Fast N' Loud, the popular automotive reality show on Discovery Channel, captivated audiences with its engaging portrayal of the Texas-based Gas Monkey Garage. Led by the charismatic owner, Richard Rawlings, and his skilled crew, the show showcased their daily endeavors to transform dilapidated vehicles into breathtaking automotive masterpieces. Since its premiere in 2012, Fast N' Loud enjoyed a successful 16-season run, entertaining viewers with the team's creativity and resourcefulness. In 2020, Rawlings made the decision to part ways with Discovery Channel and pursue new ventures as an independent entity, marking the end of an era for the beloved show.
During an appearance on the widely popular Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Richard Rawlings addressed the persistent rumors surrounding the potential revival of Fast N' Loud, effectively putting them to rest. With the show having been off the air for over two years, fans are naturally curious about the whereabouts of the beloved cast and crew who were once integral parts of Gas Monkey Garage. What has become of Richard Rawlings, Aaron Kaufman, Christie Brimberry, and the rest of the talented individuals who contributed to the show's success?
Richard Rawlings: The Boss At Gas Monkey Garage
Richard Rawlings is still going strong with his business at the Gas Monkey Garage. Photo by Richard Rawlings
While Richard Rawlings may have parted ways with television, his entrepreneurial spirit continues to thrive at Gas Monkey Garage. His departure from Discovery Channel stemmed from a sense of reaching the pinnacle of his achievements with the show Fast N' Loud. As a result, Rawlings has taken a step back from traditional media platforms. Instead, he remains active and engaged on alternative channels such as YouTube and Instagram.
On his YouTube channel, aptly named Richard Rawlings and Gas Monkey Garage, viewers can witness the day-to-day operations of the renowned Texas-based garage. Embracing new ventures, Rawlings recently made waves by orchestrating a significant auction in collaboration with Bring A Trailer, where a substantial portion of his car collection was sold. The proceeds from this impressive sale will be reinvested into acquiring vehicles of greater significance and heritage.
Through his dedication to online platforms, Rawlings continues to connect with fans and enthusiasts, sharing his passion for cars and the automotive industry. Despite his absence from traditional television, his presence and influence remain strong as he explores new avenues for his ventures and car-related endeavors.
Aaron Kaufman: The Master Fabricator and the Bearded Wonder
Kaufman was one of the founding members of Gas Monkey Garage and remained on the show for a long time
In addition to the awe-inspiring constructions and the charismatic presence of Richard Rawlings, another thrilling aspect of the television show Fast N' Loud revolved around Aaron Kaufman, also known as 'The Bearded Wonder,' who showcased his exceptional skills as a master fabricator. Kaufman played a crucial role as one of the original members of Gas Monkey Garage and stayed with the show for an extended period. Nevertheless, he departed from GMG in 2017 due to personal reasons.
After parting ways with Gas Monkey Garage, Kaufman established his own restomod shop called Arclight Fab in Dallas, Texas. This specialized establishment focuses on the restoration and customization of various generations of the iconic American Ford F-100 series pickup. Kaufman even embarked on a brief individual venture with the Discovery Network, taking the lead in the show 'Shifting Gears with Aaron Kaufman.' Regrettably, the series had a short lifespan and concluded after its inaugural season.
Yu-Lan Haiso Martin, A.K.A. Sue: The Upholstery Queen
Fans of the show Fast N' Loud would remember her as one of the wittiest characters
In the realm of Gas Monkey Garage, Sue Martin held a prominent role as Richard Rawlings' trusted expert for handling interior work on the grand-scale builds. While not officially employed by Rawlings, she operated her own upholstery shop known as ASM Auto Upholstery. Fans of the show Fast N' Loud fondly recall her as one of the most clever and humorous personalities. Despite her and her team's remarkable talent, they frequently encountered difficulties due to the tight deadlines imposed by GMG.
Sue at her ASM Auto Upholstery
In the final seasons of the show, Sue was noticeably absent, and both Rawlings and Martin remained silent regarding her departure. Nonetheless, it brings joy to share that she is thriving and her business is flourishing. Despite 'The Upholstery Queen' bidding farewell to the show earlier than anticipated, she continues to excel and pursue her passion, staying true to what she loved and excelled in.
Christie Brimberry: Manage the Gas Monkey Garage office
She is one of the few employees who could keep Rawlings in check, apart from helping grow the business right from day one
Amidst the whirlwind of tight deadlines, Christie Brimberry played a vital role in overseeing the administrative tasks of the Gas Monkey Garage office, both on and off-camera. Her responsibilities encompassed crucial aspects such as procuring necessary parts for the builds and efficiently managing the payroll for all GMG employees. From 2012 to 2017, Brimberry made intermittent appearances on the show Fast N' Loud. Interestingly, she initially secured the position of the garage's office manager due to her husband's long-standing role as Rawling's hairstylist.
In addition to her outstanding professional skills, Brimberry faced a personal struggle that many fans of the show were unaware of - she battled cancer. In 2016, she underwent surgery to remove cancerous lymph nodes from her thyroid gland. Following the surgery, Brimberry required further treatment in the form of radiation therapy. In 2017, she shared the uplifting news with her fans via social media, announcing her victory in the fight against cancer. Subsequently, she departed from Gas Monkey Garage and presently finds joy in the company of her family while managing her own salon.
Tom Smith: The Funniest Guy At Gas Monkey Garage
Tom Smith was most known for his hilarious one-liners
Tom Smith, known for his eccentricity, holds a memorable place among the cast members of the show Fast N' Loud. In 2014, Rawlings made the decision to terminate his employment along with Jordan Butler's at Gas Monkey Garage. The duo subsequently embarked on their own venture with the show Misfit Garage. Although the series had a relatively brief duration, spanning four seasons from 2014 to 2016, it showcased their journey. Presently, Smith maintains an active presence on social media, frequently sharing glimpses of his car-related endeavors and snippets from his life.
In addition to his automotive pursuits, Tom Smith has established himself as a professional stand-up comic, regularly gracing the stages of various improv clubs. Alongside his comedy endeavors, he remains dedicated to working on personal and client car projects, providing updates to his fans through consistent posts. Even during the filming of the show, Tom had been cultivating his comedy career on the side, and it appears that he has been allocating more time to it recently. Notably, Tom has continued to perform live comedy sessions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, he actively contributes to rescuing and transporting dogs in need. In a recent Facebook post, posted around a month ago, Tom sparked excitement among his fans by hinting at the possibility of hosting his own automotive modification show. To stay updated on his ventures, Tom maintains an active presence on social media, and you can follow him @tomsmiththecarguy on Facebook.