Event Coverage | SEMA 2014

November 17, 2014

Night Import: Photography by Seijin Dootson | Words by William Lee


DSC_0272

How long has it been since I actually logged in and updated my blog? .... I have no idea .... I am truly sorry for all my NI fans. It's not the lack of interest in the car scene guys. I've been hearing from all my friends about the car scene and I always try to keep myself updated by checking out other car blogs. If I have to make another excuse like every blog post I write, I don't shoot anymore and pretty dam busy with my job. O well... but HEY! I'm back again! Let's jump right into what I have to show you guys today.

If you are a fan of my blog, you know that every year, I post up a coverage on SEMA. It's either me going there and covering it alone or sending my guys. Unfortunately for this year, my guys and I couldn't make it :/ So I had to look through my facebook friends/groups/etc. to see who would contribute their work for my blog. Luckily, I came across UCI's facebook group and saw a photo posted by Seijin Dootson. He gladly accepted my request and sent a few photos yesterday for my blog to share with you guys.

The first car you see up there is one of my favorite cars, the Mazda RX-7 FD. It kinda sucks to know that the FD doesn't get much recognition like the old days, but I still love it and will be one of my favorites until I die. What you see is a bit different from other modified FDs you've seen at car shows/events. The widebody is the popular Rocket Bunny kit with a wheel I have never seen by Enkei, the Enkei92. The color combo is a love at first sight kind of feeling.

Event Coverage | SEMA 2011 (Pt. IV)

November 7, 2011

Night Import: Photography and Words by William Lee

SEMA-305
It's been 3 days since I came back from Vegas, but the excitement and fun I had during this past week is still running inside me as if the event was still going on. I'm not trying to over-exaggerate myself because those who did go and had a good time know what I'm talking about. Of course the parties I attended at night were amazing, but SEMA itself was really worth my time and I have to say, the best Vegas trip I've ever been to! Random people I met, cars I've never seen before, and talk about the FOOD! I learned my lesson last year not to go to cheap buffets because not will you only taste the nastiest food ever with horrible choices, but it will haunt you for a year. Even though its a week staying at Vegas where food prices are ridiculously high, you have to go to the right ones and probably go once or twice during SEMA week. Well...if you're rich and have enough money to spend, then this shouldn't be a problem (^_^). Anyways, getting back to the subject, this coverage will be my last (ㅜㅜ) and will cover North Hall and some sections I missed at South and Central Hall. There are a few more random things I want to share at the end, so you'll see them too as you read along. I was debating which photo to use for cover, and realizing how I carelessly decided to ignore models and shoot cars, I posted a photo of Hankook model Kim Ha Eun from Korea I shared with you guys in my Part 3 coverage.

Event Coverage | SEMA 2011 (Pt. III)

November 6, 2011

Night Import: Photography and Words by William Lee

SEMA-318
I'm still exhausted! Walking for 4 days straight wasn't fun at all and the workout with lack of sleep is finally getting back to me. I got back home yesterday at around 12pm and knocked out for about 5 hours and slept again at 10pm and was sleeping till 9am today. One part I really regret during my week at SEMA was not staying a bit longer on Saturday because all of my friends who showcased their cars at SEMA were out of the Convention Center, which meant I had an opportunity to do a group photoshoot. Too much partying and lack of sleep was probably the reason why I totally forgot about this (-_-;)ㄱ Anyways, after waking up and clearing my mind, I was editing rest of the photos and now, finished writing my Part 3 coverage on SEMA. Today's part will be covering South Hall where all the Tire/Wheel/Accesory companies were located.
I decided to start it off with one of the cars I was looking forward to see; 911 RAUH Welt-BEGRIFF (RWB). This specific car belongs to Mark Arcenal from Fatlace and was built by the master himself, Nakai san. I was actually standing here for an hour or so because I heard Nakai san was present and I wanted to take a photo with him. Yeap~ I'm a fan of his work and meeting him would've been a great honor. He didn't show up, but looking at his work in person was a thrilling experience.

Event Coverage: Las Vegas 360 Car Show

November 12, 2010

Night-Import: Photography by Jay Peña

IMG_0880

SEMA was not the only event happening 2 weeks ago. There was Fatlace's WWW meet on Thursday and on Saturday, a major car event called 360. Domestics to Imports, 300+ cars came to support the event, which is obviously a great turn out.
Our photographer, Jay Peña, was able to attend this event after going through a tough week with SEMA. People who showed their cars at SEMA and many spectators stayed an extra day at Vegas only to attend this show and I was waiting to see the pictures for this event. Great job Jay!

