Riverside returns to Chattanooga
The 7th show in Riverside’s history has officially wrapped. One of the greatest shows of all time, with the motto of “Come for the cars, stay for the people.” – Could not be more true. Over the weekend we saw many of our friends and spent countless hours with them. Our resident photographer Ben Battles was able to attend a total of 8 meets outside of the show, plus the main event & 12 additional photoshoots. This is our complete & comprehensive coverage of Riverside 7.
Thursday
The weekend officially kicked off at 4PM on Thursday with the 90’s only meet. Cars from the 90’s were definitely in the majority and really got me excited for Chattanooga’s upcoming RADwood event later this month.
Karley brought her two wagons, one new, one old – and Dan brought his Mercedes as well. All super cool.
After that meet was over, our friend Liam hosted a pop up meet down the street under a bridge.
It was sunset, which was prime for photoshoots.
Everyone came out to support this show, especially the locals.
Grant brought out his highly modified transit.
Folks were already fitting their show wheels for the weekend.
After about an hour, parking enforcement came out and began to shut the meet down. Fun while it lasted.
My friend Ezra left me a little something to remember it by. Thanks again.
Friday
An early start on Friday at 11am with Ludwick’s pre-meet. Got to hang out and meet some new friends.
Ludwick brought out his Corvair – it’s sitting on the ground quite literally.
Lots of cool cars came out to hang. My friend Aaron and I split off for lunch in between this and the next meet.
Karley hosted the Wagn Meet – a station wagon themed meet. I loved it – might have been my favorite meet of the weekend.
Wagons of all kinds showed up, both old AND new.
Finally, it was time for the official pre meet.
Cars poured in and filled the parking lot.
There was a great, eclectic mix of automobiles on display.
Some even parked together strategically.
After the meet began to die down after dark, some friends and I got together for some light painting.
Results were 10/10.
Saturday
I woke up at 6am to get started with a double photoshoot. These Cima’s were absolutely gorgeous.
Shortly after, I met up with Alex of Fitment Industries to shoot his F430.
Keep in mind, it wasn’t even 9am yet, folks were still prepping for the show out in the parking lot across the way.
I took a photo of this mustang, which had to be the loudest I had ever heard.
Hi, Don!
Quick Everett’s had quite the display outside of the show. Zane brought his RR, P brought like 4 Ferrari’s and a Lambo.
These 2 managed to sneak in with those supercars (joking!) Nick’s 4C and Michael’s Abarth.
Once inside of the pavilion, Ludwick’s garage has both of their cars out.
Scott & Dan were manning the Grip Royal booth.
Gauge parked his Impala up on 3 wheels next to the booth.
Eric had his Arteon out with some dope looking 3 piece wheels.
Ramon’s Nissan had newly wrapped doors & jambs to match the interior. So killer.
Keckster’s bagged C4 stole the show towards the back of the pavilion.
Michael’s GS was looking incredible. Can’t believe how far I have seen this car come over the past couple years.
Show Time
Once 10am rolled around, cars started to pour into the Riverside parking lot.
Adrian brought his Honda Today. Take a look at the Genesis behind it with a supercharged 6.2 swap.
Once all of the showcase filled up, the crowds began to build.
Everyone’s cars were looking amazing.
Cars were parked tighter than ever, making for more cars in the same space as before.
Quality was through the roof. This red Genesis was one of my favorite cars there.
Again, attention to detail was the highest it has ever been.
Out in the showcase lot, there was great variety.
Jon wrapped his Jetta the week before the show and it looked amazing. He rides so low, he scraped a hole in his gas tank & had to fuel cell it.
Justin brought his Previa out and it looked like a UFO.
This slammed, widebody Nissan President was a major attention grabber.
I think this showcases the diversity of cars at this years Riverside. Love it.
Here’s a car we have featured before. Koleton’s R32 – except this time it is on air suspension.
Corey & Kelvin showed out in their bagged trucks.
Of course, spectator parking was a show all of its own. Lots of cool stuff there, too.
Jake actually CLEANED his Gambler build off before making it out. He’s been the driving force behind our AWD civic project – you should check it out!
Can’t forget our trusty press car that got us through the weekend!
Once the show ended, the Riverside after party began.
Cars lined up for about a mile just to get in.
It was a great turnout, but after a while, things got a little too rowdy and local law enforcement sent everyone away.
But the night was not over for yours truly.
I got together with a couple friends and we experimented with some advanced light painting. Great results and fun times.
Sunday
Bright and early, fighting off a migraine, I shot these two gorgeous cars. Can’t wait to share more later!
Speaking of sharing later, this JZ swapped RX-7 will definitely be making a feature soon! Such an overall amazing car & a great owner. Thanks Caleb for letting me shoot the car.
After the morning shoots, Havoc, one of the local car groups, hosted the after meet. A lot of folks dropped by to say goodbye before leaving town.
Last shoot of Riverside weekend went to these 2 gorgeous GT-R’s. Weekend = DONE.
I had such a great time hanging with everyone. I wish every weekend were as cool as this one. One to remember for a lifetime.
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Text & Photos by Ben Battles
