By AMY DAVIS
Moapa Valley Progress
Mesquite gaming, the Casablanca Resort and the Virgin River Resort sponsored the 12th annual Mesquite Motor Mania event that brought thousands of car enthusiasts to Mesquite last weekend, Jan. 17-20. This event was on schedule to be their largest ever with more than 900 cars involved.
The family-friendly event, which was free to the public, included music, vendor booths, food, drinks, roaring engines, slow-drag competitions and $15,000 in cash drawing prizes to car show participants.
Spectators were treated to a view of the outside and inside of vintage, classic, rat rods, race cars and much more. Guests were encouraged to vote for their favorite cars as an award show on Sunday would recognize a people’s choice award along with the 260 other awards given out.
There was a general air of excitement throughout the event.
“My favorite part is that this is a car show for all levels of car lovers,” said Christian Adderson, Corporate Sales Manager for Mesquite Gaming. “People get to come and see what is under the hood in their favorite cars. We hold a parade and burn-out competitions and it makes for a really great time. This event gets bigger and better every year.”
Becky Sylvester, a female racer also known as “the Rattler,” drives a 573 Big Block Chevy with 36 inch tires.
“This is our first time at Motor Mania and it is so much fun,” Sylvester said. “I love talking to people and letting the little kids sit in my car.”
Sylvester’s car reaches speeds of 220 mph.
“My favorite thing about racing is the adrenaline rush; and kicking boys butts,” she said.
Car show participant Ken Prescott said that what makes the event so fun is “the uniqueness of all the cars on display.”
“Plus, the people that you meet at these events are really decent people,” he added. “They look at your car, see what you have done with it and they respect the work.”
Prescott displayed his very rare four-door 1956 Ford Fairlane Hard Top, no post. The four door 56 Fairlane was only manufactured for half a year.
Participant William Pearce knows all about the work that goes into restoring a car. He completely gutted his 1961 Chevrolet Lakewood 700 Corvair, not once, but twice.
“You gotta find something to invest your time on,” Pearce said. “I quit drinking, locked myself in my garage, and started in on my car. I basically turned something that I love, into my full-time job.”
Adderson thanked everyone involved with the event.“We are so grateful to everyone who made this event possible; especially our volunteers,” he said. “A big thank you to every single volunteer, Mesquite Gaming, the resorts and the police department for making this possible and for keeping everyone safe while attending the event.”
A few results from Sunday’s Award Show:
People’s Choice Award- Pete and Sandy Ashlock from Apple Valley, Calif.- 1958 Chevy Bel Air
Participant’s Pick- Ray Nelson from Las Vegas- 1932 Ford
Best of Show Pick- Raymond Northway from Taylorsville, Utah- 1956 Chevy Nomad- $3000