Event Coverage: 2010 SEMA @ Las Vegas (Part V-Final)

November 9, 2010

Night-Import: Photography by William Lee

IMG_5716
Welcome back guys! Hope everyone enjoyed the AutoFashion's VIP Festival coverage.
Such events like SEMA and AF happen once a year so I try my best to do a full coverage and to make you guys feel as if you were there rather than posting random photos and writing nonsense.
Well today's SEMA coverage part 5 will be our final and I'll be showing you some new places within the center and everyones favorite, photos of models.

The model you see at the top was stationed at Giovanna wheels. No one was paying attention to the cars when the model was posing. You can see the group of gentlemen talking to each other but their eyes looking at something else.

Event Coverage: 2010 SEMA @ Las Vegas (Part IV)

November 8, 2010

Night-Import: Photography by William Lee

IMG_5379

This weekend was pretty busy with events and should be an overall good coverage for you guys to check out. But before I start on a different topic and daily features, I want to finish off the SEMA coverages, which I think today will be the 2nd to the last one.
Some of you guys might prefer just checking out the pictures, but because blogspot doesn't have the option of setting galleries like wordpress, etc., please bare with us until we change our server to a more organized and professional layout.

If you've never been to SEMA, there is always a special guest or you sometimes see a random celebrity walking around. And of course, known people like Hip-Hop DJ Flunkmaster Flex recording for a show. For some reason, I encountered all the famous guys and girls at the Ford booth.

Event Coverage: 2010 SEMA @ Las Vegas (Part III)

November 6, 2010

Night-Import: Photography by William Lee

IMG_5386

Back with the SEMA coverage and now, part 3.
If you guys remember part 2, it was a tour around South Hall, the Wheel & Accessories section.
Today, we'll be checking out a part of North Hall and mostly the Central Hall.
The two girls at the top were pretty spicy~ They seemed a bit irritated with all these guys taking photos of them, but once the camera was up, these girls were in action.
Reminds me of those photos from car shows in Japan with models in front of a car.

Event Coverage: 2010 SEMA @ Las Vegas (Part II)

November 5, 2010

Night-Import: Photography by William Lee

IMG_5618
As much as I want to share every single photo with some descriptions for you guys, it took me awhile to write part 2. Huge events like SEMA is overwhelmed with people and exotic high-end cars that you usually don't see too often unless you live in a rich area. I'll definitely try my best to be accurate..if not, Big Abe, wearing the VIP Modular 24k face plate necklace, will beat me up! :D
Abe's a popular guy in the automotive world because he always has a wheel over his neck at events and this time, he went to SEMA to promote SMARTWAX and VIP Modular Wheels.

Event Coverage: Findlay Carshow @ Las Vegas

November 3, 2010

Night-Import: Photography by Jay Peña

IMG_0146

Las Vegas is not only filled with casinos and rich people riding their Bentley's, but some sick and serious cars, stanced to heavily modified. Our photographer, Jay Peña, went to an Acura/Honda show called Findlay Carshow, which is held at a dealership and happens almost every year. There are couple of cars that have been featured on our site and should look familiar to you guys, such as the 2 s2k's and the Miata.

Event Coverage: 2010 SEMA @ Las Vegas (Part I)

November 2, 2010

IMG_5104

How's it going Night-Import fans!
It's been awhile since I did an event coverage, but finally, here's one that all of you guys should like and probably Night-Import will be the first site to show a small part of SEMA for today.
The event officially started today at 9am and ended around 6pm. This was my first time ever going to SEMA and knowing it's the biggest automotive event in the U.S., I was excited to see the sickest automobiles around the world. Walking for more than 10 hours, I met some awesome people, talked with some Representatives at booths, and took 500+ photos, but today will be a short but awesome coverage.
I was planning to only do a full car-related SEMA coverage, but want to share the travel of how everything went from the beginning to the mid day of SEMA.

Spotlight: Meister status s2k

September 25, 2010

_ANP0281

Continuation from the hellaflush cars that came all the way from Las Vegas, this is the last ride coverage, a s2k, owned by Jon Palomata.
Talk about quality in this car; Rotora BBK and Work Meisters.
Like the 2 cars I did a coverage on, Phil's S2k and Kev's Miata, this car is LOWWWWWWW.
Still amazed when I see this s2k along with his friends rides.

