This month, we thought that we would focus on the future of lowriding by spotlighting some of the younger switch-hitters on the scene. These "kids" already have better skills than many of us who have been hopping and dancing for a while. These competitors started off young, having been around the sport since being in strollers, and they will only get better with time and practice. They already make their cars hop up and down effortlessly, as if they were playing a video game; the timing, the control, these kids have it all down.
Owner: Tia "Yoohoo" Hanson
Vehicle: '89 Ford Festiva
City/State: Sugar Hill, GA
Tia Hanson, AKA "Yoohoo," is only 10 years old and has already jumped into the hydro game head first. As a female, she has already made the boys uncomfortable as she has spanked some of the competition with her '89 Ford Festiva. When the young car dancer learned all of the moves required about a year ago, she started off on low voltage, but was quick to have her dad turn up the juice. With 10 batteries and four pumps, it's mind-boggling how quickly she picked it up.
Did we mention that Tia also knows how to weld? Her dad has always allowed her to hang around his shop. We wonder if there's anything that this girl can't do (besides drive legally, although rumor has it that she's already learning how to drive). Our hats are off to you, Yoohoo, and we'll see you in Las Vegas as we know that you have already qualified for the Super Show.
Owner: Keith "Lil' Flip" Christensen
Vehicle: '86 Toyota truck
City/State: Summerville, SC
Keith Christensen, AKA "Lil' Flip," has been hanging around his dad's shop, and it was only a matter of time before he wanted to be just like his dad, Rodney Christensen. At the age of five, Lil' Flip is the youngest person that we know of to go into a hydraulic competition. How did Lil' Flip get his name? Well, at a car show, they let him hit the switches on the T&D radical hopper and he flipped it over on its side after just a few hits.
From 48 volts to high-current 84 volts, Lil' Flip has been practicing on the Hijacker-equipped Toyota. With 14 batteries and four Hijacker competition pumps, Lil' Flip gets the truck to do the moves. Rodney told us how his son picked up the basics, but when it's time to compete, he'd rather have Bryan Gillespie as his coach. Lil' Flip admits that he'll listen to Bryan and not his dad. That has to be a father and son thing, as they tend not to listen, even though it's for their own good. What's that saying, father knows best? So, keep listening, Lil' Flip, and you'll be around for a long time.
Owner: Tony Zuniga
Vehicle: '86 Ford Ranger
City/State: Orange, CA
Nine-year-old Tony Zuniga is not old enough to drive, but he's already made his presence known. Making his hopping debut at the San Bernardino, California, Lowrider Tour show, Tony proved that he could handle the pressure of the crowd. He probably owes this to playing baseball, as he's used to crowds looking at him while performing. Tony told his hydraulic coach Mike Villagrana, "It's just a bigger field and a bigger crowd. I can handle it."
Mike told us how Tony quickly picked up hitting the switch in the street and how the tough crowd was surprised that the youngster could hop the truck as well as he did. The three-pump setup in the Ranger is powered by eight 31-series batteries. With only one pump to the nose, Tony makes it look like child's play, and his rhythm will only get better with practice and time. Tony, you better keep practicing on that Lowrider video game.
Owner: Nathan Morales
Vehicle: '83 Chevy S-10
City/State: Selma, CA
Nathan Morales of Northern California is 13 years old and has been on the hydraulic circuit for about three years. Nathan was one of the first kids to get into the sport. Nathan and his dad, Sebastian, have hit most of the shows up in Northern California, putting it down for Pro-Hopper Hydraulics, who were quick to sponsor the young talent.
With the legal driving age in California at 16, it'll be a few more years before we see Nathan on the boulevard. Until then, keep on lowriding, Nathan, and keep up the good work in school. A solid education will help you land a well-paying job, which will help fund your hydro hobby.