What’s up everyone! From Hot Rods to ground-scraping trucks the 2004 Gauge Magazine Lifestyle Tour has taken us through the wild twist and turns of time and technology. The history of the Hot Rods is intriguing enough, but just the thought of years idolizing the originators has made our hobby what it is today. Though the mentalities and lifestyles are on opposite ends of the spectrum, it all comes down to the creativity which makes this sport so unique. Throughout the years the infection of the custom bug has spread thick through the hearts of young and old enthusiasts across the world. The ultimate goal in building a vehicle is accomplishing difference, which will continue the hype for many years to come.

On the cover this month we bring you Zack Stevens representing Kaotic Kustoms with his 1992 Honda Accord Ex. With its eye pleasing paint scheme and sleek stance, Zack’s Accord has no problem in drawing an eager crowd. I was able to catch up with Zack at the Slammin’ & Jammin’ show in Lebanon, TN this past May, and walked away with one clean cover feature.

We added the final touches to Zack’s ride with the beautiful July Gauge Girl Felicia Basham. I had the pleasure of meeting Felicia after she was crowned Miss Slammin’ & Jammin’ this past May. Come enjoy the country atmosphere with one gorgeous southern girl in Felicia’s Gauge Girl Feature.

We start off this month’s event coverage with Photographer John Jackson in Chillicothe, OH for the Cruisefest Nationals. The ever popular event flooded the Ross County Fairgrounds on the weekend of May 14-16 2004. Let Darrell Uzzel and crew take you through “The Zoo” for a time you will never forget! For more information on next year’s event, contact the staff at www.cruisefestnationals.net.

Next up photographers Smalls, Scott Powers, and I mounted up to take on the 11th Annual Slammin' & Jammin’ show in Lebanon, TN. The event was held at the James E. Ward Agricultural Center on the weekend of May 28-30 2004. The streets of Lebanon filled up with some of the hottest vehicles from the midwest to witness Charlie Cobble and crew work their magic. For more information on next years event or the Southeastern Mini Truckin’ and Sport Compact Nationals in Nashville, TN, check out www.autoshows.cc.

Moving right along, we spend a weekend with Photographer John Jackson at the Slamsession Supershow held in Greenville, NC. The show was presented by Animated Attractions at the Pitt County Fairgrounds on the weekend of April 23-25 2004.For more information on next year’s event, check out www.animatedattractionscc.com.

Photographer John Jackson and I set out to cover ITB held in Salem, OH at the Quaker City Dragway. This impressive event was presented by Special Events and hosted by Properly Grounded Car club on the weekend of May 22-23 2004. To check out final standings for this event or the schedule for ITB Indy, check out www.importandtruckbash.com.

We have another stunning collection of feature vehicles for you this month. We start off with Chas Massey representing Relaxed Atmosphere in his 1992 Toyota Pickup. Chas has been in the custom scene since he was legally able to drive, and paved the way for his masterpiece…Got Unibody? Photographer Michael McGill captured this one of a kind Toyota while at the Spring Fling show in Panama City Beach, FL this past March. Be sure to catch up with Chas to check out the recent additions he has made to his ride over the season.

Next up we bring you Doug McCauley representing Twisted Koncepts in his 2001 Chevy S-10. Photographer John Jackson had the pleasure of capturing the fresh look of Doug’s impressive display of attention to detail. A few hours of work every night and 6 months later this immaculate dime transformed into rolling “Twisted Circus”. With its vibrant lime paint and a full circus graphic scene it’s enough to keep you busy for hours… taking notes!

Last but not least, I got the chance to meet Jery Gonzales representing Vertically Challenged in his 2000 Ford Excursion. Jery being no stranger to the custom world didn’t waste any time in taking his “Maximum Truck” to new heights within 2 months time. With a frame you could eat off of and a suspension to dream of this monster is ready to take on any challenge in its way!

Gauge Magazine
Lifestyle Tour:

This month we start off the Gauge Magazine Lifestyle Tour with the true hardcore Mini Truckers show…
the Southeastern Mini Truckin’ and Sport Compact Nationals. I’ll have the pleasure of scouring the show grounds of the Nashville Superspeedway in Nashville, TN on the weekend of July 2-4 2004. The show will be brought to you by Godfather Customs and hosted by Autoshows.cc. For more information or directions, check out www.autoshows.cc.

On the same weekend Photographers Smalls and John Jackson will be heading up the 15th Annual Drop-Em-Wear Mini Truck Nationals in Pigeon Forge, TN. The show has been relocated out to the Sevier County Fairgrounds which has freed up enough room for over a thousand vehicles. With a Sound Competition, Neon Contest, and Hooters becoming a Co sponsor providing real Hooters girls at the show… how could you go wrong? For more information, visit www.classycreations.net.

On the 3rd stop of the tour the Gauge staff and I will be rolling into Greenwood, IN for the German Park Car and Truck Show and Musical Festival. Lowered Horizons presents there 3rd annual event on July 17th 2004, come spend a day at the park with a live concert from 5pm -10pm. For more information or direction to the event, check out www.LHshow.com for more details.

On the following weekend the Gauge staff and I will be heading south to cover the Southern Showdown in Louisville. The 5th Annual event is presented by Cool Cars and will be held at the Bullitt County Fairgrounds on the weekend of July 24 & 25 2004. Come watch the high flying hydraulic contest and spend your night life with live entertainment from local artists. For more detailed information, check out www.coolcars.org.

The last stop for the month of July leaves us dragging into Richmond, VA for the East Coast Nationals Car & Truck Show with Photographers Smalls and John Jackson. The event sponsored by Area 51 Customs, will be held at the Richmond International Raceway on the weekend of July 30 – August 1st 2004. If you’re more comfortable with your ride height being at totally grounded, come leave your mark on the drag strip for the drag & spark contest. To register your vehicle for this ever popular event, check out www.Eastcoastnationals.com.