Students Turn Passion for Cars Into Fundraising Opportunity by Justus Baker-Postell - City News Group, Inc.

Community Calendar

MARCH
S M T W T F S
01 02 03 04 05 06 07
08 09 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31 01 02 03 04
View Events
Submit Events
directory

Students Turn Passion for Cars Into Fundraising Opportunity

By Justus Baker-Postell, Community Writer
January 29, 2026 at 09:49am. Views: 930

 

Local college students and Inland Empire car enthusiasts turned a shared passion for automotive culture into tangible support for rising Riverside racing talent Truly Adams, raising $5,000 during a Cars N’ Coffee fundraiser held at Cable Airport.

Hosted by Cars N’ Coffee Riverside and 7SunsCollective, the event was organized by Johnny Silva and Natalie Trujillo, two local college students active in the Inland Empire car community. Silva is a civil engineering major at Cal Poly Pomona, and Trujillo is pursuing business marketing. Together, they set out to rally community support around a hometown athlete working to reach the highest levels of motorsports.

That vision came to life on December 20, when the Cars N’ Coffee event featured 25 show cars, local vendors, helicopter tours, awards, and family-friendly activities, drawing over 200 attendees. The welcoming atmosphere reflected the community’s shared goal: supporting a young Inland Empire athlete as he advances his Formula 4 racing career.

Truly Adams is an accomplished young driver already competing on national and international stages. He is a two-time World Karting Champion and made history in fall 2025 as the first American to podium at the FEED Racing F4 Finals in France. Despite racing against older and more experienced competitors, Adams has distinguished himself through consistent performance and preparation across highly competitive fields.

His journey has been shaped by the unwavering support of his parents, Kara and Troy Adams, who own and operate Adams Motorsports Park, the oldest Black-owned karting facility in the United States. The track has played a central role in his development on and off the circuit, while also serving as a hub for youth racing and community access to motorsports.

According to Silva, learning more about Adams’ background and dedication made the decision to support him an easy one. “As we learned more about his journey, Natalie and I were fully on board,” said Silva. “We both love cars and Formula 1, so supporting Truly felt natural — especially knowing he’s from our community.”

Adams, an official GoPro athlete, was supported by GoPro as an in-kind sponsor of the event, including the giveaway of a GoPro camera to attendees. Attorney Jeff Fayngor, a local personal injury attorney and community supporter, sponsored event operations and on-site logistics. InlandEmpirePages, a regional digital platform highlighting Inland Empire culture and events, also supported the fundraiser through promotional support and community outreach.

Adams said the outpouring of support from the Inland Empire was both motivating and meaningful.

“Seeing the community come together like this really means a lot to me and my family,” Adams shared. “Racing isn’t something you do alone, and having people believe in me and support my journey pushes me to keep working harder every day.”

Proceeds from the fundraiser will directly support Adams as he continues building his Formula 4 racing career, including training, race entry fees, travel, and preparation for upcoming competitions.  Community members interested in supporting his journey or learning more about his story can visit https://www.trulythetruth.com or follow him on Instagram @Truly_theTruth or YouTube @trulythetruth4743.

Individuals or organizations interested in future fundraising or collaboration opportunities may contact the event organizers at storm@7sunscollective.com

###

About Truly Adams: Truly Adams is a 15-year-old Riverside-based racing driver from a motorsports family spanning more than six decades. A two-time World Karting Champion, he is building his path in Formula 4 competition. In 2025, he raced in France’s FEED Racing program and became the first American in the series’ six-season history to reach the Finals and finish on the podium. Adams is fluent in Spanish and is studying French as he continues competing internationally.

About Cars N’ Coffee Riverside & 7SunsCollective: Founded in March 2023 by Riverside-based organizers Johnny Silva and Natalie Trujillo, Cars N’ Coffee Riverside began as a grassroots meet-up created to bring local car enthusiasts together closer to home. What started with small Instagram flyers quickly grew into a community-driven automotive event series, ultimately becoming a permitted and officially hosted gathering in Riverside. Through their companion brand, 7SunsCollective, the team continues to produce inclusive automotive events, welcoming all builds and budgets, while expanding their presence through apparel and community activations. Their long-term vision is to establish a permanent home for the Riverside car community and host unique events in standout locations nationwide.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: ChatGPT (AI-generated)

By Tracy Calentti, Contributing Writer

February 24, 2026 at 01:49pm. Views: 1027

An AI-rendered image showing a person wearing a hood and gloves removing a property tax payment envelope from a blue mail drop box during low light conditions.

Photo Courtesy of: Assemblymember James C. Ramos Official Website

By Maria Lopez, Contributing Writer

February 17, 2026 at 01:25pm. Views: 932

James C. Ramos is a California State Assemblymember representing the 45th District, known for his leadership on public safety, education, and Native American issues as the first California Native American elected to the Legislature.

Photo Courtesy of: Designed by Freepik

By Kathryne Mccann, Contributing Writer

February 24, 2026 at 01:49pm. Views: 957

A grocery store aisle with refrigerated shelves stocked with milk, creamers, and other dairy products.

Photo Courtesy of: Jsmithwikigt, Wikipedia

By Charmaine Mislang, Community Writer

February 24, 2026 at 01:49pm. Views: 734

City of Grand Terrace images from top, left to right - Grand Terrace City Hall, Blue Mountain Trail, Northeast City Entrance, Historical Plaque, Veterans Wall of Freedom.

Photo Courtesy of: City of San Bernardino, Instagram: IE Voice

By Ruby Stephenson, Contributing Writer

February 24, 2026 at 01:50pm. Views: 840

A bright red and gold dragon costume weaves through a crowd of smiling adults and children at an outdoor festival, as performers lean down to interact with attendees during a lively dragon dance.

Photo Courtesy of: Congressman Pete Aguilar

By Carl M. Dameron, Contributing Writer

February 24, 2026 at 01:48pm. Views: 585

House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar represents the 33rd Congressional District of California. He is the keynote speaker at The Democratic Luncheon Club of San Bernardino’s 32nd Annual Banquet and Installation of Officers.

Photo Courtesy of: Elci Photography

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

February 24, 2026 at 01:48pm. Views: 1272

“Chuck” William Cecil and his wife, Beverly Cecil, stand proudly with Johan Gallo, Grand Terrace Cars & Coffee's coordinator, as they are recognized for their long-standing dedication and support of Grand Terrace Cars & Coffee

Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

February 24, 2026 at 01:48pm. Views: 555

CSHS Athlete of the Week: Abubacarr Saidy

Photo Courtesy of: ChatGPT (AI-generated)

By Ruby Stephenson, Contributing Writer

February 24, 2026 at 01:48pm. Views: 988

AI-rendered image: Community members, families, and children gather outside the boarded entrance of Moreno Valley Mall, where signs posted on the doors read “Mall Closed,” illustrating the impact of a temporary shutdown on local residents.

Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By William Cortez, Community Writer

February 10, 2026 at 03:03pm. Views: 774

A job seeker speaks with a representative at a Business & Employment Resource Center (BERC) booth during a career fair, where employers share information and resources with attendees in a bright indoor venue.

Photo Courtesy of: CalKIDS

By Vanessa Vizard, Contributing Writer

February 24, 2026 at 01:48pm. Views: 575

An event staff member assists an attendee at the CalKIDS check-in table, helping her register and sharing information as community resources are made available.

Photo Courtesy of: Farmers.com

By Maria Herrera, Community Writer

February 17, 2026 at 01:25pm. Views: 246

PROTECT THOSE YOU LOVE!
A family at the beach.

--> -->