The Central California haven of Merced, CA., served as the perfect backdrop for an incredible Lowrider show; the city’s third annual Merced Custom Auto Show, held back in August 2011 in Yosemite Lake. As they have in the previous three years, Flaco, Cimmaron, and Gabe organized this incredible event. This year, the trio added the promotional talents of Manuel Corbala, owner of “Strictly Business” to assist in making the event a success. The UC Merced chapter of Mecha also lent a hand by working the admissions gate on the day of the show. Budweiser, Universal Recycling, Bob’s Auto Paint and Equipment, and Pete’s Auto Body were the top sponsors for this year’s event.
A portion of the profits from the event went to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. “We’ve chosen Relay for Life as our charity of choice for the second straight year,” says Flaco of Flaco’s Customs, emphasizing his gratitude for the show’s support.
This year’s show attracted over three thousand people and three hundred show vehicles from the Central Valley and Bay Area. Some of the car clubs on hand and supporting the event included Carnales Unidos, Sangre Latina, Low Creations, Traffic, Brown Percussion, Impalas, Nokturnal, Elite, Skanless, Suavecito, Tradicional, USO, Estilo, Luxurious, Primacy and other solo riders. To the amazement of many, the former Editor of Lowrider Magazine, Alberto Lopez, decided to stop by the show. “Alberto and I are really good friends and it was good to see him here,” says Manuel Corbala with a smile. Manuel also had his Lowrider of the Year “Strictly Business” on display. Chris Roark of Sacramento brought out his show stopping ’58 to the show for a third time as well. Other jaw dropping vehicles included “Loco Lincoln,” “Legalized ’65,” “Bright Lights Big City” and “Black Widow.”
For general event entertainment, a group named the Hit and Run Band from Merced County was on hand playing classic rock and oldies music for the crowd. This year’s hot body/bikini contest was a huge hit as well with a lot more girls getting involved and participating. All in all, this was an incredible day of fun for Lowrider enthusiasts in Central California, and we can be rest assured knowing that a fourth annual show is already in the works.