Happy New Year everyone! The cold days of winter have set in and the days are back where your ride has become your own personnel snow plow. It can get a little interesting in a mini when trying to tackle over 10 inches of snow and leaving your traveling schedule limited. But now that the New Year is upon us the 2005 Gauge Magazine Lifestyle Tour is strapping up for one hell of a ride and paving the way to some of the hottest events in the world.

The indoor show season is now in full swing for 23 straight weekends of jaw dropping excitement. The Lifestyle Tour will be making several stops throughout the mid west capturing the immaculate creations of some of the top builders in the world. Gauge Magazine.com will have a 'Lifestyle Hall' at the Indianapolis World of Wheels at the Indiana State Fairgrounds on the weekend of February 4-6 2004. Championship Auto Shows is currently accepting applications to be apart of the Gauge Magazine Lifestyle Hall to enjoy the non stop entertainment and eye candy throughout the weekend. To register your vehicle and fill out an entry form, visit http://www.autorama.com/casi/indianpolis_entryinfo.htm.

On the cover this month we bring you Jeff Gregory representing Drop Mob in his 1999 Grand Am. I first met Jeff and his crew in 2003 at the Southeastern Mini Truckin' and Car Nationals in Bristol, TN, when this cover vehicle was primed out and in the beginning stages of its impressive build up. With the finished product already built in Jeff's imagination, his project had come to life within 18 months of determination and patience. The extensive fiberglass work and attention to detail definitely brings a touch of eloquence to this one of a kind ride!

We added our own final touches to Jeff's ride with the gorgeous January Gauge Girl Rebecca Smart. I was able to hook up with Rebecca after she was crowned Miss Southern Showdown this past July in Louisville, KY. Throughout the summer Rebecca hits some of the hottest events in the Midwest to compete in the ever popular Bikini contests. Be sure not to miss Rebecca's stunning Gauge Girl Feature layout!

To start off this month's event coverage we check in with Freelance Photographer Scott Powers at Relaxed Atmosphere's All Star Event. The event was held at the USA Stadium in Millington, TN on the weekend of September 4-5 2004. While hosting their 1st annual event the crew over at Relaxed Atmosphere turned out one impressive showing for the Labor Day weekend. For more information on next years event check out www.relaxed-atmosphere.com.

Next up, we take a ride with Freelance Photographer Smalls to the "Lowest show on the East Coast", that's right Sr8pFest 2004. The ever popular event hosted by "Club of the Year" Pebble Pushers was held at Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium in Kannapolis, NC on the weekend of September 24-26 2004. As always the 7th annual event turned out to be a great success pulling in some of the hottest vehicles to cruise the East Coast. For dates or directions for next years event check out www.pebblepushers.com.

Last but not least we visit Freelance Photographer Jason Swinford in his home town of Tampa, FL for Slamfest. The 13th Annual event hosted by Mini Madness was held at the Florida State Fairgrounds on the weekend of October 1-3 2004. For years this event has prevailed as one of the hottest events to attend and due to popular demand Slamfest will be held at the Fairgrounds for yet another amazing year! For extended coverage or more information, check out www.minimadness.com.

We have an impressive line up of feature vehicles for you this month. First we start off with Rod Reprogle in his 1953 Torch Red Ford F-100. Freelance Photographer Smalls had the pleasure of meeting up with Rod at the Mini Truck Nationals held in Pigeon Forge, TN this past July. Rod being no stranger to the automotive scene, his long list of historic vehicles goes as far back as a 1929 Ford Model A. Rod purchased "Old Red" in May of 2003 and has competed in some of the most prestigious events showing off the clean custom look of his cruiser.

Next for our feature vehicles is Justin Walters representing IV Ever Low in his 1992 Silverado. I had the chance to meet with Justin at the Scrapin' the Coast event that was held this past June in Biloxi, MS. We were able to give this spark throwing "Tribalade" a perfect background setting of the Biloxi coast line at the Ken Combs Pier. Its Escalade front end sets off the aggressive stance of Justin's long awaited creation. With help from Justin's father he was able to take his very first vehicle and turn it into his very first custom vehicle in 6 months time.

To wrap up our feature vehicles for this month, we have Chris Starr representing Relaxed Atmosphere in his 1986 Mazda B-2000. I was able to catch up with Chris at Slammin & Jammin this past May in Lebanon, TN, to get a closer look at his eye piercing masterpiece. During the 2 Years it took to complete his project, Chris hooked up with his boys Eric & Matt at Kustom Werks to lay the intensive ground work before it received its finishing touches. With the help and steady hand of Dustin Haven at Kolor Kreations they were able to set off this immaculate show stopper.

As usual, if you have any questions or comments please do not hesitate to contact me!

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