Words and photos by Steve Gruenwald

The Extreme Imports made a big impression at this year’s World Street Nationals. Here is Miguel Ortiz in a 1985 Mazda, winner of Extreme Import 2.

The 18th annual World Street Nationals was held over the Halloween weekend at Orlando, Florida’s Speed World Dragway.

EXTREME IMPORT

When Carl Weisinger decided to add Extreme Import to the World Street Nationals he probably never imagined it would be as popular as it turned out. An advertised eight-car field drew 25 cars from Puerto Rico, the USA and one lone car from Australia.

Anytime Team Puerto Rico [anyone who lives there] comes to America to kick ass, there is a big rivalry with the racers in Florida. Both the Puerto Rican and U.S. Import racers speak Spanish, so when the announcer turns the mike over to a Spanish speaker it doesn't take very long before the highly partisan crowds is screaming and going nuts. The crowd doesn't respond like that for U.S. racers unless a big dog runs a record time. They are very vocal in the Import ranks, and this year they had plenty to cheer about.

The flags of the U.S. and Puerto Rico were part of the salute to the Extreme Import winners. Raul Reyes Bouzo won Extreme Import 1 for Puerto Rico while Miguel Ortiz brought home the gold for Team USA in Extreme 2.