San Francisco

The 2004 Lowrider Magazine Evolution Tour eventually found its way to Northern California late last Summer when San Francisco's Cow Palace played host to the final Golden State Tour stop of the year. The show was apparently worth the wait as Californians from north and south showed up to display their vehicles and show unity among the lowriding culture. Some were trying to qualify for the upcoming Tour grand finale Las Vegas Super Show, which made the competition in most of the classes more intense. The 2004 Tour was put on with the help of sponsors Quaker State, Nitto Tires, U.S. Army, Exide Batteries, CCE Hydraulics, Player Wire Wheels and Limited Alloy Wheels.

Saturday afternoon, the facility's parking lot was filled to capacity as everybody was trying to get in. Northern California clubs that showed up in force to represent the Bay Area included Frisco's Finest. The Oldies rolled in from near and far, as did Use, Impalas, New Style, Low Creations and EastSide of Fresno. From Southern California, Los Angeles C.C. rolled in to support the event.

Among the high-profile lowriders on display were the Truck of the Year, "Deep Impact," the '85 Chevy Blazer owned by Frank Silva of Outstanding C.C. and the Lowrider of the Year, "Orgullo Mexicano," the '70 Chevy Monte Carlo owned by Alejandro Vega. We also spotted Thomas "Whitey" Nielly's '38 Chevy from Classic Memories. The Bowtie Connection of San Pedro, California, brought in four of the cleanest originals to hit the streets. The support list was too long to keep track and by Saturday the facility was close to being sold out. As Sunday morning came around, the last of more than 500 lowriders rolled into the Cow Palace.

Rumor had it that Northern California's "Anaconda" was due to break out one more time to try and regain the prestigious Lowrider of the Year title for NorCal. The vehicle did show up on Sunday morning but after the gates had closed, thereby missing out on a good show. As some of the competitors said, better luck next year.

Once the gates were opened, people filled the venue to check out 500 of California's best. The steady crowd of thousands that rolled in and out throughout the day kept the halls packed with spectators enjoying the custom vehicles. There was a steady surge of people filtering through the five or so halls filled with cars, bikes and women.

This year's San Francisco show was one of the strongest shows of the year and many of the creme de la creme were on hand to make sure that they were seen. Performing center stage was the "Mexican Tamale" Chingo Bling, plus NB Ridaz and closing out the show was the one and only Mack 10 showing them how the West Side rolls. Mack 10 rolled through his hits along with those of the West Side Connection and had the Cow Palace crowd swaying to the beat.

Those who missed out on the Frisco show missed one of the best Tour shows of the year. If this show is any indication, the Super Show in Vegas should be one of the biggest in Lowrider history.

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