NICK Lue is driven by his passion for ‘well-tuned’ rides. And to fuel this passion, he formed Skunk Nation: a group of like-minded car enthusiasts who all believe in tweaking their cars to street perfection.

“We’re not about illegal racing on the streets and causing problems. This is a mature, responsible crew trying to highlight the fact that the Jamaican car scene can match that of the rest of the world,” the 28-year-old told Auto.

“We’re all about cars … setting them up, making them look good, and making them make a statement,” he said.

Formed in March this year, ‘the nation’ started with four core members — Lue, Peter Anguin, Eddie Bond, and Stephen Wong. However, their Facebook page lists over 1,600 members. Through this social media, the group plans driving trips, photo shoots and hang out.

Lue, the younger brother of local tuner/drag racer Craig Lue, said it was not hard for him to develop a passion for cars.

“My brother helped to pave the way for my passion,” he said. “I grew up seeing my brother setting up cars… and transforming them into high-performance vehicles. I remember going to races at Vernamfield with him. It’s not something I could escape.”

Today, the younger Lue said he has acquired the skills to transform any import.

“I set up my yellow car,” he said.

His 1995 Honda Civic with its purple Mugen RNR wheels was the inspiration for Skunk Nation.

“After I finished setting up the car, I put it up on Facebook. Everyone was like ‘Yow, di car look stink’,” he chuckled. “My stink ride. I then thought of a skunk, in addition I wanted to create unity among car enthusiasts like myself. Hence, Skunk Nation.”

Lue said his recent attendance at an import performance show in Florida sealed the deal.

“I loved the unity they displayed. The quality of the cars were amazing. I felt that is what is lacking in Jamaica when it comes to performance car building.”

Lue said he plans, however, to organise events across the island, and have a line of car care products.

“After our Import Night Show on June 2 in Michi Supercentre, we will also make the move into motorsports with branded drag racing events in the future,” he added.