How long has this show been around?The Supernationals Auto Show is entering its 25th anniversary this year. It originated after long time auto show producer Daryl Starbird left thepAlbuquerque market in the early ‘90s. Matt Torres and his business partner Joe Welby started a show in 1992 called the Desert States Rod & Custom Show which tested the waters and found success. In 1993, they invited Reggie Tibbetts to join their team and the show was remodeled as The Custom Automotive Supernationals. Joe Welby left for other ventures and Reggie and Matt continued the tradition of the event. Over time they heard others nickname the show, “The Supernationals,” so they shortened the name. How did it grow into what it is now?Reggie and Matt who in combination have over 40 years experience with auto events have built the show into a nationally recognized event. The event showcases a strong variety of sponsors and commercial vendors and has become the place to be for local and national businesses. What can I find at the show?The event brings in the most current feature vehicles from the front covers of national car magazines along with the top touring national show cars each year. What’s the theme this year?This year’s show motto is “The Weird, The Wild and The Different.” Our features top the charts with some of the greatest vehicles ever to come to Albuquerque. Anything particularly special?There are cars coming in to include “Mr. Fusion," a 30’ long tubular hot rod that was featured at Burning Man. The vehicle has a stainless steel center from a fusion machine. The top show car in the nation, “Imposter,” a 1965 Impala that was built by the Chip Foose team that went on to win the Detroit Ridler award at the Detroit Autorama, will also be in attendence. The heavily modified Impala was built on a late model Corvette chassis. There will be several wild mechanical masterpieces such as “Equadoline,” a ‘60s Econoline truck with four blown hemi engines and a ‘39 Plymouth truck with a ‘60s radial engine. Will there be any special guests?There will be star cars and celebrities at the show this year to include the Fonz, Henry Winkler, Al Unser and Al Jr from Indy Racing fame and the GTO from Vin Diesel’s XXX, as well as over 200 of the nation’s wild custom rides. What makes this show important to Albuquerque?The show has become a strong family tradition in Albuquerque and has a charity focus as well. Each year TNT Promotions Inc. works with the Ronald McDonald House charities as well as each of the McDonald’s restaurant owners to place “FREE” children’s tickets in each of the McDonalds restaurants, so every child in Albuquerque can attend the event. A donation from each returned ticket as well as a silent auction collects a sizable donation for the Ronald McDonald House each year. Anything else car lovers should know?It is always a challenge to top the last year’s event, however this year will be the biggest and best year ever as we celebrate our 25th anniversary!How do I get tickets?Tickets for the Supernationals are available at the gate: $15.50 for adults; $4.50 for children 6-12, under 6 free. Or advance adult tickets available at all NAPA Auto Parts Stores where you can save $2.50 per ticket. Get your free children’s tickets at all Albuquerque and surrounding area McDonalds to support the Ronald McDonald House Charities. The Supernationals hot line is 505-332-7111.
Business Profile: 25Th Anniversary 2016 Supernationals
Over 250 Of The Nation’s Wildest Custom Carsjan. 29, 30, 31, 2016
Alibi
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4 min read
