2004 Import Night draws a big crowd

By CASSIE DLG FEJERAN
Special to the Saipan Tribune

The deep-throated vroom-vroom-vroom of exotic cars throbbed across the expansive parking lot of PriceCostco as the seven participants in the competition category showed off their customized vehicles during Saipan’s 2004 Import Night Car Show.

The car show drew hundreds of spectators, all gawking at the expensive hardware on display. The parking lot of Price Costco and Hollywood Theaters, as well as the vacant lots within the areas, were packed with the cars of all those who went to see the show. A very brief drizzle late in the evening failed to dampen anyone’s spirits, as people milled around the latest and hottest rides on the island, each checking out the modified engines, the flawless paint jobs, and the bells and whistles that made each of the cars on display unique.

The show focused on the hottest female ride, hottest extreme imports, best two-door and four-door ride, and best in show. Vehicles were judged according to creativity, body modification, interior and exterior creativity, and engine.

With his customized Nissan 240 SX, Rowell Aranda topped first place in the advance category. Kevin Ada garnered second place, while Foster Dela Cruz came in third place.

The extreme category gave Sang Kim the first place spot, enabling him to also take home the five-foot trophy for best in show. Maria Fleming received second place in this category, while Jamie Smithee’s 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage took third place.

“First and foremost, special thanks to my main sponsors SVS auto shop and all those that supported me. It was a hard competition but it turned out well for everybody. I’m looking forward to next year,” said Smithee.

Though the competition was fierce, Betty Cabrera received the title for the hottest female ride.

“All the winners got prizes courtesy of Triple J, SaipanCell, and 3A’s polyshine,” said Power 99 staff Leonard Morales.

The event also included a bikini show that featured several women from Club Taboo modeling the latest fashion in swimwear from Toninos. Joining the girls on stage was Sam Joyner to provide live music, as the bikini models strutted their stuff.

To liven up the crowd, the crew from Power 99 brought on stage seven participants for the “Spicy Spam Eating Contest.” Each player was given five cans of Spam to eat in a matter of minutes.

Jack Pangelinan came in first place, receiving a Verizon prepaid phone as his prize. Following him was second placer Patrick Rodeo, while Leah Igrobay and Jay Domingo tied for third place.

The Import Night was sponsored by Verizon, SaipanCell, Shell Marianas, 3A’s Polyshine, Triple J, Joeten Motors, Papaya, Marianas Visitors Authority, Carnots Airconditioning, D&Q Saipan, Black Tiger Security System, Price Costco, Dengshi Auto Clinic, and Toninos.