Curt LiddellWhen I moved to Melbourne from Sydney about three years ago, I hardly knew anyone. One of the first people I connected with, though, was Karol from @peach_garage. Over a few beers we instantly bonded over our shared love for big Japanese sedans on small wheels—a niche passion that had fostered a tight-knit community here.
Cue: Four Winds—a group of everyday guys united by more than just interest, but an outright obsession with Kaido Racers. I’d heard the term in passing before, but never given it much thought. That changed when I met Kristian, the most devoted enthusiast of the crew. Through him, I was immersed in a treasure trove of knowledge about this fascinating and niche subculture.
“The idea for Four Winds came to me during a trip to Japan with Henry in 2019/20. We were inspired by the camaraderie and strong identity of Yoshikawa Speed, a local car club we toured with on New Year’s Eve. The name Four Winds reflects the area where my garage is located, our shared history working together at a bar, and, of course, our passion for cars and community. Over time, our team grew to include several local friends who shared our love for highway racer culture. We were especially drawn to the tradition of “touring,” a key part of Japanese car culture since the 1980s. These tours, often spanning hundreds of kilometers, bring together highly modified cars and an incredible group energy—a vibe that has also inspired similar scenes in the USA and Canada in recent years.” – Kristian Lang @four.winds.430cedric
The guys had thrown the idea around, after hosting a few Kyusha (Old) car events, to build a “Team Car” to encourage others to build something equally, if not, more silly.
“In early 2024, the team committed to a major project, purchasing a rusty but functional 1980 Mazda 929L to modify and embody their shared vision. They created a distinctive first “spec” with simple modifications, including flares, lowered suspension, and bamboo spear (Takeyari) exhausts, while the second “spec” featured an MFP-inspired livery connecting their work to Australian car culture and the iconic Mad Max series. Despite the car’s imperfections and modest performance, the project has been a source of pride and joy for the team, resonating with car communities worldwide and leaving a memorable impression at events and filming locations alike.” – Kristian Lang @four.winds.430cedric
For those wondering, a Kaido Racer (translated to Highway Racer) is a heavily modified Japanese car styled to emulate the dramatic aesthetics of 1970’s and 1980s race cars, often featuring exaggerated body kits, bright colors, flashy lights, and loud exhausts. Rooted in Japanese car culture, kaido racers are closely associated with highway cruising and the rebellious spirit of grassroots motorsports. (It’s OK if you don’t get it)
Four Winds is;
@four.winds.430cedric
@vbandtea
@peach_garage
@Joshtomlinson
@dionrot
@jack_roberts7
@taped_tv
@csq.pic
Keep your eyes peeled for “spec 3″…
