Participants display cars despite rising gas prices

The sounds of car stereos were in the air yesterday as custom cars from the surrounding area competed in the 11th annual Super Custom Car outside student recreational center.

“We called it the Super Custom Car Show so that it combined different types of vehicles,” said Gilbert Rodriguez, director of the event. “I was most impressed with the hot rod and street rods this year. I think that the weather and gas prices were the reason for the turnout but I still think it’s turned into a great event this year.”

The categories in which cars could be entered to compete were: antique, classic, and corvette which could be from any year as well as many others.

“I found the car show when I was looking surfing the internet,” said Lawrence Liable of Waverly. “The car I entered is a 1969 Z28 Camaro. Just like the show I found it on the internet and bought it. I took it all apart and put it all back together. It’s what you would call a nuts and bolts restoration job. It’s made to look identical to if it was 1969 now. I choose the black and red because those were the cars original colors. I chose classic car’s because those are the cars I grew up with. I like their style and horsepower. Working on them, well it’s like going back to your childhood.”

The awards included 1st, 2nd and 3rd place trophies along with free t-shirts for each participant. The ESU President Best of Show won a two-foot trophy with $100 cash prize. There was also a trophy for each car that presented the best hydraulic dance, paint, paint graphics, interior, best display and best club participation.

“I went to car shows for a few years,” said Jim Benton of Wichita. “Then I decided to buy my own car. I got this one from Indiana and it’s taken me four years to get it in this kind of condition. I did the two-tone with purple and white because I just like the colors. I chose to use a Casper/ghost theme because I thought it was something that kids coming to the show would enjoy and something that parents could connect with. My favorite part is watching people enjoy the car. This exact car has been in a Spangles commercial and has been featured in three issues of National Hot Rod magazine.”

At the event there was also karate being performed by the ESU Karate club in conjunction with Topeka Midwest Martial Arts, along with performances by senior business major Geneva Anders, who sang the National Anthem, the 91st Battalion, 635th Armor and Alyssa George, Miss Kansas.

“I think it’s great that we have so much variety,” George said. “I’m enjoying the karate, singers and looking at all of the cars. I’ve been in contact with Gilbert and thought this would be a good event to come to and support.”