The History of WTI
From a small gathering of import fans to a regional community spanning West Texas and Eastern New Mexico.
West Texas Imports was founded by Peter J. Wierzba with a simple idea: connect the drivers and builders who love import cars across the wide-open miles of West Texas. What started as a handful of enthusiasts turning wrenches and swapping stories grew into a regional community.
For many years, Peter, John Gallegos, and many others helped drive West Texas Imports in a positive direction — organizing meets, welcoming new members, and keeping the import scene alive across West Texas and Eastern New Mexico. Their leadership and enthusiasm laid the groundwork for everything that followed.
In 2015, Ryan Kemp took over stewardship of the group, with meets hosted at McGavock Nissan in Lubbock — a partnership we're deeply grateful for. Members drove in from across West Texas to talk shop, show builds, and share the road.
After a long quiet stretch, the engines are turning over again. This site is the first step in reviving WTI — a home base for events, photos, and the forums to come.
Peter J. Wierzba starts West Texas Imports to bring local import fans together.
Peter, John Gallegos, and many others help grow the community and keep the local import scene alive.
Ryan Kemp takes over stewardship of West Texas Imports, with McGavock Nissan in Lubbock as the meeting home.
The group goes quiet for a number of years. The community and the memories remain.
Ryan Kemp restarts the movement with a modern home online — and new meets on the horizon.