Spotlight: LV s2k Exclusive

September 22, 2010

_ANP0228

I'm pretty sure you've seen this car if you're into the stance scene.
The owner of this s2k is Phil and he came all the way from Las Vegas for a photoshoot and to chill with his friends.
I first met Phil @ Formula D in Vegas. His car was STUNNING!
After getting his info and talking to him for a bit, I found out he was Stance of the Month for Stance:Nation.
All the stance related blogs or any blogs should feature Phil's ride because it's definitely one of the sickest s2k's out there today.

Event Coverage: 'Formula D' & 'Fatlace 1of1' Coverage Part II

August 23, 2010

Night-Import: Photography by William Lee

Ok~ so the last part of the event.
I was tired as hell yesterday, and went to another meet after Vegas :/
Anyways, to continue on with the event...

FD -120

Displayed at the Need for Speed booth. You guys see that Red Bull? Pretty tight!

FD -121

Rising Sun designed 'no idea' car. Loving the overall Red look.
I don't think he made it to the top 16, but still a sick looking car.

FD -122

Falken Tires VIP Lexus. Unusual to see a VIP'ed Lexus at a Falken's booth, so it was pretty new and caught a lot of attention.

FD -123

We can't forget about the models.
The girl at the left seemed pretty tired throughout the whole day. "Sucks to be in Vegas" kind of look.. :)

FD -124

There was a huge line just to get an autograph from these girls.
Probably the most active booth. Actually, i think they had the biggest booth after Dodge.

FD -125

They even had a DJ~!
Spin that shet~

FD -126

I just want to jack these when it is right in front of your eyes.

FD -128

Here are some cars by Falken that were used for drifting on that day.
I think this is a S15.

FD -129

I want those wheels!!!!!!!!!!

FD -130

FD -131

If i'm correct, 350z on WORK Emotions

FD -132

What is this...Corvette? Naw~ With a help of a friend, it's a RHD Saturn Sky owned by Darren Mcnamara.

FD -133

Drifting Mustang. There were 2 Mustangs that were on the Top 16. I think this one got first place. Not sure..but the other one placed 10th.

FD -136

Part of the drifting round, which was before the Top 16. I'm new to 'how to take drifting shots,' so go easy on me :)

Now going back to the booth to see what's new, I saw this..

FD -138

WTF??? U.S. Airforce's Mustang.
This is insane. If this car is really drivable, I wouldn't attempt to open the doors.
Maybe it's an arcade inside a car.

FD -139

I walk to the AEM booth and see this new Intake. Pretty darn awesome. The piping system is better than before and something with the separate ECU.

FD -141

If my car was a manual and into the turbo scene, I would definitely go with AEM gauges.

FD -142

Don't know much about clutches, but just took a pic. You manual guys know better than I do.

FD -144

To the NOS booth. People were lined up to get free drinks and to talk with the models. They even had a lounge-like place to chill.

FD -145

"Get ya own drink!"
and that little girl behind the model is stealing one. :D

FD -146

O yea..there was a RC drifting track and people were allowed to drift this little 350z. I might get one of these because they are AWESOME!

FD -147

Motegi Model..Cheese~~~~~~

So after checking out all the booths...for like...three times...
I head back to the track to see some drifting action

FD -148

FD -149

The place was already packed during sunset.
Heard the event was free, but it's hard to get people to come to these events because it's hot. Great turnout.

FD -156

FD -157

FD -160

1st and 2nd round between these two cars.

FD -164

FD -165

FD -166

Lexus and the RHD Saturn Sky.

FD -168

FD -169

Mean looking....

FD -176

This Mustang was drifting while its bumper was barely hanging. Good distraction.

FD -177

FD -179

FD -181

350Z in action!!!!!

FD -183

More and more people showed up.

After standing for about 2 hours, I head back to where my car was parked. I was with the Scion D-VIP group, and my car wasn't noticeable at all because I was stuck in the middle.

FD -185

FD -186

Good amount of people that showed up around 8~9pm.

Got bored again and headed back to the Fatlace 1of1 car show.

FD -187

FD -188

The lighting was nearly perfect. I loved the white light, which gave a good reflection to all the cars that were parked near the track.

FD -190

FD -192

By the way, did I even mention about the hood of this xB? Sticker bombed front lip with a chalkboard-like hood. That's all drawing guys, no stickers.

