An open space for a creative group with diverse talents
Los Angeles. Including the surrounding areas, such as Anaheim, where Disneyland is located, this city is as vast as the Kanto Plain. With few exceptions, public transportation is barely developed in this city, so a car is essential to get anywhere. Freeways run in all directions, and they are so large that six or even seven lanes on each side are the norm. For the people who live in this city, cars are a necessity of life. That's why there are so many different types of vehicles on the roads.
From worn-out cars with patchwork body parts, which are becoming rare these days, to the latest luxury cars, pickup trucks, and electric cars, we spotted Tesla's new Cybertruck many times during our coverage.
It is in this town that Race Service is based. Race, service...? You understand the meaning of each word, but when you put them together it's hard to understand. Race Service is a "creative agency." They undertake the production of content and products related to cars, racing, and the lifestyles surrounding them. Led by two car enthusiasts, Jacob and James, the agency brings together members with a variety of expertise, including directors, designers, and artists.
Their job is to enjoy cars from various angles and share that joy with everyone. Entering through the large gate into this space, which was originally an old garage, I was greeted by a first-generation BMW M3 in front, a Ferrari 348 on the right, and a member of staff sitting at a desk.
Mixing people and expressions
Furthermore, carpets and sofas were set up in the garage where the Mercedes-AMG racing cars and NASCAR cars are kept. It was a place filled with a fun atmosphere where various cultures truly mixed together. Unfortunately, the initiators Jacob and James were not present this time, but Nico, aka Ornamental Conifer, an artist and art director at Race Service, showed up.
“Race Service was established in 2018, six years ago. It’s still a fairly new group, started by Jacob and James. Up until then we had been doing things online, but we decided to do it in our own physical space, and that’s how we created this place.”
The company is proposing to define car culture with new values by combining the traditional image of racing and the car industry with other cultures such as art and fashion in a more creative way. Race Service is divided into several sections, including an office, showroom, and Nico's art studio.
The space is home to an authentic NASCAR race car from the 1991 race, and features a mix of cultures, including artwork by Nico, also known as Ornamental Conifer. 
Art director and artist Nico's studio is also located in the garage. His tools are neatly displayed so that "you'll know right away if they're missing." 
Nico's studio, where works are placed haphazardly.
"The space at the back front is my space. When I was younger I loved graffiti. I've always loved working with my hands. When I was little I particularly loved rally cars. They looked like normal cars, but I was attracted to them because they had stickers from various sponsors on them and were painted in colorful colors.
To be honest, I'm not that interested in cars themselves (laughs). But the car body is a very attractive canvas for painting. It's both challenging and fun to paint while discussing the rules and theories unique to racing with Jacob and James, who are both knowledgeable about racing.
Maybe that kind of "mix" is important. For example, Andy, who is in charge of the video, originally shot skateboarding videos, so the car footage he shot with that same sensibility was fresh. When staff with different backgrounds come together, such as Max, who is mainly in charge of apparel, something even newer is born. Nowadays, many works are finished using computers, but in my case, I try to finish most of my work by hand painting. The other staff members also respect my way of doing things."
A Mercedes-AMG GT3 race car packed with the Race Service concept, alongside apparel produced as part of the project. 
As the car is sponsored by a jewelry brand, the steering emblem is embedded with jewels. 
Max explains the concept.
Indeed, if you look closely at the body of the BMW M3 on the premises, you can see brush marks and understand that it was painted directly on. Being in this space, you can see what Race Service is aiming for through the works and the atmosphere.
"The world of car racing has a lot of masculine aspects. It may be good for people who like that world, but I hope that even people who aren't interested can learn about the joy of racing and the beauty of cars. In this garage, there are flowers displayed alongside the racing cars. Flowers and racing cars are completely different substances, but I think they each have their own beauty and are equally valuable."
It's a pleasant space that even people who aren't very knowledgeable about cars or car racing will want to linger in for a while.
"The apparel seen next to the Mercedes-AMG GT3 racing car is also a product that we proposed and produced. Until now, items such as T-shirts sold or handed out at race events have focused on having a logo that stands out, with quality being secondary. This has been considered acceptable, but I think it's a waste. We use high-quality materials to produce items that can be worn on a daily basis and that allow you to enjoy fashion."
Enjoying cars and the various cultures that have arisen from them with new ideas feels very refreshing. Especially in Los Angeles, where cars have become an integral part of society, we look forward to seeing Race Service's future activities as a source of even more new car culture.
An old Mercedes designed in the image of a NASCAR car is placed in the office. 
Andy, who is in charge of the video, and his beloved car. 
Stool kit designed by Nico.
During events, the atmosphere changes completely, making it feel like a festival venue.
photo: ©Taylor Robbins/Race Service
photo：©Taylor Robbins/Race Service
