Like most successful events, the Big Show began with a simple idea: variety. Using the premise that too much of a good thing is just right, several active automotive enthusiasts decided on a four-in-one approach. They wanted the show to grow into the biggest event in the area and realized that, to be successful, they had to provide something for everyone.
Starting with the basics, the team welcomed competitors the day of the event, directing them to four separate parking areas reserved for trucks, imports, lowriders, and bikes. That meant you could park with and inspect your favorite collection closely, then just a short walk away, you could see what the other groups were doing. Do you dislike drive-through judging or prefer to not hang around all day waiting for the judges to show up? With more than 40 years of show experience between the staff members, they knew that some drivers with elaborate displays like to be judged in-place, while others prefer to drive through when the lines are short. At the Big Show, the choice was yours, thanks to the talented crew from the North Carolina and Virginia chapters of Twisted Concepts.
Contests during the weekend show included all the standard events we're used to, along with several new levels of excitement. One of the first differences was Virginia Motorsport Park's sanctioned quarter-mile drag strip. Opening at 10:30 Saturday morning for test and tune, it was a treat for spectators and also an opportunity to try out your show car. In between races, the motorcycle stunt riders from Team X-Treem impressed the fans with their two-wheeled prowess.
Moving from the track to the display area, the spectators enjoyed the Big Show's slow cruise. Drivers circled the show area to the delight of the crowd, while the girls riding inside and dancing in the beds got a chance to add to their bead collection. As darkness fell, teams of body-draggin' sparkers streaked down the dragstrip, competing to see who could send out the most entertaining shower of fire for the crowd. A late-night neon contest was a brief interlude of quiet before the real spectator adventures began. The bikini contest occurred on the main stage with a dozen of the South's hottest ladies looking to capture the trophy and cash.
The wet T-shirt contest followed with a local fire truck acting as the girls' limousine; a thoughtful precaution necessary to cool off the crowd after all the excitement. The late-night party at the campgrounds continued the fun until dawn. Sunday's action included morning grudge matches on the dragstrip, freestyle burnouts, and a Guinness Book of World Records attempt with 19 vehicles simultaneously making smoke in the Burnout Contest. Hydraulic and air dancing contests maintained the nonstop action. Those not worn out from all the afternoon excitement headed to the awards ceremony where hundreds of drivers took home gold, along with great memories of the Big Show weekend.