By William A. Weathers
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Every Sunday night this summer, hundreds of customized-car owners gather in the parking lot of Longworth Hall in Queensgate. None of the import car owners is speeding; in fact, they're all driving real slow to show off their rides.

Under bright lights, vehicle owners pop their hoods so onlookers can check out their engines. Some of the cars have neon lighting.

The gathering attracts mostly men ages 16-30 from Indianapolis, Louisville, Dayton and Columbus, as well as Greater Cincinnati.

"We usually have about 600 to 750 cars with as many as 1,200 to 1,800 people," said Chris Doss, a promoter of the weekly event.

This weekend, Cincinnatians can get a taste of this growing auto-hobby culture when Cincy SlamFest Import Car and Lowrider Show comes to Longworth Hall. The event, held today and Sunday, features more than 750 show cars and street bikes, music, vendors and National Custom Car Association contests.

But the regular Sunday cruise-ins also are happenings, with DJs spinning all kinds of music and refreshments - but no alcohol. "It's all good wholesome fun," Doss said.

On a recent Sunday night, 27-year-old Westwood resident Carlos Santiago had his 1996 Nissan 240SX parked in the Longworth Hall lot. His unusually colored car was attracting a lot of attention.

Sunburst Gold is the official name of the color, Santiago said, but depending on how the sun hits the car, it can look green or gold.

Santiago has done the customizing work on his vehicle. That work includes a custom turbo engine kit, 18-inch wheels, suspension packs, and a surround-sound audio system with a 900-watt amp.

Santiago's fascination with cars started at an early age.

"I was 13 when I started working at a garage,'' he said. "I got my technician's license at 18.''

Peter Naramore, 22, of Blue Ash, owns a 1991 Acura Integra with lowered wheels and exhaust and "a couple" of engine modifications.

"It's a hobby for me,'' he said. "I have fun working on it."

Hot wheels, cool fun

About the Cincy SlamFest Import Car and Lowrider Show:

Get to: Longworth Hall, 700 W. Pete Rose Way, Queensgate.

When: Today and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (that's when the afterparty begins at nearby Motion nightspot)

What you'll find: About 750 of the nation's top show cars and motorcycles, competing in 110 classes ranging from hydraulics to burnout. Also: vendors selling all manner of merchandise, more than 20 live DJs, break dancers, fashion model expos, wet T-shirt and bikini contests, and an afterparty.

The dough: $10 general admission; vehicle registration is $35 for Show N Shine and $55 for Competition.

More info: (614) 374-4159 or (www.cincyslamfest.com) .