Import Reactor in Houston, TX is by far the most anticipated event every year for locals. There are only two bigger events that will roll by in Texas and that’s Wekfest and HIN. The chances of them coming to Houston are so slim that IR is definitely the choice of show for us. Now with that being said, Import Reactor, this year, was the absolute biggest disappointment for a show I have ever seen in Houston… so far.

Last year’s show was smaller than the one before and so on but I did not ever expect it to get this small. Don’t get me wrong; there were some quality cars out there. However, it was not an amazing show overall. IR has been slowly losing support over the years due to various reasons I’d rather not discuss online. This year’s parking was terribly coordinated and was split into two parking lots which indirectly segregated one team completely.

As I write this post, sleepy and tired, I’m scared that people around the nation will think that these cars solely represent the Houston car scene and I want to be the first to tell you that it is not true. The heavy hitters stayed home and the major teams spent their day away. I want to assure you; this is not our best as a city or state. 

Now just to hit some key points about the show and then the photos can speak for themselves. The music was definitely on point and I always appreciate live entertainment. I didn’t pay attention to the awards very much except that the best of show was very clean Lexus LS that came all the way from Dallas. And just like every other show, there were beautiful models, a handful of impressive cars, and a lot of standing around.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh and I forgot to add that it was in collaboration with Anime Matsuri like every year. So here are some cosplay and convention pictures.

 

 

 

 

Mad props to veteran show goers that still showed face and supported the local car scene. Huge shout out to all the food trucks that showed up as well. We can only hope that next year’s show will be better.

-Harrison Wang
Instagram/Twitter: @bigharrywang
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