to figure it out in order to get home.

It was a little rough, but I eventually figured out clutch engagement after stalling a few times. It was at this point, the lightbulb went off and my passion for cars accelerated from first to sixth because I really enjoyed rowing the gears over an automatic transmission, although I certainly understand why other automotive enthusiasts are die-hard fans of a manual gearbox.

As a tribal member, I have been blessed over the years to have the opportunity to own a variety of cars, including a Subaru WRX STI, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII and X, fifth generation Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, Volkswagen Golf R and a Audi RS3. Some I wish I did not get rid of, but that’s another story. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would own a Porsche GT product. This is the brand that has changed the way I look at cars today in regard to combining elements of motorsports and implementing them in a streetcar perspective. Aspect Porsche still offers a manual transmission in several vehicles. Now, do not get me wrong, BMW, Ford, Chevrolet, etc… are still providing their customers with a manual transmission option. However, there is an ongoing trend with automotive manufactures not producing as many sports cars with a manual transmission option compared to years ago. Now let’s be honest, the majority of people prefer an automatic over a manual gearbox, but for us enthusiasts, we do not comply. Do not get me wrong though, I do enjoy a fast shifting dual clutch gearbox as well, just do not give me a slushbox automatic transmission.

What I look for in a car is an experience, whether it is a sports, luxury or muscle car, and that does not always translate to the highest horsepower or torque figures in a vehicle, sorry to burst anyone’s bubble. There is more to a car than just 0 to 60 MPH and quarter-mile times. What I try to focus on, is “how does this vehicle make you feel when you drive it?” It is with this focus and mindset I will write automotive stories for The Seminole Tribune. My goal is to develop stories that include tribal members in the community who share the same automotive passion; this would include writing stories or making videos. From a consumer point of view, I would also like to give the community my impressions on new automotive products.

Tribal member Calvin Tiger has worked with the Seminole Tribe since 2013. He is in the Education Department’s Emerging Leaders Program. He has a passion for automotive journalism. If you would like to talk to him about your vehicle or anything in the automotive industry, send him an email at calvintiger@semtribe.com or call him at (954) 985-5701, ext. 10739.