Fontana's 1st Car Show

Well known for its casino and water park, this year Fontana decided to try something a little different and run a major car show. So, after little pre-event hype, Fontana’s first Auto Show took place on May 15-16 and was voted a resounding success by the thousands of visitors who flocked in to view more than 80 ‘best ride’ car participants from all over the Philippines.

Vehicles and their prize classes ranged from out-and-out race cars (such as AngelesXtra’s own V8 Muscle Classic ‘Novacain’), through vintage, classic, heavy graphic, customized and mind (and ear) blowing ‘nightclubs on wheels’.

The Cars were not the only attraction, visitors had much to see with the vehicle eye candy set against marching bands, model dances and wet t-shirt clad girly car washes, evening live entertainment, a host of food booths – and of course beer tents from San Miguel (a major sponsor) - the event turned out to be Angeles’ best and most attended car show ever.

The shows major award winners were: Best in Show 1st – Alexis Alejandrino, 2nd – Choy Hizon, 3rd – Ron Polter. Best in Sounds: 1st Gerald David, 2nd – Lito Israel, 3rd – Ian Lloyd Lacsamana. Running late into the second night, the huge awards ceremony included so many categories we are unable to list them all, (and despite seven attempts and many promises, Fontana event organizers couldn't seem able to provide the full list), but congratulations to every winner and hope you enjoy your bragging rights.

We are happy to report that our own car nuts from Angeles Hot Rod Association (AHRA), also did well. Fielding three entrants; Ron Polter with his classic 69 Camaro,  Ken Kepner with his 67 Race Mustang ‘Wild Thing’, and Tom Mewes with his Angeles Xtra sponsored, 73 Race Chevy Nova, ‘Novacain’ AHRA members ended the event with a total of eight prizes, including 3rd Best In Show, Best Classic Car, Best Heavy Modification Car, andall Race Car trophies. 

The only sour note from this event – one we pointed out to the organizers and sincerely hope is rectified next year - is that as paying participants we felt we were treated rather shabbily and virtually ignored once our entrant money was paid. Even after going to Fontana days in advance to ensure we had all the facts correct, we were given incorrect information; from the time we had to bring the car in at show start, to the route we were suppose to use, the location and facilities we would be given, security and event timings (after living in the Philippines many years we expected times to slip by an hour or so, but averaging 2 to 5 hours behind schedules is a bit much!).  

All in all, a great event for the visitors, but as participants we would need much better support if we are even to consider entering next year’s event.

Able Ads, publishers of Angeles Xtra wish to thank everyone for their help in making this event possible – and personally express our thanks to all the guys of Ken Kepner Racecraft who’s efforts have not only given us a fantastic 830HP race car for this year, but also made ‘Novacain’ pretty enough to stand out at a major car show.