The Tail-Wagging Tale of a Four-Legged Gearhead and his Miniature Auto Empire.
Picture this: Monterey Car Week, a gathering of automotive aficionados who've come to ogle everything from sleek Ferraris to classic Porsches. Now, what if I told you that among these gas-powered goliaths, a 7-year-old Jack Russel Chihuahua mix is the one stealing the show? No, I'm not barking up the wrong tree—welcome to the four-wheeled world of Hot Rod Homer.
Learn why law enforcement is so prevalent during Monterey Car Week here.
A Miniature Fleet for a Mighty Mutt
Homer, a rescue pup from San Diego, didn't always have life in the fast lane. But these days, he’s a full-blown celebrity wherever he goes, showing off a collection of 12 meticulously crafted classic car replicas. These bite-sized beauties include a Ferrari, a Porsche, a Volkswagen bus, and yes—even a bug. You could say it's a "compact" collection, perfect for a small but spirited dog.
Initially, these mini motors were constructed for Sergio Prado's children, but they eventually found their way into Homer's paws. And, why not? After all, kids grow up, but a dog's love for riding shotgun never gets old.
A Father-Son Duo Behind the Wheel (or Rather, the Workbench)
The brains and brawn behind this miniature automotive empire? That would be Homer's human, Sergio Prado, a seasoned car builder with two decades of experience under his tool belt. "It's in my blood," says Prado. After clocking out from his upholstery shop, Sergio retreats to his corner workshop to fuel his vehicular visions. "That's what he does for fun," explains his son, also named Sergio Prado (let's call him Junior to avoid a traffic jam of Sergios).
Vrooming into Hearts Everywhere
From car shows to fairs, and even convalescent homes, this dynamic duo—Sergio, Homer, and occasionally Junior—hits the road to share their unique blend of happiness and horsepower. Their second appearance at Monterey Car Week has already generated buzz. Homer fan Gordan Betts says, "Last year at the Porsche works reunion, there was more attention on Homer pushing around his little Porsche than any of the actual cars!"
So, if you find yourself at Monterey Car Week—or any other car event for that matter—keep an eye out for a pint-sized Porsche piloted by a tail-wagging terrier. It’s not every day you meet a car enthusiast with paws.
"Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks? Or, in this case, drive new cars," chuckles Sergio Prado, as Hot Rod Homer revs up his mini Ferrari engine, ready to zoom into yet another heart.
And there you have it, folks. In a world full of high-speed pursuits and horsepower, sometimes it's the littlest engines that roar the loudest. Next time you're in the market for a car, you might just want to ask yourself, "WWHD?"—What Would Homer Drive?
So buckle up, because it looks like Hot Rod Homer is just getting revved up. And trust us, you won't want to miss this paw-sitively inspiring journey down life's highway.
Source: KSBW