FD -194

FD -195

Good to see this car with the "Simply Clean" decal

FD -197

Looked even better at night.

FD -198

I should've edited a bit more with this picture because the bightness sucked, but the car looked pretty darn good. I think a color matched front lip would look 100x better.

FD -199

Mugen wheels are sexy.

FD -202

As usual, Neek's ride with guests and the LED's are now on.

FD -204

I want this.

FD -205

FD -206

I'm still trying to remember what wheels this car was rolling on...
Work Mesiters in 2 piece??

FD -210

Lexus SC with the Low N Slow crew. He's on some huge spacers, but it does the job.

FD -211

No comment.

FD -212

Orange G35.

FD -213

Very clean Integra.

FD -214

FD -215

I couldn't take my eyes off this Evo. I think it's because of the concave Volk Te37's.

FD -216

oooooooooooo shetttttt. Gram Light 57 Pros with neo-chrome lips. If this is the right guy, he went through soo many set of wheels, I can't even list them.

FD -219

FD -220

Team Hybrid with their clean engine bay like usual.

FD -221

I know VIP cars look sexy, but do they look sexier at night? I think they do.

FD -222

FD -223

Like x100!! Super Clean!

FD -224

Didn't get a chance to talk with this guy that much at the 240 meet, but he has an awesome car.

FD -226

Bimmer Mophia.

Time to head back to the booth and watch the Top 16 battle.

FD -228

Is that dude sitting on my car???

FD -230

o~ It's my car!
Something awesome happend though. The two guys who were organizing the Fatlace 1of1 came to the Scion D-VIP section and was looking for the owner of the tC you guys see right now, which is me :)
They hand me a hellaflush decal with a hellaflush sticker saying that my car looked sick and asked if I was going to the upcoming Longo show. It seems as if only certain individuals got those decals so I felt hella proud. Hellaflush FTW!!!!!!!

FD -235

By the way, there was a rock band performing throughout the event.

FD -238

Kirby's xB. Remember seeing this car in Part I? It's for sale guys!!!!

FD -239

He's the owner. lol.

FD -241

One of the xB's that has all the quality parts. Work Equips, Nardi, Yakima, etc. etc.
Awesome guy and car. He's one of the Scion guys that got a Hellaflush decal as well.

FD -242

Ok, so remember in Part I when I posted a picture of these 3 models that were hyped up? It was literally 5~6 hours after I took a photo of them and I lukily passed by and tried to take a sneak shot, but they caught the attention and did a pose. Good to see these girls being active and having fun, unlike others who look as if they are going to die.

FD -243

The guy at the left knew I was trying to take a pic of the models but he kept staring. lol.

FD -244

See???

FD -245

Drifter~~``

FD -246

Didn't see this girl earlier, but she was handing out some bags.

FD -248

Can you pose for the camera? Of course!

FD -249

FD -251

Before the Top 16, Ken Gushi and Tanner Foust were giving out autographs.
Gushi wasn't doing that well, so he placed 14th. Tanner Foust actually lost because it had to do something with the headlights. He did win the battle against his opponent..but...yea...

FD -252

Another group of models that were having fun.

FD -255

Time for the Finale!!!

FD -258

Tanner doing his thing like usual. Sucks that he didn't get the majority votes from the judges.

FD -262

FD -263

FD -264

Sorry that I didn't have any close up shots for the finale. I had to use the 50mm because it's the only one that performs pretty well at night.

FD -266

Here's a better one. Tire rubber was flying all around and the smoke was insane.

FD -267

I think it was this Mustang that got 1st place, not the other one I mentioned above.

FD -268

FD -270

Stay awake!! Time to do the stadium wave~~~~

FD -272

More action going on

FD -275

FD -278

Enkei RPF1's!

FD -280

FD -282

PF01's?

Anyways, it was about 12am and I decided to leave with a couple of people. Awards were suppose to be given out around 1am, but most of the contestants/participants left because the event lasted a longgg time and we had to stay in the sun for awhile.

FD -284

Saw the s15 so took a shot and left the scene with Kirby and the others.

Great turnout! For being my first Formula D event, I had a lot of fun. Got to meet new people and experienced how to survive in the sun :D
Looking forward to the next Fatlace 1of1 & Formula D event!
Hope you guys enjoyed the pics and my long talk~
Next event feature will be on Saturday or Sunday for Extreme Dimensions, which will be held on Saturday. Click on the image at the right for further details.
-