Hot Import Nights and Nightshift are certainly no stranger when it comes to Chicago. Both circuits come through the Windy City year after year to rave reviews. On August 23, 2008, Nightshift came back to the Chicagoland area but with a new twist. This year the show gave attendees a fresh look at a new venue in the suburbs: the Toyota Park in Bridgeview. This massive stadium hosts the Chicago Fire professional soccer team and seats 28,000 fans on a regular basis.
But on this hot summer night in the Midwest, the venue belonged to the area's hottest cars and entertainment. This year's show included an entire weekend�s worth of events, all crammed into one action-packed day and night. As one entered the gates, the first question that comes to mind is "Where do I start?"
NOS Energy Drinks Drifting demonstrations, Boost Mobile FMX bike jumping and Valvoline dyno testing all fill the air with sounds of horsepower and excitement. DJ's played the latest hits filling the venue with a steady supply of beats. Along with the roar of the crowds for the stage shows, they all fought for the attention of the participants ears at any given time.
Highlighting the stage was R&B star Colby O'Donis, singing his smash hit "What You Got" and more. But the stage was hot all day long with the likes of Jenny Chu & Melissa Paradise Go-Go'ing and giving away Nightshift gear, while DJ John Magic mixed hits during the entire event. The on-stage Miss HIN contest was again a fan favorite, as many beautiful models competed for the title in front of the large crowd of fans.
The cars at the show well represented the Midwest. High horsepower, large audio/visual, and artistically stunning vehicles packed the venue to capacity. The Chicago shows constantly have a wide variety of styles, makes and models, and this year was no different. While Imports still rule the show, the Domestic crowd is beginning to flex its muscles in the sport compact arena. Vendors, such as GM Tuner Source, display their modded Solstice and Cobalt SS from their performance catalogs, while many owners display their Domestic rides alongside their Import brethren.
The beautiful ladies of Model Central were taking pictures with their fans, and signing autographs when they were not on stage entertaining the crowds. Maxim Hometown Hottie 2007 Erin McKinnon, Ashley Sarto, Apple Somoza, and DJ Sophia Lin were among the girls at Central, with other well-known models such as Corissa Furr, Alicia Whitten, Jeri Lee, and Tracy Nova all representing various vendor booths.
All in all, this show did not disappoint, and will leave the area awaiting next year's shows. The new venue keeps in sync with the theme of the Nightshift series: always current and cutting edge. Continue to expect nothing less.
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