Derek Shiekhi

Derek Shiekhi's father raised him on cars. As a boy, Derek accompanied his dad as he bought classics such as post-WWII GM trucks and early Ford Mustang convertibles.

After loving cars for years and getting a bachelor's degree in Business Management, Derek decided to get an associate degree in journalism. His networking put him in contact with the editor of the Austin-American Statesman newspaper, who hired him to write freelance about automotive culture and events in Austin, Texas in 2013. One particular story led to him getting a certificate for learning the foundations of road racing.

While watching TV with his parents one fateful evening, he saw a commercial that changed his life. In it, Jeep touted the Wrangler as the Texas Auto Writers Association's "SUV of Texas." Derek knew he had to join the organization if he was going to advance as an automotive writer. He joined the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) in 2014 and was fortunate to meet several nice people who connected him to the representatives of several automakers and the people who could give him access to press vehicles (the first one he ever got the keys to was a Lexus LX 570). He's now a regular at TAWA's two main events: the Texas Auto Roundup in the spring and the Texas Truck Rodeo in the fall.

Over the past several years, Derek has learned how to drive off-road in various four-wheel-drive SUVs (he even camped out for two nights in a Land Rover), and driven around various tracks in hot hatches, muscle cars, and exotics. Several of his pieces, including his article about the 2015 Ford F-150 being crowned TAWA's 2014 "Truck of Texas" and his review of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, have won awards in TAWA's annual Excellence in Craft Competition. Last year, his JK Forum profile of Wagonmaster, a business that restores Jeep Wagoneers, won prizes in TAWA’s signature writing contest and its pickup- and SUV-focused Texas Truck Invitational.

In addition to writing for a variety of Internet Brands sites, including JK Forum, H-D Forums, The Mustang Source, Mustang Forums, LS1Tech, HondaTech, Jaguar Forums, YotaTech, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts. Derek also started There Will Be Cars on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Bankrate Ranks The 7 Best Muscle Cars of All Time

Bankers might not strike you as gear heads. “They crunch numbers all day. What do they know about cars?” But think about it this way: Successful finance professionals make a lot of money and have business relationships with people who buy cool automotive toys all the time. Pardon the pun: Bankrate.com decided to give its […] More »

By: Derek Shiekhi | February 24, 2014

Autoblog’s Look at the 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicle

If you manage to find yourself sitting in a the 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicle in an indoor setting, you’re either an over-achieving criminal or a dedicated automotive journalist. Autoblog’s Michael Harley is the latter. He went to the Chicago Auto Show for a closer look at Chevy’s newest cruiser. Scott Vandekerckhove, a bow […] More »

By: Derek Shiekhi | February 20, 2014

Poll: Corvette Z51 or Camaro Z/28?

I’m offended Road & Track never gave me a call. I would have been happy to tell them whether people would rather have a Corvette Stingray or the upcoming Camaro Z/28. LS1Tech.com readers enthusiastically voiced their opinions when we spread the word about the latter Chevy, here. But Road & Track is a professional outfit, […] More »

By: Derek Shiekhi | February 20, 2014

Chevy’s 28 Reasons Why the Camaro Z/28 Kicks Ass on a Road Course

Chevy might have condensed its 2014 z/28’s track prowess to 28 components, but in doing so, it’s revealed the car’s four areas of focus. It all comes down to improving aerodynamics, reducing weight, equipping a powerful engine with capable auxiliary hardware and setting up the chassis and suspension for high-speed driving. Given the massive amounts […] More »

By: Derek Shiekhi | February 18, 2014

The Chevy SS Keeps a Fiery Pace in Daytona

Let’s hope sales of Chevrolet’s SS catch fire like one of the rear-wheel-drive sedans did at a recent Sprint Unlimited exhibition race. Former NASCAR driver Brett Bodine pulled to the inside of the Daytona track before the third leg of the competition and exited the smoke-filled cabin with his passenger as a small fire fluttered […] More »

By: Derek Shiekhi | February 18, 2014

Chevy to Restore Museum Sinkhole Corvettes

Chevrolet has responded to the National Corvette Museum sinkhole collapse almost as quickly as the eight cars dropped into the earth below. The bow tie brand has stated General Motors Design will lead the project to restore them. GM Global Design’s vice president, Ed Welburn, will supervise the process. Once the ‘Vettes are plucked out of […] More »

By: Derek Shiekhi | February 14, 2014

Video: Sinkhole Swallows Corvettes on Camera

A lot of people point their fingers at V8s and high-performance sports cars and say they’re destroying the environment. I think Mother Nature just exacted a little revenge. Eight of America’s sports cars at the National Corvette Museum plunged into a 40-feet wide sinkhole. Luckily, nobody was injured. I’m sure ‘Vette fans will feel a […] More »

By: Derek Shiekhi | February 12, 2014