More than a decade after the tragic passing of Paul Walker in 2013, his legacy continues to thrive through the efforts of his brother, Cody Walker, and his Fast & Furious co-star, Tyrese Gibson. They proudly honor Paul at FuelFest, an annual car show that supports Reach Out WorldWide (ROWW), the nonprofit charity Paul founded.
“I miss him. It’s really hard to not think about Paul,” Gibson, 45, expressed in an exclusive interview with Us Weekly. FuelFest, sponsored by Jada Toys, takes place on June 1 in Irwindale, California. This event not only celebrates car culture but also raises funds for ROWW, an organization dedicated to providing disaster relief.
Cody Walker shared their fundraising success, “Through FuelFest and everything we’ve done, we’ve raised about a half a million dollars. It’s an honor to do something Paul would enjoy and to keep his dream alive.” ROWW is committed to sending aid to regions affected by natural disasters, a cause Paul was passionate about when he wasn’t on set.
FuelFest is more than just a car show; it’s a family-friendly celebration akin to Comic Con for automobile enthusiasts. “It’s a celebration of car culture,” Cody explained, highlighting live performances by Xzibit, DJ sets, and drifting ride-alongs. The 2024 event marks the sixth time FuelFest has come to Los Angeles, a homecoming filled with reunions and excitement.
Tyrese Gibson, who has lifelong friends attending, shared his excitement, “This is a full circle moment for me. I’ve been DMing with Xzibit, and having him perform is special. It’s a homecoming, and it’s about to be special.”
Coinciding with FuelFest, Gibson’s album, Beautiful Pain, is set to release on May 31. Reflecting on his personal experiences, he stated, “The title, Beautiful Pain — we’re all going to go through something, but the hope is to find beauty in that pain. I’ve been through a divorce, but I believe in love and the lessons it teaches.”
FuelFest tickets are now available, and children under 12 can attend for free. Join Tyrese Gibson and Cody Walker in honoring Paul Walker’s legacy while celebrating car culture and supporting a noble cause.