Max of Mantis Meets "Killer Paint"...King

When one thinks of flames and paint on cars-the name that comes to mind is Mike Lavallee. Max was able to capture a photo with the "Killer Paint" master at the 2007 Seattle Roadster show. He is truly the "King" at what he does. Mike and his Airbrush Studio team have painted some masterpieces. Take a look at Killer Paint's impeccable performance...What an awesome team he has assembled. Visit his site at Killer Paint . Mike and his team have been on a number of different television shows and events...too many to list. Mantis is happy to claim Mike Lavallee as a Pacific Northwest native. Check out all of the cars and onlookers that attended the roadster show.

Will Mantis Rodz attend the 2008 Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction? You betcha!

Everyone in the car world has heard of Barrett-Jackson. If you are a newbie, checking out the site is a must. It's incredible how two car buffs that met back in 1960 built such an incredible company-and Mantis is sure it's been an awesome ride! The 37th annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction Event will take place from January 12th-20th, 2008 at Westworld in Scottsdale, Arizona. Check out the web site to see their incredible story and to get a flavor of the cars that will be featured for auction at Barrett-Jackson . SpeedTV will have live coverage of the event beginning on January 15th. Visit their site at Speed TV .

Max Lazar of Mantis meets Barry White of Barry's Speed Shop

Max had the opportunity of meeting Barry White of Barry's Speed Shop at last year's Seattle Roadster Show. Barry's popular show from "Wrecks to Riches" is a Mantis favorite. Check out TLC's and Barry White's schedule at TLC and Barry's Speed Shop to get the latest information on Barry's shows. What a restoration specialist. Only a handful can keep up with Barry White. Max is standing next to one of Barry's projects and client-the proud owner of the newly restored roadster. Mantis Rodz hopes that Barry will be present at the 2008 Seattle Roadster Show. See the posting below for dates and directions.

Palouse Days Show and Shine Event

It's the Rodzrookie letting you know about an upcoming 2008 event in Palouse, Wa. I was present at the 2007 Palouse show; it is a great event with some awesome rides, roadsters, rigs and participants. This year the event is on September 13, 2008 at the City Park on West Main Street. For more information check out the website Palouse Days or phone 509-878-1991. Mapquest the directions to the show at Map Quest.

Here we come Seattle Roadster Show: Mantis Rodz will be there!

Here is the Praying Mantis at the 2007 Good Guys Show in Puyallup, Wa. sharing space with Street Rod Visions . Notice the Mitee Mouse and Moon Eyes decals on the Handy Man Wagon? Cruise on over to our gear bag section and see what other stickers are available. Mantis Rodz will have at least one of our cars and a booth in next year's Seattle Roadster Show at Qwest Field. Stop by and see us; we'll have some nice give-aways! Posted below is the location, date and time of the 2008 event.

PORTLAND ROD & CUSTOM SHOW

FEBRUARY 15-17, 2008
PORTLAND ROD & CUSTOM SHOW
Portland Expo Center
2060 North Marine Drive, Portland Oregon, 97217
Established in 1999, the Portland Rod & Custom Show is the most attended such show in Oregon and offers the hottest rods, customs and motorsports for enthusiasts and consumers in a family friendly environment. Last year saw introduction of the Rose City Award, attracting top cars from around the country.

From the North and South via I-5
North or South on Interstate 5, take Exit 306B and follow the signs to Expo Center Parking. We are located on the west side of the freeway.

From the Portland International Airport
When leaving the airport, turn left on 122nd Ave. Proceed to stop sign. Turn left (west) onto Marine Drive. Continue on Marine Drive until you cross over I-5. Expo Center will be on your left. Follow signs to Expo Center Parking.

From NE Portland
Take Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. north until it crosses over Interstate 5. You will see the Expo Center on your left. Follow the signs to Expo Center parking.

MANTIS: Rumor has it that every car is welcome as long as you tow it in by bicycle ― and the town’s environmentalists are concerned that all the rose-scented car air fresheners will create a hole in the ozone over Portland.

SACRAMENTO AUTORAMA

FEBRUARY 8-10, 2008
SACRAMENTO AUTORAMA
Cal Expo Fairgrounds
1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95815

Close runner-up in the longest running indoor car show in the world is Sacramento Autorama, considered by some to be the premiere custom care show on the West Coast. This year’s show will feature 350 of the finest custom cars, hot rods, classics, motorcycles, and specialty vehicles from around the country.

From the South
Northbound drivers to Sacramento can take either Interstate 5 or Highway 99. From I-5, take the Capital City Freeway East exit from Downtown Sacramento, follow the signs to Reno. The Cal Expo exit is just Northeast of the American River. Highway 99 becomes the Capital City Freeway just North of the 12th Avenue exit. Continue over the river to Cal Expo.

From the North
Southbound drivers to Sacramento can arrive via Interstate 5, Highway 99 or Highway 70. Highways 99 and 70 join I-5 just North of Sacramento. From I-5, take the I-80/Reno exit East and continue to the Capital City Freeway exit just past Watt Avenue. Continue toward downtown Sacramento until you reach the Cal Expo exit.

From the West
Eastbound travelers to Sacramento should take Interstate 80 to Sacramento, taking the Capital City Freeway exit in West Sacramento (following the signs to Lake Tahoe). Continue on Capital City Freeway, through downtown Sacramento and make the turnoff to Reno. The Cal Expo exit is just Northeast of the American River.

From the East
Westbound travelers can take Interstate 80 or Highway 50 to Sacramento. From I-80, take the Capital City Freeway exit to Downtown Sacramento just beyond Madison Avenue. Continue to the Cal Expo exit. From Highway 50, take the Reno turnoff just past Stockton Boulevard to the Cal Expo exit just Northeast of the river.

MANTIS: Forget being the capital of California, come the second week of February, this is the capital of chrome.