It all begins with an idea
We’re Neil and Ruchin Kansal—builders, innovators, car lovers, and travelers at heart. In 2020, during the pandemic, we chased a dream: we bought a battered 1998 Acura Integra and, working in our garage, transformed it into a striking lime green showpiece. To celebrate Ruchin’s 50th birthday and Neil’s high school graduation in 2021, we drove it 5,000 miles to the summit of Mt. Evans, Colorado, the highest paved road in North America, learning along the way that, like life, the road demands resilience, adaptability, and courage to act.
Inspired, we dove into our next project: restoring a 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider and a 4,000-mile journey to Cape Spear, Canada, the easternmost point in North America. Our adventures are about more than cars—they’re about pushing boundaries, embracing challenges, and discovering what’s possible together.
At sixteen, Neil dreamed of learning to drive a manual car. His father, Ruchin, was at a crossroads, questioning his next steps in life. Neither could have imagined that a rusted, beat-up Acura Integra would become their greatest teacher. With just $5,000, no mechanical experience, and a wild idea, father and son embarked on a year-long transformation—of the car, themselves, and their bond.
What began as a simple driving lesson turned into an epic 5,000-mile road trip to the highest paved road in the United States. Along the way, they faced unexpected challenges, breathtaking landscapes, and moments of raw connection. Through laughter, frustration, and detours, they discovered resilience, strength, and the unshakable power of family.
Change the Steering is a story for anyone craving adventure, seeking transformation, or longing to bridge the gap between generations. It’s proof that sometimes the best journeys begin with a broken-down car and an open road. With every twist of the wrench and turn of the road, Neil and Ruchin learned what it truly means to rebuild—not just a car, but themselves.
Buckle up—this unforgettable ride will stay with you long after the last page.
Coming this December!
Neil Kansal
Neil is passionate about using AI and data-driven solutions to transform healthcare. A graduate of Washington & Lee University, he studied biology with a minor in data science and received the Leadership Excellence Award for co-founding W&L Remote Area Medical, organizing free clinical services while balancing music, medicine, and mentorship as a principal cellist and student leader. A certified EMT and lifelong car enthusiast, he brought his childhood dream to life at 16½—restoring his first car, one bolt at a time, and embarking on a transformative journey that shaped his passion for problem-solving and innovation.
Ruchin Kansal
Ruchin is an educator, a C-suite executive, and a leadership coach. He enjoys working with leaders and companies to enable change and build a better society. He is a Professor of Leadership & Innovation at Seton Hall University. Prior, he spent 10 years at EY, Deloitte, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Siemens Healthineers. He is the author of Redefining Innovation, Editor of In The Lead, and a TV Show host, and his work has been featured in multiple mainstream media outlets.
Starting his career as an architect lodged a deep passion for building useful things that people love interacting with. A dreamer at heart, Ruchin’s dream growing up was to participate in the Himalayan Car rally. The Kansal Clunker has allowed him to realize his dream with his son, albeit in a different format. It is more than a dream come true.