Event Coverage | AutoCon 2011 (Pt. I)

December 12, 2011

Night Import: Photography and Words by William Lee

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How should I start this..I have so many things to say about this event, but need to keep it as simple as possible so that I don't lose fans and kill the excitement I've been gradually building up for the wait on this coverage.
First off, I want to give mad props to my guys Justin and Nate for their effort and time to create this amazing event. I don't even clearly remember when I met Justin, but as we were talking throughout the months, I realized he was a humble guy and had a clear mind of how he wanted the automotive scene to go. His huge success on hosting AutoCon last year continued on this year and as expected, it was overwhelming. The same props go to Nate as well. He's been an awesome guy since he approached me regarding a major event he was a part of last year, and consistently was a help with all the curiosities I had in the scene. Once again, great job by these two guys and if you do have some time to give some feedback, make sure to visit AutoCon's homepage and e-mail them. I'm sure they're expecting something from those who participated, so it would be great to give them more ideas about the event or just your overall experience.

Now, to talk about my experience at AutoCon this year, let's just say I have to place AutoCon in my Top 3 Car Shows of 2011. This event was more than a typical car show. It was not all about bringing your modified car, park, show it, and get an award if you won. Nor was it a time to only walk around and take photos of cars and models and leave like every other event, complaining about the parking and entrance fees, and the ridiculous food prices. The meaning of "AutoCon" pretty much explains everything; Automotive Connection. Actually, I have to say it was both an Automotive and Lifestyle event. AutoCon was created to bring the whole automotive community together at one place and enjoy what we all truly loved. It was about talking with your friends and family or even better, making new friends through cars. You also can't forget about the collaboration with Toys for Tots and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to help those who are in need. While covering the event and looking around like I always do at events, the vibe I felt at AutoCon was different and rather pleasing. I knew the whole purpose of AutoCon and I have to say that purpose was met. I usually see the same cars at every car show or the ones that were built to only show at major ones, but AutoCon brought out almost everything. Although there were ones that I've seen numerous times, some new ones and fully built cars such as the ones from Auto Concept Elite, Heavy Hitters, etc. came out to support this event. The photos I'm about to share with you guys will lead to a better a storyline than my words. Do know that this coverage will be separated in parts, so make sure to come back later on or read the updates I make through my fanpage.

Special Coverage | In Loving Memory - Benefit Car Meet (Pt. II)

July 28, 2011

Night-Import: Photography and Words by William Lee

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Continuing on with this special coverage, I want to give a shout out to our supporters JDM Sport for making this meet happen at their facility. It's more about people than the cars this company cares about, which is why they have a positive reputation in this community today. Once again, 'thank you' and make sure to check out their fanpage.

I left off by introducing Wright Wheels and a few show cars, so let's get back on track.

Special Coverage | In Loving Memory - Benefit Car Meet (Pt. I)

July 26, 2011

Night-Import: Photography and Words by William Lee
Low N Slow Charity-99
Being in the automotive scene for a year now, I've been through situations that were positive and negative. From seeing people acting immaturely to witnessing fist fights at meets and events every moment became memorable. One of the most depressing news though is to hear a close friend or someone you don't really know of too well but seen a few times at local meets, passing away from an incident.
A close friend of Tracy's from team Low N Slow, Aleron Castro rested in peace about a month ago because of a medical problem that wasn't announced. I've personally met Aleron a week or so before this happened and couldn't believe the news. He was an automotive enthusiast and had the passion for cars like all of us.

What's really appreciative about this scene is to see people collaborating to help out a cause and that's what happened last week for the meet put together by Tracy and his teammates Low N Slow for Aleron and his family.

Special Coverage | VIP Modular Wheels x Team Praxis Japan Relief Gathering (Pt. II)

June 29, 2011

Night-Import: Photography and Words by William Lee

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Continuing on from Part 1, I'll be going over the rest of the showcase lot and some other detailed photos. As mentioned previously, the purpose of this meet was to donate canned foods and money to the victims in Japan. The booth you guys see is where all the donated goods were handed in.

Special Coverage | VIP Modular Wheels x Team Praxis Japan Relief Gathering (Pt. I)

June 28, 2011

Night-Import: Photography and Words by William Lee

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Although it's been months since Japan was hit by a massive earthquake, the country is still in its stage of reconstruction and many victims are still homeless. Here in Southern California, there have been several charity events to help raise money for Japan, such as Sideway Sundays, Krispy Kreme Donut Meet, and Rebuilding Japan meet in Little Tokyo. Events/meets for such causes are still happening and this month, our supporters VIP Modular Wheels collaborated with Team Praxis to host a charity event at VIP Modular's HQ.

Special Coverage | -Suds of Love- Charity Car Wash (Pt. I)

June 26, 2011

Night-Import: Photography and Words by William Lee

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This charity event with models was more than just models in bikinis washing cars, but to support an icon in the automotive scene, Big Abe. Most of you guys should know Big Abe by his appearance at various events with a wheel around his neck. Couple of weeks ago, an unfortunate news was shared by Big Abe about his new born daughter leaving earth and now, resting in a better place. It was a shocking news to many of us who knows Big Abe and since then, his friends wanted to help him out in any way, which is why this charity event was held for the funeral cost and other things related to his daughter. I haven't known Big Abe for a long time, but since the first time I met this guy, he was always welcoming me as a good friend, and I had to make it out to this event to support.

Special Coverage | Encore - An Automotive Charity Shindig

June 6, 2011

Night-Import: Photography and Words by William Lee

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It's not a surprise anymore to go onto facebook and get notifications on upcoming events. I've pretty much set my whole schedule up for all the major and minor meets/events and one meet that was marked on my calender was yesterday's meet called Encore at Five Axis HQ hosted by Scion Evolution. This meet is a charity event to raise funds and awareness for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). I didn't have time to attend last year's meet, but according to some friends, I heard it was a meet not to miss out on, so after a local meet at Van Nuys, CA, I headed directly to Huntington Beach, CA to see what was in for a surprise.