San Bernardino

San Bernardino, California, was alive with lowrider enthusiasm this past February for the first Southern California stop on Lowrider...

By the LRM Staff

San Bernardino, California, was alive with lowrider enthusiasm this past February for the first Southern California stop on Lowrider Magazine's 2002 Scrapin' Tour. The warm Inland Empire weather welcomed thousands of spectators who strolled leisurely and enjoyed some of the finest lowriders in the land. The Scrapin' Tour is sponsored by Gumout, Quaker State, Nitto Tire, Dayton Wire Wheels, ShowTime Hydraulics and Thump Records, all of whom have come together to be part of America's biggest and baddest lowrider tour that brings out the best of the best!

As you may know, the Lowrider Magazine/Go-Lo Entertainment Tour was created for lowriders to exhibit their vehicles in all of their glory. Before this tour was created, the Lowrider Movement was in limbo with nobody stepping to the plate. LRM was the leader and with the backing of the lowrider community has set up a tour of grand proportions. Everyone involved in the sport of lowriding knows that LRM shows are the best, bringing together the lowrider family like no other events in the world. Big thanks to all of you who came out to show your vehicles with respect and pride.

On display were some of Aztlan's finest lowriders, including Paul and Peter Toma's '50 Plymouth, "Pura Vida," the reigning Lowrider Bomb of the Year, that is simply one of the wildest custom vehicles in the world. Being a three-time Bomb of the Year winner meant that the Toma's awesome Plymouth is not eligible for competition, but was still displayed for all to enjoy. Another stunning champion showing his stuff was Ronnie Payan from Fontana, California, who exhibited his expertly crafted '89 Nissan, "Sabor a Mi, Otra Vez," the latest Euro of the Year champion. Ronnie and the entire Payan family can be found prepping for the show with an eye for perfection. Ronnie also won the First Place in the Euro Sweepstakes classification.

Also on display for exhibition only was the 2001 Lowrider Car of the Year, "Evil '63," owned by Allen and Juanita Lopez of Newark, California. Allen is a member of Frisco's Finest C.C. and his '63 Chevy Impala was brought to the show in LRM's own custom hauler, "Aztec Dos," for all to enjoy. Evil '63 has progressed greatly over the years, and the Lopezes are very proud of their car and are very excited to be selected for a front cover feature. The lowriders that compete in the Sweepstakes category have reached an extremely high level of excellence that deserves special accolades. They continue to push the limits of excellence. These champions are extremely dedicated to the sport of lowriding and love to show their creations. Their contributions to the Lowrider Movement are immense as these highly detailed custom creations demand attention and respect.

There were also many other spectacular vehicles on display for the very first time this fine winter day. Vernon Maxwell's '64 Impala busted out hard. Representing Ultimate Riders C.C., Vernon's customized candy purple custom has enough chrome plating to sink a ship. With the help of Juanito's Upholstery, Mexico Auto Center, Ultimate Hydraulics and many others lowrider artisans, the result was a fantastic show car that won First Place in the Car Sweepstakes. Second Place was won by Ruben Anaya's '62 Impala, "Green Envy," that came in from Las Vegas, Nevada, with several other Royals C.C. members, showing why they are one of the strongest clubs in Vegas. Third Place was won by Raymond Aragon's '68 Dodge that is a real show-stopper. Raymond and his family have perfected their car with red custom-patterned paint, murals, undercarriage and engine.

In the Truck Sweepstakes, it was Frank Silva from Outstanding C.C. who captured the top spot. Frank's '85 Chevy Blazer is also the Lowrider Truck of the Year and Frank is proud to show the modifications that took him to the top. Second Place went to Desirable Ones C.C.'s Jesse Marquez who showed his super-bad '85 Toyota, "Serious Threat." Also in the house was Manuel Ortega who took home Third Place for the effort on his '90 Chevy S-10, "Pimp Daddy," that represented Creativity C.C.

First Place in the Bomb Sweepstakes went to Andre Hughes, who won the big prize for his outstanding '57 Chevy convertible that showed everything under the sun. This '57 is an outstanding example of how a vehicle can be converted into something really special. This car made its debut here in San Bernardino, much to the delight of the thousands of spectators who much appreciated Andre's creation. Second Place went to Arturo Sandoval for his '48 Chevy Fleetline, "Greengo," that you may remember from our April 2002 issue. Third Place was won by Ken Du for his fabulous '57 Chevy Bel Air.

