Rowell Esquejo - 2017 Subaru WRX
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IG: @StayHumble_WRX
Some people build cars for attention.
Some build them for trophies.
Rowell “Ro” Esquejo?
He built his for pride.
Pride in doing the work himself.
Pride in representing his team.
Pride in honoring the mindset he grew up on:
“Walang Takot” — Fearless.
“Fear None. Respect All.”
Born and raised in Stockton, California, Ro spent six years in the Army as a mechanic before turning wrenches professionally at Tesla as a technician. When he’s not working night shifts, you’ll find him exactly where you’d expect — in the garage, hands dirty, helping a teammate, a friend… or dialing in his own car one bolt at a time.
He’s also the Team President and a founding member of @TeamStayHumble, a team built on loyalty, a strong work ethic, and lifting each other up.
And that philosophy?
It shows in everything he builds.
Where It All Started
Before the Subaru.
Before the Army.
Before the tools.
There was family.
Ro credits his older cousin — “more like my big brother” — for lighting the spark.
They grew up glued to:
- Japanese circuit racing
- Formula Drift
- WRC
- 1320 videos
- Hot Import Nights
And like most ‘90s kids?
Hondas were life.
Nothing hit harder than hearing VTEC crack open on a B18C5 Type R swap.
Those nights — cruising, gaming, talking cars — built the foundation for everything.
Even now, years later, they still talk builds… except now his cousin gets to drive the car Ro built himself.
Full circle.
Falling for the Rumble
As he got older, something new caught his attention.
Subarus.
At first it was curiosity.
Then it was the sound.
That signature boxer rumble reminded him of something familiar — almost like a Harley. Raw. Mechanical. Emotional.
It didn’t just sound like a car.
It sounded alive.
Even though the newer WRX platform doesn’t carry the old EJ rumble, it didn’t matter.
This was still a dream car.
And this time?
It was one he bought and paid off himself.
That made it different.
From Daily Driver to Show Vision
Originally, the plan was simple:
Just enjoy the car.
But like most builds…
Simple never lasts.
One part turned into two.
Two turned into ten.
Then suddenly you’re staring at a full show build.
With his wife Darlene right there supporting him — jokingly calling the build #sponsoredbymywife — the WRX slowly transformed into something much bigger than transportation.
It became:
- a project
- a stress reliever
- a creative outlet
- an extension of who he is
How It Feels to Drive
Ro came from a slammed ’95 Integra GSR.
Light. Raw. Loud.
Switching to an AWD turbo sedan?
Total reset.
The WRX feels:
- smoother
- faster
- planted
- effortless
Sometimes he doesn’t even realize how quick he’s moving.
But the best part?
Knowing he built it.
Not a shop.
Not a credit card.
Him.
“When I drive this car, I’m just happy. It’s me, my car, and the road.”
The Love-It-or-Hate-It Front End
Ask anyone what stands out first and they’ll say the same thing:
The front end.
It’s aggressive.
Different.
Unapologetic.
Custom-retrofitted pieces you won’t see on the next WRX parked beside him.
And then there’s the engine bay — clean, detailed, dressed in carbon and titanium — the kind of bay that proves the owner actually cares about what’s under the hood, not just the paint outside.
Build Breakdown
Power (Tuned by @BainsTuning_Gary)
91 Octane: 295whp / 304tq
E60: 385whp / 360tq
- Cobb Intake, EBCS, Accessport, Flex Fuel
- Cobb AOS
- Nostrum HPFP + AEM 340 LPFP
- ETS FMIC
- Blox Racing Header
- 1320 J-Pipe
- Invidia Q300 Exhaust
- Perrin BPV + drivetrain bits
Suspension
- Airlift 3P
- Blox rear LCA
- Blox strut bar
Wheels & Tires
- Rays GramLights 57CR Pro 2-piece
- 18x9.5 +38
- Federal 595SS
Exterior
- Seibon carbon hood
- APR carbon splitter
- VIS carbon wing
- Carbon duckbill trunk
- Side skirts + diffuser
- Custom bash bar
- Custom @modautodesign headlights
- Spec-D tails
Interior
- BRIDE Low Max seats
- Harness bar + harnesses
- Carbon trim everywhere
- iDoing head unit
- Titanium hardware
- RGB lighting
Who Turned the Wrenches?
Mostly Ro.
On little sleep.
After night shifts.
On days off.
If something stumped them?
YouTube.
Friends.
Video calls.
Only the air suspension install went to @PremierWerkz.
Everything else?
Garage-built.
The real way.
What the Scene Means to Him
The car scene didn’t just give Ro a hobby.
It gave him:
- lifelong friendships
- a team that feels like family
- purpose outside of work
- a way to express himself
“It’s not always about cars. It’s connections.”
And that right there?
That’s why this culture lasts.
What’s Next?
The vision isn’t finished.
Plans include:
- circuit racing
- 6-point cage
- 3-piece wheels
- carbon upgrades
- more track focus
For Ro, this car isn’t just for parking-lot photos.
It’s meant to be driven hard.
Dream Garage?
If money didnuer isn't a thing?
- Honda NSX
- Nissan S15 Silvia
- Skyline R34
Honda will always be my first love.
But the list keeps growing.
Don’t we all have that problem?
Final Thoughts
Ro’s WRX isn’t the loudest build.
Or the most expensive.
But it might be one of the most honest.
It’s built with:
- sweat
- family
- patience
- purpose
And that’s what makes it special.
Because at the end of the day?
Stay humble.
Fear none.
Respect all.
Build it your way.