By Kaitlyn Hodgins
Rain did not stop car lovers on Saturday, July 9 as more than 120 cars entered the monthly Premium Productions Car Show at The Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel.
Young and old alike gathered to display their hard work as they polished and primed their stock, modified, street cars and trucks.
“I’ve washed and waxed this baby twice since I’ve been here,” said Mike Davis of his 2012 Ford Mustang GT.
“Honestly, the rain did discourage me from taking her out, but she’s only two weeks old and so fun to drive it was just too hard to say no,” Davis explained when asked about bringing his car out in the rain.
With scattered thunderstorms scheduled all afternoon for the Pasco County area, Premium Productions judges Judy Pariseau and Carole Halbrook said they were surprised they had such a great turn out.
“Usually the rain discourages owners from brining out their prized cars, not today though,” Pariseau said. “Maybe because there is no entrance fee for today’s show, we usually charge to enter, but today is free in celebration of the holiday that has just past.”
Contestants came from as far as Vermont and California and as close to right around the corner to enter the show, eager to receive one of the 10 Best of Show awards and the 60 other trophies handed out.
Cars ranging from a 1926 Packard with original plates to a two-week-old 2012 Mustang were judged on the “clean and shine of their interior and exterior, including the engine compartments,” according to Halbrook.
Ten Best of Show awards went to various categories, including a 1949 Mercury convertible belonging to Roger Landig, Best of Stock Overall to a 2003 Corvette Stock ZO6 belonging to Luis Santiago and Best of Show to Mike Davis’ 2012 Ford Mustang GT.
“A lot of work goes into getting her ready for shows,” Santiago said. “It takes about eight hours of prep work and cleaning just for one show, but it is so worth it.”
Premium Productions will hold its next monthly car show back at Wiregrass on Saturday, August 6. Visit www.premiumcarshows.com for more information.
