Filbert and Anne: A Shared Passion for Speed and the Thrill of the Race

For Filbert and Anne, cars are more than just machines—they’re vessels of adrenaline, community, and storytelling. Their journeys into the world of motorsports started worlds apart but converged on the drag strips of Canada, where their shared love for speed transformed into a passion for safe and accessible racing.

The Start of the Journey

A quarter of a lifetime ago, Filbert was just another teenager getting his driver’s license. His first car—a humble Volkswagen Jetta—wasn’t much more than a way to get around. That all changed with the release of The Fast and the Furious. “I realized the car in the movie was just like mine,” Filbert recalls. “It was a catalyst for my love of cars and drag racing.”

Around the same time, Anne was starting a new life in Toronto. Leaving behind her days in Manila binge-watching Formula One, she found herself immersed in a different car culture: late-night dessert runs and underground street races. “I didn’t drive back then, but the sound of engines roaring and the energy of the races captivated me,” she shares. “It reminded me of watching Schumacher and Häkkinen battle it out on the Formula One tracks.”

Fast Cars, Reckless Days

The early 2000s ushered in a wave of drag racing fever that swept through the streets. Filbert recalls the reckless abandon of those days. “All you needed was a car, courage, and a total disregard for safety,” he says. Late-night races turned public streets into race tracks, with stoplights serving as makeshift starting lines.

Anne, while not a driver herself, reveled in the excitement as a passenger. “I was there for the sound, the vibrations of the racetrack, and the thrill of the moment,” she says. But as laws tightened and awareness of the dangers of reckless driving grew, the era of street racing began to fade.

The Shift to Safe Racing

For Filbert, the turning point came in 2005 when a reckless accident cost him his beloved car and forced him to reevaluate his choices. “I realized how dangerous it all was,” he reflects. “I was lucky to come out unscathed, but it was a wake-up call.”

Today, both Filbert and Anne are advocates for safe and legal motorsports. They frequently visit drag strips like Cayuga’s Toronto Motorsports Park and Bowmanville’s Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, where they can indulge their need for speed in a controlled environment. “The drag strip is where you can truly test your skills without endangering others,” Filbert says. “It’s affordable, accessible, and most importantly, safe.”

Community and Belonging

One of the unexpected joys of racing has been the sense of community it fosters. “There’s something special about heading to the track with fellow car enthusiasts,” Anne shares. “Even before the races start, the journey there feels like a family road trip.”

Filbert agrees, recalling the camaraderie among racers. “It didn’t matter what car you drove or how modified it was. Everyone shared the same passion, and that created a sense of belonging.”

From Recklessness to Responsibility

As they reflect on their younger years, both Filbert and Anne acknowledge the lessons learned. “The adrenaline rush of racing will always be a part of me,” Filbert admits. “But now I channel that passion into responsible and rewarding experiences.”

Anne adds, “We’ve seen how dangerous reckless driving can be. That’s why it’s so important to support places like Cayuga, where people can race safely and responsibly.”

A Storytelling Power

Filbert and Anne’s shared love for cars extends beyond the racetrack. As professionals working in media, they’ve found ways to weave their passion for motorsports into their storytelling. “The thrill of racing, the stories behind the cars, and the people who drive them—those experiences shape how we approach our projects,” Anne says.

“It’s not just about the speed,” Filbert adds. “It’s about the connections, the discipline, and the memories we create along the way.”

Keeping the Passion Alive

Today, Filbert and Anne continue to embrace their love for motorsports. Whether it’s attending events like Drive Fest, watching Formula One, or hitting the drag strip, their passion remains strong. “The need for speed never really goes away,” Filbert says with a smile. “But now, we know there’s a right way to enjoy it.”

For those eager to experience the thrill of racing, they encourage exploring local drag strips and race tracks. “Places like Cayuga offer a safe and family-friendly environment to enjoy motorsports,” Anne says. “It’s a far cry from the reckless days of street racing—and that’s a good thing.”

Filbert and Anne’s story is a testament to how a shared passion can evolve and mature, turning youthful excitement into lifelong joy and responsibility. For them, cars aren’t just a hobby—they’re a way of life.