Upon arriving in Chicago for Hot Import nights, I quickly realized two things. 1 - Despite it's geographical disposition, Chicago is not cooler than LA during the summer. As a matter of fact it's rather like a hot bunghole outside. 2 - You need cigarettes, even if you don't smoke, in order to freely walk the streets. I found firsthand they are the fastest way to soothe the savage bum. At $11 a pack, transients will do anything for a cancer stick, including sparing your life.
Amongst this setting I must say that HIN's Chicago stop was excellent. There were lots of cars from all over the Midwest and Northeast in attendance - as a matter of fact, out of everyone I talked to there where only two people showing that actually there. The event was packed with spectators and it was nice seeing the level of interest out there. One of my personal favorites at the show was Kiet Hong's newly Mugen'd out RHD DC5. You might remember when we featured it exactly one year ago from this issue. Well much has changed since then and it was looking better than ever.
Chicago resident and employee of iLL Garage, Tommy Cho was showing his newly-finished S13.5. Boasting an S14 SR swap, crazy wide fenders and massive Work Meisters (18X13 -36 rear!!!) the car easily drew quite a crowd (one that included a napoleon dynamite lookalike). If you weren't one of the many in the mob around his 240 don't worry, we got your back - enjoy the show!