On the Saturday night before the '64 Chevy Impala Giveaway on Super Show Sunday, premier Scrapin' Tour sponsor Gumout honored the 16 winners, who had previously earned a chance to take home the hardtop, with a special reception and banquet at Harrah's Hotel. The 16 Sweepstakes winners--one from each 2002 Tour show--earned the chance to claim the car by winning the drawing held at the Gumout booth at each show. In addition to receiving a chance to pick the key that started the specially built Impala, the winners also received an all-expense-paid trip to Las Vegas for two and $100 spending money.
LRM publisher Ricardo Gonzalez, advertising sales manager Omar Rojas and Gumout brand manager Sandy Woods greeted the winners and their guests at the door. Gourmet food and assorted beverages highlighted the evening, with music provided by DJ Chris FM from Streetlight Productions. There was also time for the winners to chat with some of LRM's staff, and to meet and mingle with the other Sweepstakes winners from around the country.
After everyone had eaten, the Keno machine from Harrah's casino (filled with balls numbered one to 16) was used to determine the order in which the winners would come up on Sunday to pick the key that would start the Impala. Then on Sunday during a break in the Hop, the giveaway took place. Ricardo Gonzalez held the bucket of keys as each contestant tried their luck. The first six contestants drew a key and tried to start the car, to no avail. Then it was 22-year-old Robert Sladky's turn to draw a key. The Las Vegas resident's key worked and the finely tuned engine started instantly. He had an ear-to-ear smile as it soaked in that he had actually won the Gumout Giveaway '64! Robert's wife, Teresa, shared his emotions as she joined him for comfort with tear-filled eyes.
Ricardo Gonzalez got a few words out of Robert, who stated that he was going to be on the Vegas Strip with the Impala whenever possible. He went on to thank Lowrider, Gumout and especially God for answering his prayers. Congratulations to all of the lucky contestants for making the Lowrider Magazine/Gumout Sweepstakes a huge success. And a special thanks to the Gumout staff for their continued support and contributions to the lowrider community.