Spotlight: 5 Questions with Automotive Filmmaker and Founder of Oh Shift!, Rylic Alexander

His Claim to Fame:

Rylic Alexander is one of the most vibrant personalities in the Los Angeles car scene. He isn’t just a voice in the automotive world, he’s a catalyst for change. As the founder of Oh Shift, he’s redefining what car culture looks like in Los Angeles and beyond, creating a space where minorities and LGBTQ+ enthusiasts no longer feel like outliers. His journey began with a simple truth: if he existed as a queer Black man passionate about cars, others like him did too. Now, through his work as an automotive filmmaker, Rylic amplifies stories that mainstream car media often overlooks, blending horsepower with humanity.
 
Rylic’s work as an automotive filmmaker and recording artist allows him to weave compelling stories highlighting the people and machines shaping the industry. His YouTube channel features a diverse range of vehicles, from the classic 1969 Ford Mustang 302 V8 to the high-performance modified 2024 Audi RS3 with 500 horsepower. This blend of automotive expertise and creative storytelling has made Oh Shift a fast-growing and influential voice in the car community. Whether spotlighting the luxurious heritage of a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560 SEL or dissecting the tech in a modified 2024 Audi RS3, Rylic’s YouTube channel mirrors California’s car culture: diverse, unapologetic, and relentlessly innovative.
 
Ultimately, by combining his passion for cars with his commitment to inclusivity, Rylic is redefining what it means to be part of the automotive world. His presence in Los Angeles is not just about cars; it’s about creating a space where everyone feels welcome and valued. Whether behind the camera or in front of it, Rylic’s impact is undeniable, inspiring a new generation of car enthusiasts to embrace their passion without barriers.

5 Questions We Asked and He Answered:

1. How did you develop a passion for cars and/or motorsports?
My parents and grandparents were street and track racers who engrained this passion in me from an early age. By the age of 9, I was racing cars on back roads and learning the limits of different engines.

2. What advice do you have for people who want to break into the motorsports and auto industry?
My advice is simple: do it. Who cares what anyone says or thinks? If it is a passion of yours, you can turn it into something. Also, give yourself permission to suck and not be great at first; that is your ticket to becoming great.

3. If you could drive any car, what would it be and why?
My dream car is a Ferrari F40 because it was right at the analog line where motorsport met public roads. To be in something that was absolutely meant for the track, but could sneak its way onto a highway or boulevard, just excites me.

4. If you could attend any car/motorsports event in the world, which would you choose? Why?
I would love to watch a Le Mans race. The precision and dedication it takes for a team of drivers to spend 24 hours pushing a car to its limits is so fascinatinbg. I’d love to be there in the flesh, watching how time moves and lap numbers pile up.

5. What’s the most exciting car event/race you’ve ever attended?
I haven’t had the chance to attend any yet; I’ve only watched from a TV screen.

A Glance at Him Behind the Scenes:

A Glance at His Work: