THOUSANDS ATTEND NGEN CAR SHOW, JAMES PADUA WINS BEST OF SHOW

Upper Tumon (GU) — Nissan Guam saw its largest turnout to date for the annual Nissan Generation (NGEN) Car Show & Festival on Saturday at its dealership in Upper Tumon, according to new General Manager Journey Beltran.

“The attendance was incredible, and we are so grateful to everyone who came out to enjoy the event,” said Beltran.  “We love sharing the Nissan brand legacy with the island, and seeing how much people enjoy coming together to celebrate all things Nissan, Datsun and INFINITI.”

The car show featured more than 65 vehicles on display, ranging from coupes, 4-doors, trucks and SUVs, with owners competing for the top spot in six categories.  Car show entrants taking top honors were:

• Best Coupe: Justin Rosario, 1999 R34
• Best Pristine: Rowell Santos, 1993 Silvia S13
• Best Modified: Jayson De Guzman, 2013 370Z
• Best Truck: Neil Pineda, 1990 Sunny
• Best 4-Door: Jay Johnson, 2010 Xterra
• Best Of Show – James Padua 2000 Silvia Variettax

Kyle Nicolas was the overall champion in the Gran Turismo time trials, with a winning time just under 58 seconds, and Jose Denina was crowned the NGEN Ramen Eating Contest champion, besting 11 other contestants.

Perhaps the highlight of many attendees NGEN experience was the drifting exhibition, led by local three-time drifting champion Von Burrell, and many attendees welcomed the opportunity to hop in the drift car for a ride-along experience.

“We look forward to this event all year, as there are so few opportunities to showcase our skilled drifting drivers in the community,” said Burrell.  “Special thanks to fellow season drift champions Karl Dumasig and Jasper Leong for also bringing out their drift cars and helping attendees to feel the rush firsthand. They are the guys that I trust and know that can push the limits with me to put on a show for everyone!”

Other event festivities included a die-cast car trade show, remote-control drifting demonstration by Drift Hub, local apparel and merch vendors, kids art station, and a live art demonstration by four local artists Joshua Barrigada, John Bermudes, Jules Birn and Seiji Endo.

“The live art component was a first for NGEN, with four artists painting throughout the event to craft a one-of-a-kind piece under the theme “All Things Japanese,” said General Sales Manager Tom Quiogue.  “The completed work was purchased by an anonymous buyer and gifted as a prize to our Best of Show award winner.”

Keeping event attendees fed and hydrated were local food vendors Lyn’s BBQ Stix, Matakos Food Truck, 50 Cal Zone, Sip N’ Dip and Hafaloha Shave Ice.

“With an event of this scale, we can’t do it without help from our partners and volunteers,” said Nissan Guam President & CEO Arnel Bonto. “We want to extend a special thanks to Smithbridge, Proferre Inc., 100db Audio, St. John’s School, East West Rental Center, Appliance Galleria, Nissiniti and Zociety car clubs, Asahi Beer, Fewture, 105GU, Autoworx, Goodyear, Stoney’s Mini Golf & Snack Shack, all our car show entrants, volunteers and employees whose hard work made this event a success!”

Nissan Motor Corp in Guam was established in 1988, and carries the full line of both Nissan and INFINITI vehicles, as well as a full after-sales support through their service and parts departments and rental car services.  For more information on Nissan Guam and the complete Nissan model lineup, visit the showroom at 1012 N. Marine Corps Drive in Upper Tumon or nissanguam.com .