Welcome Alice (@frsbun)
WS: First of all, love the color of your car! It really stood out to me when I started seeing it on Instagram.
But for those that don’t already know you, can you let them know your name and IG handle?
A: Hi, my name’s Alice aka @FRSBun
WS: Where are you from?
A: Southern California – I was born and raised in Orange County, moved to LA for college, and have lived in West LA ever since!
WS: Oh, just the county next door. (Smiles) What car do you drive?
A: A 2017 Toyota 86 (Tiffany blue)
WS: I really like the color, the pink contrast really makes it pop out too. It looks like there’s glitter on it too?
A: Yes! Both colors are from Tinybot’s “Sparkle” product line. I love it because it actually looks like a paint job with metal flakes (a huge compliment in the vinyl wrap world!).
WS: How long have you been driving?
A: I got my learner’s permit at 15… so about 20 years now. Yikes.
WS: Hahaha, that’s pretty cool. 20 years behind the wheel is no joke. So, how long have you been a car enthusiast?
A: I’ve loved cars since I was a kid. I have vivid memories of asking Santa for a pink Corvette convertible for my Beanie Babies to cruise around in.
WS: Oh man! Beanie Babies! Haha I remember those! Did you ever get the pink Corvette?
A: I did not, but thankfully that didn’t deter me from wanting my own sports car someday.
WS: So, what got you into cars?
A: Initial D, drifting, and my high school friend’s RX7 named Roxy.
WS: I think Initial D and drifting in the early 2000’s really changed the car scene here. Also made it harder to get those cars now and parts got expensive, so with that point, do you work on your own car?
A: As much as I can, I try to learn from friends and from the School of YouTube. For certain critical things though (like my brakes) I’ve left it to the professionals so far.
WS: It’s great that there’s more and more ladies fixing their own cars, I think everyone should be able to do at least the basic maintenance.
I’ve learned a lot from YouTube as well. Brakes, you’ll have to learn for sure. It’s pretty easy. What modifications do you have on your car?
A: TEIN Flex Z coilovers, Corsa performance exhaust, Enkei TS-5 wheels, R1 Concepts drilled & slotted rotors and performance pads, 326 Power wing, Tinybot Vinyl wrap
WS: Oh wow! I didn’t know you did so much already! That’s so awesome! What’s your favorite mod you’ve done and why?
A: Definitely the wing. It gives her a 90s JDM look that I love.
WS: Yes, definitely and somehow it still matches the car. What future modifications do you plan for your car?
A: Oil cooling kit, racing seats and harnesses
WS: Makes sense, since I started seeing more posts of you running at the track.
A: Yup! I mean, I also want to get some underglow eventually but I’m focusing on track-oriented mods for now.
WS: Your car to me has a very simple yet unique look, what are you trying to express about your car and yourself?
A: My vision for my car is to balance form and function – performing on the track and in the canyons and looking good while doing it. She is my daily driver, canyon carver, and track build.
WS: Wow! You daily and track it? That’s pretty cool! Not a lot of people do that. What are your future plans in the hobby/industry?
A: More seat-time at the track! My goal is to have space for multiple wheel/tire sets so that I can switch between grip/time-attack and drifting.
WS: That’s a pretty good goal to have and hopefully we can sponsor your car and build soon! There are so many meets and events here in SoCal, which events do you frequently go to?
A: FT86Socal monthly canyon runs, Touge2Track track events, Sparkle Motion drift events, Ms Motorhead car meets, Car Girls of LA (CGLA) car meets.
WS: Oh yes, I’ve seen posts about the canyon run, looks fun! I’ve been meaning to go to the other events as well to support those meets, maybe in the coming months. With all these events you go to, how does the car culture influence your build?
A: I was lucky to find camaraderie in a group of 86/FRS/BRZ owners who are always open to sharing advice and recommendations for our builds. I love the look of JDM sports cars in general and the huge aftermarket support for this platform really allows for creative customization and self expression.
WS: I find that today’s car scene is more friendly than my generation, I guess I’m starting to show my age. Hahaha. But I love how everyone’s friendly and I’ve met so many people that have helped me with my build also. I hope it stays that way. Do you have any thoughts on the state of the car scene in general at the moment?
A: I am so thrilled to see more car events highlighting women in this predominantly male industry. I even got my track sponsorship from Touge2Track because they want to welcome more female participation in motorsports. And more and more frequently, I get to meet cool car enthusiasts who are simply excited to meet other car enthusiasts, period.
WS: This is why we started Waifu Status! Our focus is to support you ladies and show the world what you can do! Hopefully we’ll be able to
start sponsoring you as well to help with your goals. So, which are you interested in more of? Street, Track or Lifestyle?
A: I’m obsessed with track – it feeds my sense of ambition and constant pursuit to improve times and technique.
WS: Track sounds pretty fun and I can’t wait to see you lower your lap time as you get more seat time. So question, why are you interested in joining Waifu Status?
A: I had been intimidated by the car community as a whole until I met that group of fellow 86/FRS/BRZ owners. These new friends have changed my entire perspective, and now I want to help other people (especially ladies!) experience the same sense of family, camaraderie, and support that I have been so lucky to find.
WS: It would be an honor to have you on the team. I believe you have great leadership skills and a real people person, very approachable.
You would definitely be a big asset to the team. What do you expect when joining Waifu Status?
A: To collaborate with like-minded members of the car community who are welcoming, encouraging, and supportive of each other.
WS: Oh! That IS the plan! We want to build a great community and I think that that goal will come into fruition soon! (Smiles) With you being in the team, how can you help represent and promote Waifu Status?
A: Online via IG and in person at meets and events by being a friendly and approachable representative of Waifu Status and cultivating genuine relationships in the community.
WS: Oh, then that won’t be a problem. You have been very friendly and approachable. With that in mind, what outcome do you want to see by joining Waifu Status?
A: To help build and support a community of female car enthusiasts that is recognized globally …and to get more ladies out on the track!
WS: Yes! I can see it now! It would be so awesome to get more ladies on the track! Maybe even do a Waifu Status sponsored all female track event! (Big smile) So, any last words?
A: Just wanted to thank my sponsors — Tough2Track, R1 Concepts, J&A Racing, A&A Wraps, and Mishimoto. I’m so excited to keep enhancing my build and it wouldn’t be possible without their support and encouragement.
