The Purist’s Standard: Import Showoff Pomona 1999
Date: May 29, 1999
Location: Pomona Fairplex, Pomona, California
Producer: Mainstream Productions (Ken Miyoshi)
On May 29, 1999, the import tuning community converged at the Pomona Fairplex for Import Showoff, an event produced by Ken Miyoshi’s Mainstream Productions. While Vision Entertainment (Hot Import Nights) was capturing the lifestyle and nightlife demographic, Import Showoff maintained a reputation as the “competitor’s show”—a venue where build quality, engineering, and JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) authenticity took precedence over theatrics.
The “Showoff” Ethos
Unlike the rave-inspired atmosphere of competing circuits, Import Showoff focused on technical execution. The event at Pomona utilized the venue’s massive exhibition halls but retained a brightly lit, sterile environment that allowed for rigorous judging.
- The “Drive-Up” Stage: A signature element of Mainstream Productions was the live judging stage. Competitors drove their vehicles onto a raised platform to be interviewed by the MC, allowing the crowd to hear the engine and see the car in motion. This format favored functional builds over non-running “trailer queens.”
- Judging Criteria: The scoring system at Showoff was notoriously strict, rewarding “Clean” styling and rare parts over the “Wild” body kits that were popular at contemporary Autorama events.
Automotive Trends: The Si and the Swap
The May 1999 event occurred just months after the release of the 1999 Honda Civic Si (EM1), the first DOHC VTEC Civic sold in the US.
- The EM1 Explosion: The Pomona show floor saw the first wave of modified Electron Blue Pearl Civic Si coupes. Builders were quick to modify the new B16A2 platform, often adding bolt-on turbo kits from GReddy or Drag Generation, marking the beginning of the “Si” era in tuning.
- JDM Conversions: This event solidified the trend of “Face Swaps.” The “JDM Integra Type R” front-end conversion (featuring long, one-piece headlights rather than the US-spec round “bug eyes”) was the gold standard for Acura builders.
- Wheel Choice: The era of chrome wheels was beginning to fade among purists. The Pomona show saw a high density of Volk Racing TE37s and Racing Hart CP-035s, emphasizing a shift toward lightweight, track-inspired aesthetics.
The Battle of the Crews
Pomona served as neutral ground for Southern California’s most prominent car crews to compete for the coveted “Best Team” trophy.
- Team Hybrid: Continuing their dominance from earlier in the year, Team Hybrid displayed a massive lineup. Their builds in mid-1999 were characterized by a unified presentation, often featuring matching graphics and extensive in-car multimedia setups.
- Team Macross and Team Hokori: These crews represented the “performance” side of the spectrum, fielding cars that often doubled as weekend track warriors. Their presence reinforced the “Form follows Function” philosophy that Import Showoff championed.
Legacy of the Event
The May 29, 1999 show at Pomona is significant for reinforcing the divide in the scene between “Lifestyle” shows (HIN) and “Competition” shows (Showoff). By prioritizing JDM authenticity and mechanical function in a historic venue like the Pomona Fairplex, Mainstream Productions preserved the core values of the tuning subculture just as it was about to explode into the commercial mainstream.
