Reactor 2016
Earlier this year, we hosted our second car show. This time the show was partnered with Anime Matsuri, Texas’ largest anime convention. Anime Matsuri has been running for a while now, and each year there’s a car show combined with the con previously called Import Reactor. Since we were hosting it this year, and changing up some of the things for the show, the name was changed to simply ‘Reactor.’
We had a little bit more time planning wise than our first year, but when it’s time for the show, there’s always something that can change your plans. Like car trouble and traffic which Andrew and I encountered on the way to George R. Brown convention center here in Houston. He ended up getting out of the car and running to the convention to help our other staff that were already there helping with roll in.
After I finally got there, I helped and made sure everything was going as smoothly as possible. Afterwards I headed back to my Veloster to slap on the rest of the decals that were missing due to procrastination. This was the debut of my ‘Naturo’ graphics, which due to rushing the install only stayed for a month or so. I love comics and anime, so being able to tie in both not just for my ride but the show as well was great. I am kind of a nerd at times. I even asked a few cosplayers to stand next to my ride for some photos.
Soon the doors opened to start the show. Anime and car enthusiasts started pouring in to check out the rides. You were greeted with Itasha style rides as soon as you walked in, which was a great tie in to the Anime convention filling up the rest of the convention center. I found myself running around a lot during the show and keeping an eye out for our “Auto Lounge” area, this was an area of modified rides in which we keep open so spectators to take a seat inside for photos or just to get behind the steering wheel.
The previous year was just a display of cars without the competition aspect of a car show. This year we added a few awards for those participating in the show. We had a few guest from the con coming over to hand out awards. Special guest Brian Tee from “Fast & Furious: Tokyo Drift” made in appearance in the show and spent some of his time check out all the rides. As many would guess, he favored the Nissan Z’s that were here. He had a difficult time choosing his favorite but ended up selecting Haley’s 370z as his favorite and giving her an award. We also had DJ Elle Morgan, Mayday Garage’s John Peterson, Stella Chuu, Catherine Lewis, and Vampy giving out their choice awards. Unfortunately due to their busy schedules with the con, we were not able to get them on stage to present the awards.
Not only could you find some very nice modified rides in the hall, we also had some vendors and our cosplay/model lounge. The day flew by fast for myself, before I knew it ending time was approaching. I grabbed my camera and started to snap photos. I was able to get most of the rides, but as I came to the last rows some of the rides were already leaving the hall. Even with the few speed bumps we had with the show, I quite enjoyed it.
You can see more coverage from staff photographer Andrew with his post.
Let us know what you thought, comment below!
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