When the Mark V Toyota Supra was unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in 2019 many were left feeling skeptical, including myself. After all, the new Supra was now being co produced by another OEM, a German one at that. As time has gone on, though, the Mark V Supra has proven to be one of the most potent options for an affordable street machine. I had the privilege of photographing one of these cars thanks to my friend Andrew Denski, but his car was far from stock.
Denski’s 2024 Supra is finished in Stratosphere blue, arguably my favorite factory color Toyota makes. The car is also equipped with a manual transmission, an option that the car did not originally launch with. Denski’s Supra has a laundry list of modifications, including full paint protection film, a carbon fiber PPF roof, and custom printed PPF front fenders. The car also has a duckbill spoiler, front carbon fiber aero, full CF lip kit with under glow and RGB DRLs. Lastly, Denski’s Supra is equipped with a CF intake, high flow downpipe a full AWE exhaust, and full air ride suspension.
“I’ve always been interested in cool cars,” Denski said, “my brother in law was always doing something to whatever he was driving, but it really started when I went to MTC to learn Automotive in 2016. It all happened extremely fast, but I went from being a salary manager at Winn-Dixie to a full time student who worked after school in about 2 weeks. I decided to go to tech school because I enjoyed cars. I decided to work in the industry because I found that I really enjoyed it and was decently good in school. After graduating in 2018 I started as a express tech for Mercedes and haven’t looked back since.”
“I chose the Supra because I wanted a rear wheel drive, two door sports car with a manual transmission and decent power. For 60k there’s no better option. As far as future plans for the car, I’ve got to get a few things ironed out, maybe wheels soon. Eventually probably a colored PPF when this one is due for service.”
Aside from being a highly skilled technician with an awesome car, Denski also gives great advice.
“I don’t think I’d be here today if I didn’t figure out how to manage on my own growing up. We are a combination of the experiences we’ve had and if things had been easier I wouldn’t be who I am today. My dad always taught me to do my best and work hard. I’ve never heard a bad word about my dad and I’ve always strived to be like him. My advice for anyone is that there isn’t a single person you will meet in your life that can’t teach you something! Always be open to learning new things.
Denski’s advice about learning something from everyone is quite practical. While driving home from our photoshoot we were pulled over by police. The officers informed us that the cars custom RGB headlights were accidentally set to blue. The officers then talked with us for over ten minutes about cars, and even let us take our picture with the cop car. My experience with Denski taught me that cops are car guys, too.
A common theme I have noticed in this series is that hard work and focus on one’s goals leads to success. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from, or what career field you work in. If you have the motivation, focus, and willpower to achieve your goals, then you certainly will. Denski’s story is yet another testament to this.
