San Antonio

The Legends Tour heats up at the final Texas stop of the year.

The 2003 Lowrider Magazine Legends Tour landed in the heart of the Lone Star State and it's hard to believe that this was the final stop before hitting up the anticipated blowout in "Sin City," Las Vegas, Nevada. Hundreds upon hundreds of rides ventured into the historic city of San Antonio to take part in the exhilarating event. Thanks in part to Quaker State, Nitto Tires, Black Magic, Player Wire Wheels, Exide Orbital Batteries, CCE Hydraulics and Limited Alloy Wheels, the spine-tingling show in the Alamo city will go down in the history books as the most thriving lowriding affair ever.

The fleet of early birds who prepared to enter the distinguished Alamodome on Saturday morning was a fruitful sign that the event was going to be more than just a success. As we strolled the lineup before heading indoors to set up, we gawked at the fresh rides and had an enjoyable time catching up with our Tejano friends. Once inside, participants shifted gears, grabbed their cleaning supplies and worked themselves to complete exhaustion to achieve that perfect shine.

After assembling the last of the Sunday move-in, more than 350 rides were present and accounted for. Thousands of anxious fans gushed through the entryway to take a glimpse of the handiwork on display inside the arena. A multitude of vehicles ranging from vintage classics to the fast and furious imports were in attendance. Is bigger better? Ask any lowriding enthusiast that sported 20-inch wheels and above on their big body creations.

It was a blissful day for classic Chevy Impalas. Mike Luna from Killeen, Texas, flaunted his radical '68 Impala, which captured the coveted First Place Car Sweepstakes award. The mods and paint on this "Bowtie" are unbelievable. Lupe "Toyo" Rosas made the trek to Texas all the way from Michigan. Toyo's immaculate '64 ragtop, "Suicide Revenge," is definitely a sight to see. The Super Sport convertible features a suicide hood, doors and trunk. Houston, Texas, resident Ben Garcia seized the Third Place Sweepstakes win with his '72 Impala. A hometown favorite '63 belonging to Daniel Vara was proudly perched on jackstands.

Back on the showroom floor, another heavy San Antonio hitter on full display was Stacy Stewart's '39 "Chopped, Slick and Wicked" Chevy bomb. The name of Stacy's ride describes it best. "H-town" resident Ricky Hannah secured the First Place win in the Truck Sweepstakes with his '93 Chevy pickup, "Wicked Dream." All eyes were on the new truck contender from Unique Car Club. Mario Benavides' '99 Ford F-150 sported an extreme paint scheme and some appealing alterations. Rollerz Only member Rey Pineda scored the Third Place Truck Sweepstakes win with his '90 GMC, "Raisin' Hell."

If your preference was vintage oldies then San Antonio was the place to see them. It was the same game but new hustle for Fred and Rosa Garcia's '56 Chevy Bel Air from Boulevard Aces. Their timeless beauty grabbed the top prize in the Original '69 and Below Car Sweepstakes. Number one Traditional Lowrider Sweepstakes went to Gary Lee Cooper's '52 Chevy DeLuxe, while Margarito Patino and his '51 Chevy took hold of the Bomb Truck Sweepstakes.

After the swangin' and dancing inside the hydraulic pit, lowriding fans were treated to an excellent lineup of music entertainment. Dope House recording artist, Baby Bash, rocked the crowd with his newly released hits, while the renowned '80s music star, Lisa Lisa, made her comeback. The stage heated up even more with the women's bikini and men's hardbody contest. Miss Veronica from Houston held on to her reign as the crowd favorite for the fourth year in a row.

As some spectators gazed at rows and rows of top-notch cars, others made a visit to their favorite booths. The Quaker State stall delighted the kids, and even some adults, with their race car driving simulation setups. Need to wrap your tires with the best rubber? Nitto has got you covered whether you're in need of a performance tire for your racing beast or if you need to up the ante with 24-inchers. USA Motorsports were busy throughout the day answering hydraulic tech questions and showing off the best hardware that CCE Hydraulics had to offer. The two stunning Texas beauties, Jaclyn and Andrea, inside the Black Magic booth showed admirers just why their cleaners are the preferred choice among participants.

A hearty congrats is extended to the day's winners. The San Antonio lowriding extravaganza was only possible thanks to the Legend Tour sponsors, faithful show attendees and car clubs such as Rollerz Only, Phaylanx, Presidentez, Boulevard Aces, Latin Image, Unique, Brown Impressions, Viejitos, 1st Impressions, Caliente, Legions, United Classics, True Eminence and Latin Cartel. Though the 2k3 show season is winding down, that doesn't mean that the Lowriding Movement is. We'll see you in Las Vegas, baby!