April 1st is known as April Fools Day, and Mother Nature played a great joke as the day started great with the Team Tensei 2023 Spring Showcase in Hickory, NC; but rain later crept onto the event and it began to downpour. BUT.. the automotive community refused to be deterred by the downpours.
As the rain relentlessly poured from the skies, and at times turned into torrential downpours, it seemed as though the odds were stacked against TeamTensei. Yet, the dedication of both the organizers and the attendees prevailed. When the rain finally began to let up around noon, the majority of the show participants had already arrived on site, with many having been there for at least an hour prior. Their faith in the quality of Team Tensei’s events was unwavering, and they were determined to be a part of this year’s gathering.
The parking lot was a sea of enthusiasts, filling every available space, including the spots around the concourse of the baseball stadium and out front. Spectators attending had been waiting months for this event. Many being returnees to the event with years under their belt!
One notable change in TeamTensei’s approach this year was the shift from the traditional “top 50” and “best of” categories to a more structured system with classes and “best of” awards. This change was necessitated by the overwhelming preregistration response, resulting in large fields of specific makes and models. This attracted a diverse array of vehicles, from custom builds to race-ready machines, from stance/vip builds to rare and elusive Hondas.
A special guest added an extra layer of excitement to the event – “Honda Pro” Jason, a prominent figure in the automotive community, especially within the Honda world. Attendees were treated to a spectacular display of custom builds, race cars, VIP stanced vehicles, and some of the hardest-to-find Honda models.
Team Tensei 2023 Spring Showcase wasn’t limited to Hondas, though. Dedicated sections were set up for Mk4 Supras and a curated collection of JDM builds that included gems like the Acura NSX, RHD Mazda RX7, and RHD Nissan Skyline. Amidst the various event areas, attendees could explore Japanese classics, rare mini truck builds (including a period-correct tandem mini complete with an era-appropriate bag cell phone), a powerful twin-turbo full-sized truck, motorcycles, supercars, and the quirky Rukus.
Team Tensei brought out amazing DJs providing beats throughout the entire event and never let the mood fall. For those seeking an extra dose of excitement, the lowcar limbo competition drew in participants from a wide range of vehicles, with Miata enthusiasts often taking the spotlight.
If you’re an automotive enthusiast along the East Coast, mark your calendars for TeamTensei’s 2024 event, which typically takes place in the spring. Rain or shine, it promises an unforgettable experience that celebrates the passion and diversity of the automotive community. TeamTensei’s 2023 event proved that not even adverse weather conditions could dampen the spirits of true car enthusiasts.
Photos by: Chris Gosda
