Hi. My name is Chris. I'm a 50-year-old "chick" with a passion for cars.

Well, my car mostly.

Ever since I bought my first Dodge Charger, I've become obsessed with it. Don't get me wrong, I love other cars too ... but I absolutely LOVE my Plum Crazy Daytona. I've always been interested in cars, but never to the point I'm at now.

I had no idea about modding cars. Sure, I appreciated them, but I didn't know all the things you could do to them. I'd just jump in, turn on the radio and take off.

But since buying the Charger and loving it so much, I wanted to know more. I found online forums that discussed all the wonderful things you could do. CAI? I never heard of that before! Add exhaust? Really? Cool! A cam? What is that and what does it do? All these things I never knew of, and I couldn't wait to learn more!

Since finding LXforums.com, I've learned so much and met so many wonderful, helpful people! In addition to the CAI, exhaust and cam, I have also replaced the chrome wheels with black ones to match the black vinyl and spoilers on the car. Painted the calipers purple. Painted all the chrome badges purple. Repainted the interior doors slate black with purple door pockets and handles. All interior lights? You guessed it. Purple. Oh, can't forget the purple halos and grille lights too.

I loved the Challenger so much (but knew I couldn't get one) that I added a Challenger style hood to the Charger. I have had such a blast modding this car! It's become more than just a car to me. It is my PASSION!

Because of this new found passion and chatting with others like me, I started going to local events to meet up with them. Then, it grew to out-of-state get-togethers ... Florida, Ohio, Chicago and my favorite one in California - Spring Fest in Irvine! I've been to every single one.

At SF6, I was lucky enough to see (then Dodge brand President/CEO) Ralph Gilles and got the nerve to ask him to sign my car. With a smile, Ralph rewarded me with his signature and a SF6 memory that makes me grin from ear-to-ear every time it crosses my mind.

I've also taken the car to the track a few times here in Phoenix. I didn't break any land records, but boy did I have a blast! Now that the weather is cooling off, I'm looking forward to going back!

So, when I heard about a few friends going to SEMA this year, I gave it a passing thought. I always wanted to go, but for some reason or another just didn't make it. Thought about it a bit more and decided this year, I was going to finally go. And well, I couldn't be more excited!

I'm going to be like a kid in a candy shop! I've already decided I should leave my credit card at home because I know whatever I see, I'm going to want to get! The folks at LXforums asked if I wouldn't mind tweeting my experiences so if you'd like to see SEMA through a newbie's eyes, follow me @chargerchick412.

And please stay tuned for a few more blog posts here on Chrysler Group's page!
 

NOTE: See Flickr for more images of Chris Wood's Plum Crazy Dodge Charger Daytona.