H2O International

No details on this five-door Rabbit but stunning brown paint, rub strip removed, single headlamp grille, color-matched RS and 1.8T meant we couldn't walk past

With the resources we put into attending and covering Waterfest, we've always been too lazy to drag our asses back to the East Coast for H2O International. We normally send Josh Brown to snap our pics, but a growing chorus told us we were missing a great event and should really make the effort. So we booked our tickets and followed their advice.

What were we thinking? Why have we missed this incredible show for so long?

Everything we'd been told was true; it's more relaxed and more fun than most VW shows, and attracts some great cars.

No details but a very clean Mk3 with shaved hatch

Part of the H2Oi's appeal is undoubtedly its location. Situated in Ocean City, MD, it brings a seaside atmosphere. What's also nice is the city is small, so when H2Oi descends upon it, the place is packed with modified VWs. This makes it feel like a mini Wrthersee by the sea.

Nick Pasquale, '79 Rabbit. Mods: 2.0 16v, 15x7" BBS RA from Euro BMW 320i, Zender front spoiler, fender flares, early weetie grille, Helios Recaros from a Jetta

The city is dominated by a single strip, on which you'll find all the hotels, restaurants, bars and stores you'll need for the weekend. There's even a Walmart, so you can stock up on water and folding chairs.

Eric Shivley, '88 GTI 16v. Mods: See Nightlife

What's more, the city is really friendly, offering a hospitable welcome to show-goers. At least, that's how it started on Friday evening when we checked into our hotel. But by the time we checked out on Sunday morning we were "that noisy lot with the cars."

Mike McCoy, '86 Jetta Coupe. Mods: Since we saw it last year, Mike's widened his BBS RS to 15x7.5" front with 165/40 tires, while the rears are 15x9.5" with 195/40s. He also added cup mirrors, a Rallye grille, smoked housings on the Rallye lights, smoked tail lights, and smoothed front Euro bumper. Under the hood he has a custom catch can and rad cover, while inside he added a cage and color-matched the seat backs. The car was a worthy Top Dawg contestant

The attitude of the police also seemed to change over the weekend. It went from an almost invisible presence (where even the road dept posted a sign warning lowered vehicles to take care in the road construction), to a heavy-handed presence on Saturday night where cars were being stopped on almost every block.

We can't say the police attention was altogether unwarranted, and on at least one occasion it was welcomed.

That aside, the show was a huge success, with a record number of cars registered for the show. The organizers, Jay Shoup and Penny McLaughlin, reported more than 1000 show cars on Sunday, and were surprised at how many people turned up on the Saturday, which is traditionally a quieter day.

Sunday is the big day because the show judging takes place. Cars are divided into marque according to stock, mild and wild classes.

Cool matte painted Jetta on P wheels with whitewalls

Then there's the Top Dawg area. These cars were selected by the judges on Saturday and were corralled into the vendor area. Each car then drives on to a stage where its owner explains his mods.

Ben "Ski," '06 Jetta. Mods: 19" Carlsson Mercedes wheels in gunmetal, with matching grille, Koni coilovers, factory black window trim

These were the best of the best and Wayne Bynum was the deserved winner, although we'd have been hard pressed to choose the top car from such a distinguished group.

James "Jet," '92 GTI. Mods: 2.9 VR6 with side-exit exhaust, steel wide fenders, car painted BMW Cypress green metallic, Westmoreland debadged grille, 15x7.5 and 15x8" BBS, B&G coilovers, G60 brakes. Inside it has a Corrado dash and Recaro Trophys covered in microfiber suede.

We'll definitely book our tickets early for next year and ensure we attend regularly in the future. However, the event's growing popularity could be its downfall.

Throughout the weekend we met countless people who said they'd boycott Waterfest and only attend H2Oi. However, we don't see it that way. If Waterfest collapses through a lack of support, all the cars and vendors will descend on H2Oi and it'll soon lose its intimate atmosphere. We need to support both events in order to preserve the integrity of each.

The VAG scene needs Waterfest as its flagship event, where new products and cars are unveiled, but it equally needs H2Oi as a relaxed antidote to Waterfest.

Support all your VW shows, because they reflect the health of the tuning scene.

Greg's Diary
As I've said before, a good car show can be invigorating. It's a great chance to find new inspiration and meet real enthusiasts. Shows like Waterfest and Essen are a real shot in the arm, but now I have to add H2Oi to my list of favorites. Its great location and warm welcome was a genuine surprise. We just hope the aftermath of the unfortunate incident at this year's show doesn't jeopardize its future.

It was nice bumping into Elliott from PVW for the first time since I left the mag, and spending time with Josh, Nate, Cory, Chris, etc. However, the best part of H2Oi is the cars. I couldn't believe the incredible quality.