Rain dampens car show, postponed to later date

Heavy rain flooded the American Memorial Park last Sunday night, forcing the hand of organizers to postpone the 6th Annual Car Show Import Night, which was winding down when the clouds opened up.

The car show has been put off until further notice, with organizers hoping to continue with a bikini show, live entertainment from Sam Joyner and his crew, and the much-awaited announcement of winners sometime in the next couple of weeks.

Despite the unfortunate turn of events, organizers have found a way to continue on with the judging of the cars. According to a staff of Power 99, the judging for the winners is actually almost done. “We only have about a couple of cars to judge.”

Jamie Smithee, Guaranteed Car Club member, said his car would be judged today in the Cabrera building parking area. “They [judges] told me to bring my car to Power 99 on Tuesday so that they can judge my car. Then in three weeks they will have the show and we’ll find out who won,” he said.

“I like to thank Willy Duenas, Paul Guerrero, and Alex Victorio, and my wife [Sayoka Oikawa] for coming to the show to support me and the Guaranteed Car Club,” he added.

Being his first time to join, Guaranteed Car Club member Ranel Calixterio said he did not expect the show to be cancelled. “Even though it was rainy and stuff, a lot of people were there. The cars were all parked and the music was playing, I guess the only problem was with the flood,” he said.

“I wished they would chose a place with better lighting and where it doesn’t get flooded when it rains,” Calixterio added.

Though the show had to end early for many, it was the preparation that made it seem long and suspenseful. “It took me about a week and a half to prepare. I had to go to the shop for a touch up. One of my main sponsors was SVS Auto Shop in Susupe, they helped me with the paint and bodywork, but overall I spent around $8,000 on my car,” said Smithee.

Calixterio, on the other hand, enjoyed his time preparing for the show. “Preparing for the car show was fun. I could say I spent a little to a grand for speakers, players, and under lighting glow,” he said.

On hand to support Calixterio was Jennifer Mostales, wife of last year’s import night winner Joey Mostales. “I went to support my brother. Also, my husband won second place from last year’s car show. He left for the military so I went to the show to take pictures of it to send to him,” she said. “But when I got there, everyone was just leaving, because they said it was cancelled until later,” she added.

The show focused on the hottest female ride, hottest extreme imports, best two-door and four-door rides, and best in show.

Vehicles are judged according to creativity, body modification, interior and exterior creativity, and engine.

The 6th Annual Car Show Import Night was sponsored by Verizon, Saipan Cell, and Shell Marianas. (Cassie DLG Fejeran)