In the Traditional Car Sweepstakes it was Steve Watson taking home First Place for his fine '59 Impala, "Cold Sweat," from SuperNatural C.C. Steve's efforts also landed him on the March '02 cover of LRM; congratulations to Steve for all of his accomplishments. Second Place was won by Jose Barba for his black '63 Impala that is a real winner. Third Place was taken by Vernon Maxwell, whose back bumper-hittin' '63 Impala, "King of the Streets," graces the cover of LRM's April 2002 issue.

Topping the field in the Bomb Truck Sweepstakes was Daniel Lopez' '53 Ford pickup from the Cab Drifters of Indio, California. Second Place was won by Richard Wright for everything that he did right with his '54 Chevy from Oldies C.C.-S.F.V. and Third Place went to Humberto Fregoso for the efforts displayed in his '55 Chevy truck that goes by the name of "Beto's '55."

There were also many super-clean restored originales in the house. The top dog Original Sweepstakes winner at San Berdoo was Ricardo Alvarado who cruised in a spotless '37 LaSalle. Another notable original was Neto Ortiz' '63 Impala from Eminence C.C.'s Stockton, California, chapter. The Crowd C.C. of San Diego, California, was representing with Mike Ochoa's '64 Impala and Saul Castellano's '65 Impala. The special award for award for Most Members was taken by Irresistible C.C. and Best Club Display was won by Oldies C.C.

The lowriders on display in San Bernardino came in all styles, makes and models. Showing strong was "Big D's" '76 Oldsmobile, "Big Family," while Jarvis Malone from Just Us C.C. of San Diego came to show his '93 Honda Civic, "California Dreamin'." Euro of the Year champion Ronnie Payan also brought his beautiful '96 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham, "El Jefe," and Skanless C.C.'s Sabino Urrutia came to town with his lowrider-style '94 S-10. Frank Delgado and familia cruised in from Bloomington, California, in their rare '35 Hudson for a day in the sun. Gabriel Alfaro showed his '84 Oldsmobile, "Gzz Ride," to represent Outstanding C.C. Meanwhile, Maurico Aguilar, the owner of Azteca Audio, Video & Upholstery in SouthGate, California, is one of the hottest audio installers in Southern California and he showed his low '59.

Coming in from Merced, California, was Eddie's blue metalflake '71 Buick Rivera and Jose Rodriguez' '90 Lincoln from Estilo C.C. Miguel Quinones of the Exclusive Onez showed his lowriding '91 Chevy Astro along with Jesse Ortega's done-up '92 Nissan Pickup. Choosing not to deny the public a look at their fantastic rides were the Desirable Ones from Las Vegas and Southern California, a group that included Billy Felix's stylish '37 Chevy (formerly owned and built by Mario DeAlba, Sr.) and a sweet '60 Impala named "Hypnotized" owned by Sal Ruiz. Alberto Reycosa's '68 Impala came out with Jaime Anaya's freshly done '80 Buick Regal to let everyone know that One Bad Creation C.C. was in the house. Steve Weve showed his hot '64 Impala flying a Compton for Life plaque, while Raul Hinojosa's '87 Chevy Monte Carlo did the same for United Ones C.C.

Some true old school lowriders were also showing their firme rides. For instance, Cruz Vargas and his brothers were showing a '39 Chevy, '50 Buick and a '53 Chevy wagon just to mention a few. Cruz has been lowriding since the early '50s and is still flying the Twisters C.C. placa from back in the day. We appreciate Cruz and the guys keeping the spirit alive for all of these years.

If you have been to a Lowrider show you know that lowrider bikes are of great interest and are enjoyed greatly by the public. Big props go out to all of the kids and parents who work so hard on their creations. First Place in the Bike competition went to Manuel Lopez, with Second Place going to Mario Duarte and Third Place being awarded to David Arrelano. Jose Gonzales won the Trike Sweepstakes.

There was something for every lowrider spectator to enjoy at San Bernardino, including the hydraulics competition (see complete coverage elsewhere in this issue) where the people got all that they could handle. Hot LRM models like Angel Marron and Sabina spiced up the show action. Getting the crowd going was no problem with a great routine by comedian Ralphy May and a concert headlined by a powerful performance by Mac10. The Bikini and Hardbody contest seriously excited the crowd before it was time for the trophy presentations.

All in all, we had a good time at this first Southern California Tour show of the year. We look forward to the big San Diego show scheduled for July 18 at Qualcomm Stadium, which will bring together the top cars from the entire Southwest. Thanks to all of the clubs and individuals for coming together in San Berdoo to show their finest efforts. We will continue to strive for the best possible shows for the lowrider community. You guys deserve the best!