Powerful hip-hop music radiated overhead Saturday as more than 1,000 car enthusiasts entered the lower level of the Phoenix Convention Center for the Stance-Con car show. About 155 pristine cars painted a rainbow of colors filled the convention floor, and almost all of them had their wheels tilted at abnormal angles.
Stance-Con is an automotive competition and event designed to showcase stanced cars and other automobiles. Stancing is a car customization practice in which the wheels are tilted inward toward the fenders, the car’s body is lowered on its suspension, or a combination of both. While this was their first event in the Phoenix area, Stance-Con has put on events in other states.
In addition to showcasing cars, attendees at Stance-Con could participate in goody bag giveaways that contained Stance-Con swag and items from other vendors. There were also water pong and cornhole competitions and radio-controlled cars to play with.
Event organizer Jake Fleming said that he hopes these additional activities make Stance-Con stand out from other car conventions. Fleming is also an employee of the automotive lifestyle brand Elevate and was inspired to start this event when he worked as a vendor at other car conventions.
“A couple years ago we were traveling at different shows and we always found ourselves nitpicking different events,” Fleming said. “One day we realized that we could do something better than the competition. We added all the activities and competitions for cash prizes to make our event different from the rest.”
Event attendee and competitor Francisco Rivera of Element Street Team agreed with Fleming that the raffles and prizes made Stance-Con differ from previous conventions he has attended. Rivera said that otherwise the event was similar to ones he has attended in the past, and his main motive for attending Stance-Con was to showcase his work.
“I did my own airbrushing and artwork on my car,” Rivera said. “We like to go out to big shows and represent our team.”
Rivera said that the stanced style can be inspiring as a challenging and new way to work on cars.
“I’ve been into cars ever since I was a little kid, and I’ve always been interested in mechanics,” Rivera said. “When I got my current car, I went to a show and my interest was piqued by seeing stanced cars and everything that can be done to them.”
While some find the style inspiring, competitor Ian Capones of car show organization Clean Culture noted that not all car enthusiasts like stanced cars. Capones said it can be difficult to find the right wheels and setup to fit one’s personal style. Despite the challenges, he noted that seeing the public’s reaction is gratifying.
“We build cars for ourselves, but it’s cool to see other people enjoy it,” Capones said. “When people see a super low car they often wonder how they are driven. Stanced cars are definitely a lifestyle change.”
With all the cars customized in their own ways, Stance-Con is equally intended for competitors and spectators. Fleming said that his overall goal for the convention was for people to enjoy themselves and bring together a community of car enthusiasts.
“Stance-Con is for anybody who appreciates the hard work and passion that goes into any motor vehicle,” Fleming said. “I hope everyone enjoys themselves, makes new friends, and has a day filled with fun friends and memories.”
Contact the reporter at ilschnei@asu.edu.
