Larry Chen Q&A: A Look Through the Lens of Automotive Passion

Editor’s note: Lubricants company Pennzoil works with automotive industry insiders, influencers and trendsetters as part of its Long May We Drive initiative to highlight the special nature of the racing and performance aftermarket. As part of its ongoing interview series, the company provided this Q&A with automotive photographer and 2022 SEMA Influencer of the Year Larry Chen, highlighting some of his recent achievements and thoughts on where the market is headed in the new year.

As one of the most respected figures in automotive photography, Larry Chen has spent more than two decades capturing the spirit of car culture worldwide. Known for his vibrant storytelling through both photos and videos, Larry’s career blends adventure, passion, and a relentless drive to share unique car stories.

In this exclusive interview, Larry opens up about his latest projects, his approach to racing and his relationship with Pennzoil.

PENNZOIL: Larry, how has your work in automotive photography evolved throughout the years?
LARRY CHEN: I feel incredibly fortunate to focus on the projects I’m most passionate about and have the freedom to choose what I shoot. And now that I’m spending more time in front of the camera and have less time for photography, each opportunity has become even more meaningful.

PENNZOIL: Are there any recent car builds or events that stood out as particularly exciting or challenging?
LARRY CHEN: My most recent project was restoring my Nissan R34 Skyline GT-R in Japan. What began as a simple project to make it roadworthy as my daily driver quickly transformed into a full restoration. Now that it’s complete, the car has been shipped to the U.S., and I am excited to pick it up in Long Beach soon.

PENNZOIL: Tell us about “Larry’s Lemon”—the BMW M3 project you documented on social media.
LARRY CHEN: “Larry’s Lemon” is a 1995 European model BMW M3 that I drove all across Europe, from London to Poland and beyond. The car had a blown engine initially, but some friends in the UK tracked down a used one, making the trip possible.
We gave it a quick tune-up, including an oil change with Pennzoil Platinum. Though the car’s electronics and interior had quirks, it performed admirably, reaching 145 mph on the Autobahn!

PENNZOIL: We also learned that you recently earned your Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) license. Can you share what inspired you to pursue it?
LARRY CHEN: I’ve been photographing racing for more than 20 years, watching everyone else enjoy the thrill of the track. I wanted to experience it firsthand—not to compete seriously but for the pure fulfillment of it. So, I took a refresher course at Radford Racing School to earn my SCCA license on merit, and it was an incredible experience.

PENNZOIL: What new trends in car culture are catching your attention, and how are you capturing them?
LARRY CHEN: One major trend is using new technologies like 3D printing and computer aided design (CAD). Today’s builders can create parts and modifications that were once impossible, and at last year’s SEMA Show, most cars showcased some form of 3D printing or modern construction techniques.
I love capturing these innovations—they highlight how car culture constantly evolves and pushes boundaries.

PENNZOIL: How has social media changed how you connect with your audience?
LARRY CHEN: Social media has been a game-changer, allowing me to connect directly with fans, enthusiasts and partners wherever I go. People are more open to sharing their collections and stories, and I can instantly reach car communities around the world. It’s incredible to capture these moments and share them with fans worldwide.

PENNZOIL: Why does your relationship with Pennzoil resonate with you, especially the Long May We Drive campaign?
LARRY CHEN: It’s genuinely a dream partnership. Pennzoil understands car enthusiasts—they’re not just selling products; they’re building a community and nurturing a shared passion. I appreciate that they don’t push specific narratives, but encourage us to showcase our authentic experiences.
For me, Long May We Drive embodies the freedom and joy that driving brings, and I’m proud to be part of that message.

PENNZOIL: What are you most excited about in 2025?
LARRY CHEN: I’m looking forward to diving into more exciting projects with Pennzoil and introducing more of my own race cars into the mix. With a full-time fabricator now on our team, our shop is gearing up for even more builds.
From my Time Attack car and drift car to off-road vehicles, we rely on Pennzoil to keep everything running at its best. We’ve got some great events on the horizon, like the Baja 1000, where we’ll be chasing the race for hundreds of miles, pushing our vehicles to the absolute limit.