I've got these old car show flyers that read, "First Annual Import Showoff, $2 off admission with this pass." They're kind of dusty and slightly worn. The picture on the front is of a slightly modified 300ZX, obviously old school, and the back tells about what kind of categories are available. The tape that binds these fliers to the wall has lost a bit of its adhesion but, like Showoff, is still there. Who would have thought then that Import Showoff would ever expand to what it is today: one of the most acclaimed series of import events in the country. I don't think any of us could have anticipated all of this.
Nineteen ninety-eight was a remarkable year that gave us ideas which three years ago, when Showoff started, would have been considered impossible. Hybrid lighting equipment (MR2/Supra taillights on every car imaginable), custom body work (fender flares, air scoops/vents, and so on), and even a right-hand conversion (Team Kosoku's zesty-colored Integra) have all been done. If you've ever thought about doing any of these mods to your own car, then you're just a wee bit late. Wrapping up Showoff Tour '98 was the EXC finals, which brought together the best of the best to compete for the ultimate bragging rights. Previous winners ranging from the Golden Gates of the Bay to the diehards of the hometown, Southern Cali, were all there for a classic Travolta/Cage face-off-style competition.
It was good to see the vets of the scene who added even more trick components to their glamour. Some didn't even bother. It was what they had originally done that had given them their claim to fame. I mean, if it ain't broke, why fix it? Drag racing kings Abel Ibarra and Stephan Papadakis brought out their race-ready powerhouses that not only amazed us by blowing away the competition on the show circuit, but will most likely set new records for this race season. Phat-ass SSR Neos sitting tucked on Marc Fata's Mugen-emulated CRX and Lanny Higa's 10-second full interior Civic were on hand in the Mainstream Productions booth showing off the best in high-performance engineering.
The hottest car clubs in the Southland were also present to try to claim the Team Showoff trophy, but in the end, Team Wizdom would be the one to cry victory.
Each Showoff also brings new trends, and EXC was no exception. One of the most impressive was a Skyline GTR taillight conversion on an Accord from Team Kosen, which was installed so cleanly that it looks like it came straight from the factory.
The list of vendors, like Honda Optional Equipment, continues to grow for each show, offering technical support and product displays for those interested in making their cars look or perform like the pros. Race-inspired clothing is also a fast-growing trend, and Pacific Rim was there to make sure you'll look snappy on race day with its Winter '98 collection. To make sure that all these companies got your attention, a bevy of beauties was enlisted to introduce current vehicle projects and to make sure you left happy after visiting their booth. Mainstream's own Linda O'Neil and IDRC's Joy Nakagawa made sure that EXC flourished all day. Sure kept us happy, at least.
So where does Import Showoff go from here? Well, keep your eyes open, because Mainstream Productions has already confirmed its dates for the Showoff Tour '99, with stops in Northern Cali and the grand appearance on the East Coast set for New York. Get your creative minds rollin' 'cause Mainstream is on the move, and you'd better be ready when it hits. For more information on Import Showoff, call Mainstream Productions at 310/782-0500.
Once again, here are some of the zany outtakes from Import Showoff EXC brought to you by FNG Jonathan and RJ de Vera. Strange as it sounds, there's yet another female admirer lusting after the Emp and not the rest of the gang.