Upstarts to contend "Best of Show" Award at Trans Sport Show 2004

Trans Sport Show 2004, the country’s biggest annual motoring event is all set to unfold on April 21-25, at the Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall B, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City.

Organized by TradeShow International, Inc. (TSI), the events Open Class Car Competition for Japanese imports will be hotly contested again. Most cars entered in the Japanese category are heavily modified for show and go, very similar to the cars featured in the movie, "The Fast and the Furious". Holding reign in the Japanese class are three young upstarts who have been making strong waves in the local car show scene namely: Andy Cheng of AC Motorsport, Atoy Llave of A. Toy Body Kits and Derrick Choi of DC Autosport.

These three young bloods are getting ready for their initiation into the big-time. This year, each one of them will try to wrestle the much-coveted Trans Sport Show Cup Open Class Competition "Best of Show" award and have their name permanently etched on the perpetual trophy alongside some of the most notable winners of this most prestigious honor. It is a very steep climb but through perseverance and hard work, one of them may pull it off and take home all the marbles.

Andy Cheng has been around the local motoring scene for more than 12 years. His motor shop, AC Motorsports has been a consistent winner in the Japanese category all throughout its history and lately, Cheng has ventured his expertise in European cars and SUVs. He was also one of the pioneers in the design and manufacture of aero body kits for most popular local and imported cars. Cheng’s entry last year, a 1994 Mercedes Benz C220 won 1st place in the European Modified category. He is also one of the pioneers in the design and manufacture of aero body kits for most popular local/imported cars and SUVs.

Atoy Llave of A. Toy Body kits had his humble beginnings painting and modifying cars for friends. His first ventures into the local car show scene were not too encouraging. Through perseverance and hard work, Llave has now made a name for himself as a top rated restorer and customizer of Japanese and European cars. He also established his own brand of locally made aero body kits, which are now being imported to the United States. Last year, his 2002 Honda Civic entry won the Reserve Best of Show, Best Japanese modified and Best body kit awards.

Derick Choi of DC Autosport, early in his career, was joining the car shows more for the exposure and commercial aspect than for the glory of winning. Tired of receiving unfavorable comments from show visitors and fellow competitors, Choi took up the challenge and in no time, he was basking in the limelight courtesy of several major awards for his car entries including "Best of Show for Custom Cars" at the 2002 Sport Truck & Custom Car Show. One of his entries last year, a 1989 Mercedes Benz 260E Lorinser won one of the most coveted awards, that of "Best in Paint".

On it’s 13th year, Trans Sport Show 2004’s theme is all about the famous cars from Italy. As such the organizers will put on display, several exotic cars from Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Alfa Romeo and Lancia. Several automotive related companies have also signed as corporate exhibitors for the show. Visitors can expect al the latest in car accessories, wheels, tires, exhaust systems, engine and suspension upgrades, car care products, audio/video equipment and services under one roof. The show will also have several seminars to be conducted by experts in the field of car repair and maintenance, auto detailing and cleaning, car restoration and motor sports.

The show is sponsored by Ambi-Pur, Lexber Holiday International, EXO Armoring Corp., Skystar, Yehey, Infodyne Inc., Autoindustrya, C! Magazine, Today, Business World, Vantage Consulting & Solutions, Inc., Citibank, 105.1 Crossover, Jam 88.3, Magic 89.9, 99.5 RT, Wave 89.1 and 103.5 K-lite. For inquiries, call the Secretariat at 671-8381 or 671-8382.