When someone mentions the word paradise, there comes a whole flood of mental images that bombard your brain. For some, the images are white sand beaches, palm trees, and pink drinks, while others imagine hanging out with their friends amongst rows of laid-out trucks, soaking up the sun. When Mike Saenz of Xzibit Wheels sat back and envisioned paradise, simply put, he saw all of the above. Of course, it makes it a little easier to come up with Mike's version when you live and work on the island of Maui, 'bagging and body-dropping the island's truck population.
The goal for 2004's Hawaiian Isles Autofest debut was to not only bring out local trucks from Maui, but also from the surrounding Hawaiian islands, using cargo boats to transport them between the islands. With a turnout of more than 175 vehicles from all the islands, it's safe to say this year's goal was achieved. According to Mike, "The main goal for the show is to see trucks from the mainland shipped out to Maui for the ultimate vacation. Imagine cruising and railing your truck around the island during the week and then showing your truck on the weekend. It's a vacation you would never forget."
When the gates opened to the Keopuolani Park, a long line of trucks that ranged from 'bagged S-10s to lifted Fords waited for their turn to park inside the event. Crowds, lit up with anticipation, milled around the front gates like they were in a Mervyn's commercial about to chant "open, open, open." From the time the Xzibit guys finally did open it, up until they closed later that evening, there was a constant line of people in front of the venue, most of which consisted of spectators who hadn't seen a show this large in their little niche of the Pacific.
Just as the sun began to dip down over the watery horizon, the bikini contest was kicked into gear. A trio of hosts, including Jay-J from Wild 105.5 as well as the beautiful Xzibit spokesmodels, Alexia Lei and Eydie Ann, brought the bikini-clad cuties out on stage. When all was said and done, Becky Goods was crowned as the judges' favorite and walked away with a $1,000 cash prize.
The second installment of the Hawaiian Isles Autofest is scheduled to kick off again in August 2005. For more information on the show, including how you can get your truck over to Maui, contact Mike and Xzibit wheels at (808) 244-7799, or point your internet hacker box to www.xzibitwheels.com.
Battle of the Ba'dunk-a-dunks
Seven beautiful women answered the casting call for Xzibit Wheels' new reality show entitled The Apprentass. Their first task was to get on stage and shake all the junk in their trunk. Instead of firing them, though, the executive decision was made to lay them off one by one. Becky Goods was eventually chosen to slide up the corporate ladder and take home a hefty cash prize.