Portland

It was late spring and the onset of "June gloom" was prevalent in the Pacific Northwest atmosphere as hundreds of lowrider rides rolled into the Portland Expo Center in the city of Portland, Oregon. Supported by sponsors like Quaker State, Nitto Tires, the U.S. Army, Exide Batteries, CCE Hydraulics, Player Wire Wheels and Limited Alloy Wheels, the event drew in spectators from the clammy climate. There was lots of glitter and glitz on cars from as far away as Canada and California, but the local rides had something to "say" as well.

With the contestants showing plenty of candy and chrome work, it was down to the judges to see who would merit an award for their efforts at the annual car contest. The team of judges started on Saturday evening on the cars that were already on full display, making sure to check every nook and cranny while tallying up score sheets. Alejandro Vega took the top Sweepstakes award for Best Car in Show with his '79 Chevy Monte Carlo.

Vendors row was busy with people crowding the many worthwhile booths, including one with the legendary Dazza. A staple in the lowrider world, Dazza has been around for year's Tour, greeting her many fans, young and old. Another popular stop on the row was South Park Mexican's spot; homeboy's CD and stuff was being scooped up by the local gente.

The other attraction besides all of the fine cars was the Lowrider stage was Tejano comedian-turned-rapper Chingo Bling, who warmed up the crowd with his set of music and moves. Then it was time to get busy with rap star Mack 10 and his crew. Mack and the boys drew everyone closer to the stage with their energetic set, with Mack 10 in control. Out of control was the infamous Bikini Contest as the ladies on stage bumped, grinded and sashayed across the stage for $500 bucks of winning dough.

So there you have it, sexy cars, rap stars and luscious ladies made for a great weekend in Portland. Even though it was a little gloomy, things did heat up a bit under the Expo Center roof. Adios!

Portland Winners list
Best Car
First            Alejandro Vega, '79 Chevy Monte Carlo
Second      Susie and Doug Vigil, '64 Chevy Impala SS
Third           David Gonzalez, '64 Chevy Impala SS

Best Truck
First            Steve Cates, '89 Mazda
Second      Eric Lofgren, '89 Mazda
Third           Jason White, Chevy El Camino

Best Bomb
First            Frank Sanchez, '50 Chevy Fleetline
Second      Jaime Esquivel, '37 Chevy
Third           Mario Mendoza, '48 Chevy Fleetline

Best Bomb Truck
First            Roy Atterboom, '55 Chevy
Second      Martha Graves, '51 Chevy
Third           Melanie King, '49 Chevy

Best Traditional
First            Brian Cairne, '63 Chevy Impala
Second      Bobby Mac, '61 Chevy Impala
Third           Sylvia & Robert Jiminez, '64 Chevy Impala SS

Best Original '69 & Below
First            Eric Wisterman, '63 Chevy Impala
Second      Scott King, '62 Chevy Impala
Third           Gary and Sofia Heflin, '50 Chevy coupe

Best Sub-Compact
First            Angel Edwards, '89 Honda Accord
Second      John Achten '96 Mitsubishi Eclipse
Third           David Corrento, '91 Honda Civic

Best Bicycle
First            Shaun Decae
Second      Mark Almguer
Third           Radel Llamas

Best Trike
First            Shayne Atterton
Second      Austin White
Third           Ryan Mills

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