Tuner of the Week: Stephen Baldea

Tuner of the Week: Stephen Baldea

Owner Name: Stephen Baldea

Location: Alexandria, VA

Vehicle: 2006 Mitsubishi Evo IX MR

Car Club Affiliation: Elite Performance, you can follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and our official website, www.clubeliteperformance.com.

Tuner of the Week: Stephen Baldea Tuner of the Week: Stephen Baldea Tuner of the Week: Stephen Baldea

What Events have you competed in?

In 2009 I Competed in Fast Cars & Freedom Car Show which I received a Dash Plaque for show and Wild Wheels Weekend, which I received Best of Show Pro’s Pick.

In 2010 I Competed in Mach V Motorsports Colossal Car Show and won their specialty award, “Car We’d Most Like To Drive”. I competed in the OC Car & Truck Show, Fast Cars & Freedom again, which I received another Dash Plaque for show.

In 2011 I Competed in Wild Wheels Cruisin’ Weekend and won 2 Outstanding Show Awards, I competed again at the OC Car & Truck Show and won 1st Place Mitsubishi, and I competed in a 4th of July Car & Truck Show and won 1st Place Import and Best of Show.

What will be your next performance modification/upgrade?

Since I’ve built my Evo from the ground up, when it comes to performance, the only big project I have next is a full Bride interior swap. I’m looking at Bride Gias front seats, Bride inserts in the rear, and Bride armrest, shift boot, and door panels.

“All Show”, “All Go” or Both, Why?

With my specific build I wanted to go wkith a little show, but all go. I wanted my Evo to be clean on the exterior with a little of style to set off the already aggressive look. I wanted to focus mainly on performance and handling.

Any Shout Outs?

I want to give some shout outs to all my sponsors and supporters, Mishimoto, Upscale Automotive, Prosport, SparkTech Ignitions, StickyLife, TTIN Photography and TWreck Films, Mach V Motorsports, and D&V Autobody. I want to give a shout out to my entire team, Elite Performance for their support and of course my wife, Autumn who allowed this build to take place and for her support.

Tuner of the Week: Stephen Baldea

Related Articles

Formula DRIFT Opens 2026 Season in Long Beach with Shanahan Victory Formula DRIFT Opens 2026 Season in Long Beach with Shanahan Victory
Round 1 of the 2026 Formula DRIFT PRO Championship took place April 11 on the Streets of Long Beach, with Conor Shanahan taking the win in the Final...
Chevy Camaro to return in 2028? Chevy Camaro to return in 2028?
We’ll admit we were excited when we saw a flurry of headlines recently suggesting Chevy’s departed muscle car might return in a couple of years. Then...
Canon Becomes Formula DRIFT’s Official Imaging Partner for 2026 Season Canon Becomes Formula DRIFT’s Official Imaging Partner for 2026 Season
Canon U.S.A. has officially joined the Formula DRIFT paddock as the series’ new Official Imaging Partner through a two-year agreement beginning with...
Meguiar’s and TJ Hunt Set to Unveil Ferrari 488 GT3 EVO Livery at Formula DRIFT Long Beach Meguiar’s and TJ Hunt Set to Unveil Ferrari 488 GT3 EVO Livery at Formula DRIFT Long Beach
Meguiar’s is bringing something special to the opening round of the 2026 Formula DRIFT PRO Championship this weekend in Long Beach, California. The...
Hyundai unveils body-on-frame Boulder SUV Concept Hyundai unveils body-on-frame Boulder SUV Concept
Sometimes the name says it all. A fine example is the Hyundai Boulder Concept, a big, rugged, body-on-frame SUV that was unveiled on the eve of the...
King of the Hammers 2026: It’s Not the Machines. It’s the Culture King of the Hammers 2026: It’s Not the Machines. It’s the Culture
Story and Photography by P.J. Miller (@megapixelsniper)There’s a moment at King of the Hammers where everything clicks. It doesn’t happen at the start...