MHL Meets A Certified Neck Breaker

The customized car culture has been ingrained with Houston culture for as long as I can remember. From lowriders to candy paint to turbo-powered imports, the custom car scene is what I grew up aspiring to be a part of. To real enthusiasts, the culture was more than just bolt-on body kits, slammed suspension rigs and scantily clad women. The real draw was in the idea of creating the perfect blend of show and performance while completely transforming your stock car — in my case a Honda Accord — in to something completely unique that was only yours.

“I have to say that Houston might just be the mecca of the custom car scene for the great state of Texas.” — Rosemberg Villafranco

I never did build my dream custom car. I’m sure there’s still a tuner somewhere inside of me though. So when I was invited out to the Certified Neck Breakers Custom Car & Truck Show a few months ago, I jumped at the opportunity. At the show I sat down with show organizer, Rosemberg Villafranco, to talk about Certified Neck Breakers, his car, and the car show scene.

MHL: What made you want to start your own car show?

RV: My passion for cars and trucks is what made me start my own show. I have always liked car shows for as far back as I can remember. I used to go to the Los Magnificos Car Show back when South Park Mexican was involved with them, but only as a spectator.

In 2005, I started my own car audio shop called South Side Customs and in 2007, I decided to enter the car show scene with my own personal truck as a way of showing people the work I can do and provide to them. I have to say, I felt at home when I would go to these shows.

Unfortunately, the economy took a downturn and I ended up closing my shop in 2008. To pay off a loan, I continued going to shows with my brother Rob, a.k.a Blk Rob, to get business. We would enter our custom built trucks and win awards! Needless to say, I was hooked to car shows by then.

In 2010, I was presented an opportunity to put together an event so I decided to organize a car show. With only 2 months of planning, my first event had over 60 cars. After the show, the reaction I got from people was so positive that my brother and I decided to start the annual car show, Certified Neck Breakers Custom Car & Truck Show in 2011.

MHL: What makes your show different from some of the larger shows that come through Houston?

RV: I think what makes my show different from larger shows is that they are only in the business of making money and I am not. I’m realistic. I know that I’m not going to become a millionaire from this show. But if I did make that kind of money I would just put it back into the show to continue improving it anyways.

As I said before I do it because I am passionate about the cars and trucks that come out. I am just trying to provide a top notch show where people can feel appreciated and are acknowledged for the work they have put into their rides. I know what people want because both my brother and I have been on both sides of the fence — we’ve been organizers as well as participants.

MHL: What are those large shows doing wrong and what will your show plan to do right?

RV: The only thing I can think of that most of the large shows are doing wrong is that they don’t really appreciate us (the carshow people) because without us they wouldn’t be considered a large show. They should make participating in the show worthwhile for those that enter. Give out better trophies, awards and monetary awards to the winners. It takes a lot of money to build a show car.

MHL: What do you think about the custom car scene in Houston today? It definitely isn’t as large as it used to be back in 2003. What happened?

RV: I have to say that Houston might just be the mecca of the custom car scene for the great state of Texas. I’m not sure what happened before my time in the carshow scene but I will say this, I am now going into my 5th year of competition and I have notice that in the past few years attendance has gone up. I don’t see it dying down anytime soon either. This is great for my show because we can continue providing a quality venue to the car show scene!

MHL: What is the most challenging part about putting together a car show?

RV: For us, the CNB car show, the biggest challenge is finding the right home for our show. Going into 2013 we will be looking for a new and hopefully permanent location to call home because we have outgrown our previous locations.

For years we held the show in the heart of Houston, Downtown, but limited space and busy schedules around the city are making it hard to plan shows in that area.

MHL: What new trends in car mods do you like? Which don’t you like?

RV: There are so many mods to name but one that has caught my eye is cutting or chopping the roof of any vehicle and making virtually any ride a full time convertible. I also like how we can take the latest technology, like flat screen televisions. and put them anywhere in our rides — even on a hood!

MHL: What’s next for the Certified Neck Breakers car show?

RV: Next on the list for the CNB show is to get ready for our next show in March 2013! Currently, we are looking at a few venues around town that can hold over 300 custom rides. We are also looking for a big name sponsor(s) that will help us reach our goal of being one of the nation’s best car shows.

Check out some of the hot rides at the last Certified Neck Breakers show! For more information about the next CNB show, follow them on Facebook.