"In today's world, Chip Foose shaves door handles, lowers cars, puts on big wheels and nice paint," Joe goes on. "Wow, lowriders have been doing those things for years. Today, everyone rolls on 22- and 24-inch wheels. It's the same as when we used to roll with our 13- and 14-inch rims with 5.20s; it was to show off the rim. Hydros, airbags, the same thing; everyone imitates lowriders, but to duplicate is not easy. Battery stains, oil on your hands, tickets, the sun fading your paint, losing your family, divorce because of dedication..."
"Everyone claims a stake as to who had the first hydros and who sported the first 5.20s and 14-inch wire wheels," Joe relates. "Where did lowriding first originate? Well, in my eyes, all of those parts of history were very important, but I credit the guys and clubs from Boyle Heights through the East L.A. and Montebello area. They all took ideas and rolled with it-Gestapo, Sons of Soul, Latin Lords, Groupe, New Breed, New Wave, New Life, Klique, Orpheus and so on; they were the heart and soul of lowriding, and to me, that's where this all came from."
We asked Joe what he would change if he had to do it all over again. "Nothing," he replied. "I would leave everything the same, day by day, month by month, year by year." Even though Joe is humble and doesn't want to take the credit for all that he has accomplished, we can say that his influence has helped shape the industry in a big way over the past three decades. That's why this leader is being inducted into the Lowrider Hall of Fame.
Lifetime Contributor HonorRecognizing a community leader and/or activist dedicating time, resources and heart in contributing and/or investing directly back into the lowrider community.
In 1972, Nick Hernandez founded Taste of Latin Car Club in Odessa, Texas, but more significantly, began his cruise into lowrider history. At the club's peak, in the late '70s and early '80s, "Sabor" (as Nick refers to his club) consisted of 14 chapters throughout Texas. The club's reputation for its customized paint schemes, many refinished by Nick, became legendary throughout the Lone Star State. Among the club's fleet of vehicles was the most popular Texas lowrider in its day, Nick's own "Odessa's Masterpiece." Co-owned with his brother David, this '64 Chevy Impala was featured in many publications, including a LRM centerfold feature in 1980, and was recognized as the Best Lowrider of Texas in Texas Monthly's "Best of the Best" issue.
As civil rights activists, the club advocated unity and family programs for the barrio streets that they cruised. In 1995, Taste of Latin was inducted into the LRM Car Club Hall of Fame. The club's longevity and inspiration is directed to its founding leaders: Tony Garcia, Abel and David Leal, "Bola Negra" Hernandez and Nick. Four decades later, the Sabor tradition continues with its dedicated members, including Nick's sons Nick Jr., Anthony and the presiding president Augustine.
It was also in 1972, on Cinco de Mayo to be exact, that Nick, because of his role with Taste of Latin, promoted his first lowrider car show in Odessa. By the early '80s, Nick had continued his success in this field by promoting shows at a statewide level. At that time, many of the "show cars" in Texas were members of Sabor, and so, most of the shows displayed only the club's cars. They were the show circuit in Texas. These shows were not presented for Sabor to boast or brag. The focus was to motivate others to build lowriders and show proudly in a positive setting, unlike other auto show promoters who weren't too eager to have lowriders displayed.
In 1980, LRM's "El Larry" Gonzales and Johnny Lozoya formally launched Lowrider Magazine in Texas with a car show invitational held at the San Antonio Convention Center. The show displayed Taste of Latin and La Familia C.C.'s firme rides. The successful event initiated the magazine's distribution link into Texas, and continued with the support and representation by Nick and Ray Canales (LRM first Texas rep).
Throughout the decades, the Odessa show has witnessed various changes and names, but continues to be solely promoted by Nick Hernandez. From its humble beginnings in the southside barrio of Odessa to today's glittering showcases at the Ector County Coliseum, this event is considered among the best lowrider shows in the country. Many exhibitors, from throughout the U.S., participate in this Texas Championship finale. Past participants include such high-profile lowriders as "Gypsy Rose," "Loco '64" and "Orgullo Mexicano."
The Odessa show has also set the standard for up and coming Tejano musical artists, such as Selena, Kumbia Kings and La Mafia. Furthermore, Texas Tours has received much state and local recognition for its positive influence and charitable contributions in the Permian Basin area of Texas.
This November, Texas Tours will be presenting the 35th Annual Tejano Super Car Show in Odessa, which should be quite a celebration, and Nick will continue his lifetime of contributions to the Lowrider Movement. We're honored to recognize this proud Tejano.