It was evident during the early hours of the San Francisco, California, 25th Anniversary Tour stop that we had one big show on our hands in one of America's most breathtaking cities. The proud lowriders by the Bay were ready to show their rides with pride and respect. And with the number of quality of lowriders before us in Northern California, it appears that the Lowrider Movement is at an all-time high in this multicultural area that is home to so many great lowriders.
Many excellent vehicles made up the long rows of vehicles lined up for this year's San Francisco event, and for the first time, Lowrider Magazine and Go-Lo Entertainment were able to secure all of the buildings available at the Cow Palace, making more than enough room for the nearly 600 vehicles that showed that day. Special thanks must once again go out to Tour sponsors Pennzoil, Gumout, Dayton Wire Wheels, Nitto Tires, ShowTime Hydraulics, LowriderMagazine.com and Thump Records for making the show possible. Our major sponsors also gave away a host of products, trips and even the chance to win a hot '65 Chevy Impala at the upcoming Las Vegas, Nevada, Super Show on October 7.
This is one of the largest lowrider shows in the nation, and the NorCal lowrider community can be proud of the way that their hard work was appreciated by the thousands of spectators. Lowrider Magazine/Go-Lo Entertainment are happy to report that the show went off without any problems. We were all very impressed with the respect that the spectators displayed in San Francisco and at all of our events this year. We at LRM have realized a dream when we see these fantastic gatherings of young and old showing with style and respect for one another.
A great sense of carnalismo is being enjoyed by the lowrider community, whose examples of automotive excellence, creativity and personal commitment are paving the way for others to enjoy this onda. The spectators really appreciate the cars and understand the commitment that they represent. In the weeks before the show, local car clubs were organizing and meeting with Go-Lo and LRM staff members to discuss their concerns. Ideas and thoughts were exchanged and the car clubs responded by showing their vehicles with great pride and enthusiasm.
Special thanks go out to the lowrider community in the Bay Area, which has always been so supportive and devoted to the Lowrider Movement. The Bay Area is full of lowrider love and the car clubs were out in force to participate in this historical tour. The Bay Area represents a huge stretch of prime California property and encompasses some of the most beautiful areas in the world. And this is also prime lowrider territory that is home to many car clubs that carry on the lowrider tradition.
Clubs united with dignity and placas were on display everywhere as the rides gathered. Here are a few of the clubs that we crossed paths with: Frisco's Finest, Duke's-Santa Clara County, Viejitos, Uso, Sabor Latino, Low Creations, Stylin, Parliament, Eastside Fresno, Skanless, California Lifestyles, Endless Nights, Drastic Changes, Creativity, Nuestro Estilo, True Elegance, Devotion, Veteranos, True Elegance, Latin Inspirations, Classic Memories, Personal Effects, Superior Dreams, Enchanted Creations, After Images, Low Vintage, Second Nature, Supreme Califaztlan, Eminence, Life's Finest, Respect, Padrinos, Royal Image, San Jose Highlights, Luxurious, Aztec Empire, All Eyes On Us, Latinos Unidos, Valley Cruisers, Evil Ways, LoLystics, Wicked Illusions, Latin Image, Brown Persuasion, New Style, Everlasting Style, Uniques, After Images, Excandalow, Creations Unlimited, Estilo, Flatlands, Sly Slick & Wicked, Mellow Rides, Nuestro Tiempo, Lowtown and more! Special Car Club awards were received by Oldies C.C. for Best Display and Impalas C.C. for Most Members. Impalas showed with more than 50 clean vehicles that dominated an entire showroom. Oldies-San Fernando also came in from Southern California to support their local chapters.
The competition is always fierce here in California and this year was no exception. The judging is tough, but only three winners in each category can win Sweepstakes. Allen Lopez is possessed by his "Evil '63," and his latest modifications show that he is ready for Vegas. An East Bay native, Allen earned himself a First Place Car Sweepstakes in the process. Second Place in Car Sweepstakes was won by John Ponce from San Jose's Low Conspiracy C.C. for his '79 Pontiac Bonneville, "The Engraver," which lives up to its name by having an extensive chrome undercarriage and engine engraved to the hilt by Rudy Pena. John's commitment to excellence really came together as it spun over mirrors on a turntable in the sun. David Plancarte took home Third Place for his "Smokin' '65" Impala that flies the New Style placa.
In the Truck Sweepstakes, it was San Jose's own Octavio Alviter claiming First Place with his expertly modified '85 Toyota named "La Rana." Second Place went to Manuel Ortega's '90 Nissan and Third was won by longtime lowrider and Stylin C.C. president Junior Terra for his '90 Mitsubishi, "Fatal Attraction."
The Bomb Truck Sweepstakes found Alex Moreno in First Place with his '53 Chevy Deluxe, "Greenade." Alex made the trek to San Francisco from the LA area with Conrad Garcia and the Classic Memories crew to qualify for Super Show and is looking good for Vegas. Second was won by Gil Casares of Oldies C.C. for his outstanding '54 Chevy truck that just keeps getting better. Patrick Zambrano's '49 Chevy truck took home Third.
The Bomb Sweepstakes found first-timer Joe Phillips taking home the First Place trophy for his "Funky '51" from Frisco's Finest C.C. Classic Memories member Thomas "Whitey" Neilly came north from the High Desert area east of LA to capture Second with his legendary '38 Chevy, "My 38." Third Place was won by one of the most beautiful cars that we've seen, Gilbert Chavez' chopped '51 Olds, which is finely painted in shades of pearl yellow and now sports a new hydraulics system that really complements this super-detailed lowriding sled. Gilbert rides with the Oldies-East Bay C.C.
The Traditional Lowrider Sweepstakes was won by Roberto Rueda's '63 SS, "Chulo '63," from San Jose's Eminence C.C. Rudy Garcia's "Super Caliente '65" Impala came down from Salem, Oregon, and the Uniques C.C. member was rewarded with a Second Place trophy for his efforts. Third was won by Oldies member Chris Roark for his immaculate black '58 Impala, "Darkside."
In the ever-competitive Euro Sports Car Sweepstakes, Mark Pyle and his father hauled Mark's "Hard To Kill" '90 Honda Prelude all of the way from Tacoma, Washington, to represent Uso C.C. and he took home First Place. Second Place was won by Angel Edwards' wicked '89 Honda, with Third going to Kelly Padilla's '88 Honda Accord Dually. That's right, Dually! Kelly's limo-style, super-stretched and topless Honda is equipped with dual rear axles, making it a real showstopper for the Drastic Changes C.C. member.
Lowrider bicycles were also in the house and the winners were Angus West in First Place, Gabe Gallego in Second and Dominic Stewart in Third. The Trike Sweepstakes winner was Freddy Mandrigal.
If the lowriders weren't enough, the fans were also treated to a world-class hydraulics competition that had the crowd on their feet. See the hydraulics competition coverage elsewhere in this issue for complete information. After the hydraulics show, the main floor was cleared for a live concert featuring comedian Ralphy May, plus the musical stylings of Rodney O. and Joe Cooley. Then it was time for our famous bikini and male hardbody competitions, which are always a good way to close out the day.
Special thanks to all of the lowriders, club members, individuals, support crews and general public who made this huge event happen without a hitch. The thousands of spectators who came to see what the Lowrider Movement is all about were treated to a fantastic array of vehicles that was sure to satisfy. The show cars, live performers, jamming DJs and colorful crowd all contributed to an event unique to the lowrider culture, making lots of fresh lowrider memories that will last a lifetime.