Hi, I'm Pat James, or 2PJZ, from Melbourne, Australia. My brand revolves around my passion for cars and creating high energy, valuable and technical content to make the car scene a better place. I've owned 27+ cars, and driven more than I could ever count, and via my content I take you on my automotive journey and show you what it's really like to do this new age automotive journalism/content creation venture.
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2PJZ Debrief - Edition 5: I hit 50k followers… and nearly burned out
Published about 1 year ago • 3 min read
Your exclusive access to cars, content and the journey behind 2PJZ.
Wednesday, 26 March 2025
2PJZ Debrief - Edition 5
Hello Reader,
Welcome to Edition 5 of 2PJZ Debrief!
No matter why you’re here, my goal is simple: to make sure you walk away with something valuable.
If you’re new here – hey, I’m Pat. I make car content, chase big goals, and share the behind-the-scenes of building something from nothing. Whether you’re here for Japan tips, content inspiration, or just want to see what I’m up to in the car world, you’re in the right place.
Let’s get stuck in.
Quick Catch-Up
YouTube: Coming soon – the full Targa Classica experience. 500GB of footage, classic cars, and one BMW M3 Touring doing things wagons probably shouldn’t.
We just passed 50,000 followers on Instagram. It actually happened! From 1500 in May last year to 50k today — I still can’t believe it. My goal of 100k by EOY is in sight, and I’m more motivated than ever to make it happen. Thank you for your support. Let’s keep going.
Behind the Camera:
March nearly broke me.
Not in a dramatic way – just in the everything is happening at once and I’m running on fumes kind of way.
Here’s what went down:
Shot over 500GB of footage during Targa Classica, driving BMW Australia's M3 Touring on roads that made me fall in love with cars all over again.
Attended the Australian F1 Grand Prix – not just as a fan, but between the Targa hospitality suite and a surreal invite to the Porsche Suite.
Test drove the Aston Martin DB12 Volante, and got to film a piece I’ve been dreaming of creating – a story about what it feels like to live with a grand tourer, not just what it specs on paper. Coming to my YouTube soon.
Oh – and started a brand-new full-time job. First time back in an office since October.
It’s been… a lot.
I’ve felt stretched. Tired. Grateful. Inspired. Burnt out. Fired up. Sometimes all within the same day.
Most of all, I’ve felt purpose. Because through all of this, 2PJZ continues to grow – not just as another content page, but as a business that helps people learn about cars, work in the automotive industry, live out their car travel dreams and achieve their goals.
Which brings me to this:
Lessons and Learnings:
We hit 50,000 followers on Instagram.
When I relaunched 2PJZ last May, I had 1500 followers and a dream: To create content that felt real, to share my passion for cars, and to build something bigger than myself.
I remember writing down: “Hit 10k by the end of the year.”
A screenshot from July 4 announcing on my story my intentions to hit 10k by EOY.
That felt ambitious. Now, we’ve passed 50k in 10 months.
This isn’t about vanity metrics. It’s about proof. Proof that you can start from scratch. Proof that consistency matters more than perfection. Proof that if you don’t give up, people will notice.
I’m not a full-time creator (yet), but this milestone has given me the confidence to double down on where 2PJZ is headed:
A space where you can learn how to land a job in cars, motorsport, or media.
A home for Japan travel tips, hidden tuning shop gems, and premium guides to help you build your dream car trip.
A content hub that’s fun, raw, and a little bit nerdy – because we’re all car kids deep down.
So if you’ve been watching from the sidelines wondering if your idea could work — this is your sign.
Start. Stay consistent. Back yourself.
I'm building 2PJZ in public. Check my story highlights "Return Pt. 1" and "Return Pt. 2" for more on my IG.
Where My Head Is
Behind the scenes, I’ve been building out the actual business side of 2PJZ.
Here’s what’s coming:
Breaking into the Car Industry: I’ve just released my Motorsport Job Email Template – completely free. It’s helped dozens of people already, and it’s only the beginning.
I’m now working on a paid digital guide that walks you through how to find, apply, and win jobs in the automotive world – even if you’re starting with zero experience.
Japan Travel Guides for Car Enthusiasts: So many of you loved my Japan content – and I want to make planning your trip way easier. I’m building a Notion-based Japan Car Travel Guide with everything I wish I had before I went, and my years of research that led to the trip I am still posting about today:
The best model car stores
Secret tuning shops + addresses
How to rent dream cars
Local driving routes
Maps, language cheat sheets, and more!
If you're heading to Japan in 2025 – or just dreaming about it – this will be worth every cent. Stay tuned for early access.
Spread the Word!
If something stood out to you from this edition, send it to a friend or share to your Instagram story. I want to reach as many people as possible who will find this valuable, and the only way that will happen is with your help.
Want help with content, branding, or breaking into motorsport? I’ve got limited 1-on-1 consults opening in April. Hit reply if you're keen. For brand or business enquiries: pat@2pjz.com Free and paid tools: 2PJZ Gumroad Store
Thank you for being here. Your support fuels this whole thing, and we’re only just getting started.
Sharing my love for cars and the stories that define them.
Hi, I'm Pat James, or 2PJZ, from Melbourne, Australia. My brand revolves around my passion for cars and creating high energy, valuable and technical content to make the car scene a better place. I've owned 27+ cars, and driven more than I could ever count, and via my content I take you on my automotive journey and show you what it's really like to do this new age automotive journalism/content creation venture.
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