What’s up everyone! Happy New Year! It’s always great to start the New Year off with fresh new resolutions. The ordinary individual always has their list of things they want to see happen throughout the upcoming year. The wonderful thing of the Mini Truckin’ mentality is that we don’t think of “I’ll get rid of this beer gut I’ve acquired”, or better yet paying off those bills from the last paint job. The Mini Truckers usually start off with “I WILL lay rockers by May” or the classic “I will throw a shower of sparks in front of the Ramada at Showfest this year… law or not!!!” So whatever your resolution may be for the year of 2004, the Gauge staff and I plan to make it a year to remember. So out with the old and in with the new, let’s get this New Year started off right!

Appearing on the cover this month is Curtis Marsh representing Kaotic Kustoms in his 1994 Chevy S-10. Ever since Curtis got his drivers license the only thought that crossed his mind was to have one phat rollin’ dime. The eye piercing Hot Lime Green paint that engulfs this clean machine goes far from unseen at some of the hottest events in the mid west and now the west. After the SEMA show we took a long road trip through the desert to pull off this impressive cover vehicle feature.

To top off the setting, we had the pleasure of hooking up with the gorgeous January Gauge Girl; Awesome Decals Model, Jamie Owens. We were able to catch up with Jamie at the SEMA Show this past November. See how Jamie seduces the camera in the sands of Nevada.

Freelance Photographer Eric Stiles starts this year off by hooking up with the crew from Positive Force. Their event was held at the Devry Parking lot in Chicago, IL on July 29, 2003. For more details on this event visit, www.postiveforce-cc.net

Next we hang out with the J Body Photographers Erod and Jason Hanysh to cover the 2003 J Body Bash. The 6th Annual event was held at the Gateway International Raceway in St. Louis, MO on the weekend of July 31 - August 2nd 2003. For registration and directions for next year, visit www.bash.j-body.org

Freelance Photographer Jason Denny made the trip to Denton, TX to spend a weekend with the boys from Explicit Concepts, to host Toppin’ it all off 2K3. The 2nd Annual event was held at the University of Northern Texas on the weekend of July 11-13 2003. For more information visit www.toppinitalloff.com

Freelance Photographer John Jackson headed down to Myrtle Beach, SC to experience the Bash at the Beach. The event was held at the Colonial Mall on the weekend of August 23-24 2003. To make sure you don’t miss this event next year, check out www.show-n-shine.com

You are able to view the talent of Photographer Dianne Diamond while she covered the Spring Bling show Hosted by Vertigo Cars. This impressive event was held at the Renegades Night Club, in West Palm Beach, FL on June 1, 2003. To see what the folks over at Vertigo have going on visit them at www.vertigocc.com

Last but definitely not least, we roll with Freelance Photographer Smalls to the Xlr8shen Showoff 2003. The event was held in Norcross, GA at the North Atlanta Trade Center, on June 21, 2003. For more information on this event visit www.xlr8shen.com

Now that we’ve got your fix on event coverage; check out the starting line up of vehicle features for 2004. We begin with Tracey Shaw with his “Rollin Topless” 1989 Chevy Full Size. Freelance Photographer Michael McGill tracked down Tracey at ITB Indy this past August; this is a topless feature you don’t want to miss.

I had the chance to meet Chris Garrett representing Innovative Trenz at NOPI in Bristol, TN this past July. We were able to capture the immaculate stance of his 1995 Honda Civic. With the help from friends and family, they created this clean machine in just 3 years time.

Until next month keep your heads up and at least one frame rail on the ground! Peace!
BIG WOOD
bigwood@gaugemagazine.com