Nissan Guam’s biggest car show to date packed the Upper Tumon dealership with thousands of auto enthusiasts, foodies, gamers and art lovers for a full day of festivities.

General Manager Journey Beltran notes that this was the event’s largest turnout to date.

The car show featured more than 65 vehicles on display, ranging from coupes, 4-doors, trucks and SUVs, with owners competing for the top spot in six categories.

Car show entrants taking top honors were:

Best Coupe: Justin Rosario, 1999 R34 Skyline GT-R
Best Pristine: Rowell Santos, 1993 Silvia Q’s S13
Best Modified: Jayson De Guzman, 2013 370Z
Best Truck: Neil Pineda, 1990 Sunny Hakosuka Truck
Best 4-Door: Jay Johnson, 2010 Xterra
Best Of Show: James Padua, 2000 Silvia Varietta S15

Kyle Nicolas was the overall champion in the Gran Turismo time trials, with a winning time just under 58 seconds, and Jose Denina was crowned the NGEN Ramen Eating Contest champion, besting 11 other contestants.

The highlight of many attendees' NGEN experience was the drifting exhibition, led by local three-time drifting champion Von Burrell. Many attendees welcomed the opportunity to hop in the drift car for a ride-along experience.

“We look forward to this event all year, as there are so few opportunities to showcase our skilled drifting drivers in the community,” said Burrell. “Special thanks to fellow season drift champions Karl Dumasig and Jasper Leong for also bringing out their drift cars and helping attendees to feel the rush firsthand. They are the guys that I trust and know that can push the limits with me to put on a show for everyone!”

Other event festivities included a die-cast car trade show, remote-control drifting demonstration by Drift Hub, local apparel and merch vendors, kids art station, and a live art demonstration by four local artists Joshua Barrigada, John Bermudes, Jules Birn and Seiji Endo.

“The live art component was a first for NGEN, with four artists painting throughout the event to craft a one-of-a-kind piece under the theme “All Things Japanese,” said General Sales Manager Tom Quiogue. “The completed work was purchased by an anonymous buyer and gifted as a prize to our Best of Show award winner.”

Keeping event attendees fed and hydrated were local food vendors Lyn’s BBQ Stix, Matakos Food Truck, 50 Cal Zone, Sip N’ Dip and Hafaloha Shave Ice.

“With an event of this scale, we can’t do it without help from our partners and volunteers,” said Nissan Guam President & CEO Arnel Bonto. “We want to extend a special thanks to Smithbridge, Proferre Inc., 100db Audio, St. John’s School, East West Rental Center, Appliance Galleria, Nissiniti and Zociety car clubs, Asahi Beer, Fewture, 105GU, Autoworx, Goodyear, Stoney’s Mini Golf & Snack Shack, all our car show entrants, volunteers and employees whose hard work made this event a success!”