Indy 2004

The Midwest's best make the Hoosier State Tour event a big success!

By Dustin "Volo" Pedder

Last April, the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis was the place to be for lowriders in the Midwest! There was much hype in the media surrounding this event, and its popularity was apparent as the show went down. It was standing room only between the rows and rows of quality show rides, as some 8,000 attendees made their way into the show. Once in, they were treated to an eyeful, including the wild hydraulic Hop contest, concert, bikini contest, vendors and, of course, the almost 500 custom vehicles and bicycles on display.

On the day before the show, many were worried that the forecasted rain would damper the number of show entrants, but fortunately the rain came just as the last of the cars were moving into the indoor show area. From then on to the following show day, any rain that precipitated was fairly light. In the house were big-time Tour sponsors Quaker State, Nitto Tires, the U.S. Army, Exide Batteries, CCE Hydraulics, Player Wire Wheels and Limited Alloy Wheels. Besides attracting people to their booths, their representatives were busy educating la gente about what their companies do best. After visiting the vendors, the people were provided with food and drink; otherwise, there was plenty of photo and video opportunities with all of the nice rides on display. Cars, trucks, motorcycles and bicycles were in the house. From lowrods and racy import cars to traditional lowriders there was something for everyone at Indy.

For a little more "moving" action, the people made their way to the indoor arena area where the hydraulic Hop and Dance contest took place. The switchmen made their rides hit new heights, wowing the crowd. Afterwards, attention turned towards the main stage where Southern California's own Chicano rapper Mr. Capone-E took the stage to do a surprise performance. The following headliners then hit the stage, consisting of Lisette Melendez, Lil' Suzy & the Covergirls and Smilez & Southstar. After the live music groovin', it seemed as if the male half of the audience strangely made their way a little closer to the stage. It is believed that the reason for this was because the bikini contest was next up on the agenda! About seven girls participated in the contest, coming from all over the Midwest, but when it was narrowed down to two sexy ladies, Rebecca from Ohio proved that she had the moves to win over the crowd and win the contest.

By the end of the day, many people commented to the LRM staff that the show was a great success. Everyone seemed to talk about how they were going to be looking forward to the Chicago, Illinois, show that would be coming up in June. That's the next chance for the Midwest's best to show and shine, Lowrider Magazine Tour show style!

Indy Sweepstakes Winners:
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Best Car
First Favian Garcia, '78 Chevy Monte Carlo
Second Jeremy Klimowicz, '93 Ford Probe
Third Toyo and Eva Rosas, '69 Chevy Impala

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Best Truck
First Johnny Curtis, '80 Chevy Blazer
Second Linn Fahrenkrug, '90 Mazda B2200
Third Josh Arnold, '89 Chevy S-10

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Best Original '69 and Below
First Frank Sandoval, '66 Chevy Caprice
Second Kevin Kester, '62 Cadillac
Third Dallas Richardson, '62 Chevy Impala

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Best Traditional Lowrider
First Robert Chavez, '63 Chevy Impala
Second Abe Chavez, '63 Chevy Impala
Third Warner and Dipal Walls, '63 Chevy Impala

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Best Custom Compact
First Carlos Soto, '82 Toyota Corolla
Second Jason Kilvinger, '96 Acura Integra
Third Mike Cocozzoli, '99 Mitsubishi Eclipse

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Best Bicycle
First Johnny Garcia
Second Eddie Cortez, Jr.
Third Antonio Lechuga

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Best Trike
First Jackie Calvillo
Second Jackie Reyes
Third Lee Gonzalez