Story by PAS Staff
Photography by Dylan Grant (@dylangrant22)
Gonzo Motorsports launched the inaugural Modified Automotive Show at the Bunge International Trade Centre in Regina, Saskatchewan, on September 12, 2026. A total of 108 show vehicles were registered for the sold-out show floor, while more than 1,200 spectators attended throughout the day.
Created by Chris and Sarah Gonzalez with help from eight close friends, the Modified Automotive Show followed 16 years of organizing Gonzo Drift events. Drawing on their experiences at Hot Import Nights, Chris and Sarah set out to recreate the atmosphere of the indoor tuner shows of the 2000s. Gonzalez said the finished event felt like being back at Hot Import Nights in 2006.
With the venue’s main lights turned down, LED-lit truss displays placed the focus on the vehicles. Several exhibitors also prepared underglow and neon lighting specifically for the event, adding to the show’s period-inspired presentation. The indoor show also featured a live DJ, vendors, exhibitors and more than 30 award categories.
Among the notable builds was Mandy Bengert’s purple Rocket Bunny S15, powered by a built 2JZ with a single S366 turbo. The car also featured Air Lift air suspension, Work VS-XX wheels, BRIDE seats, TAKATA harnesses, a Seibon carbon-fibre hood, BCL carbon wing and custom purple paint.
Jeremy Reimer of Re-Spec Performance travelled from Winnipeg with the HKS-7, a four-rotor FD-generation Mazda RX-7. The rotary-powered build earned the event’s top award.
Outside the venue, the Gonzo Drift Team delivered a mix of drift demonstrations and stunt shows throughout the day. The team performs demonstrations across Canada, and spectators in Regina could also experience the action through professional drift ride-alongs.
The next Modified Automotive Show is scheduled to take place in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in summer 2027.
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