Experienced by Adrian McQueen
Photos by Adrenaline Lifestyles
The weather in Washington DC couldn’t have been better for the 3rd annual Washington DC Slingshot Takeover. Excitement had been ramping up for this event stemming from the ATL and NY events that left both cities in awe. Each year and every city this event takes place in, it sends shockwaves thru the industry by showcasing some of the hottest Slingshots that are on the street. The popularity of this movement has peaked the interest of the slingshot community, dealerships, sponsors, vendors and Polaris to get involved.
The #SSTakeover, brainchild of entertainment pioneer and Slingshot owner James McRae aka Da Plug, was created to bring enthusiasts of this new three-wheeled sensation together to network and join in the camaraderie, fun and appreciation for their love of Slingshots. The Nation’s Capital, home of SS Takeover movement, welcomed Slingshot enthusiasts from all over to take part in the weekend festivities. The host hotel for the Slingshot Takeover was the Gaylord National Hotel at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill Maryland. Every day and night, tourists at the National Harbor were wowed by the fleet of custom slingshots that zipped in and out of the area going to the different events in town.
The weekend started out with an Open House up at Coleman PowerSports, one of the leading Polaris Slingshot dealer on the east coast. Coleman Powersports opened their doors and offered specials and discounts on all slingshot related apparel, parts and services all day. Slingshot ride and drives took place all day long as well. Friday evening the welcoming meet and greet took place at G & S Auto Center/StreetDreamz mega shop. Slingshot owners showed off their sound systems, custom wheels and paint all while conversing with the custom shop about how to do more upgrades, as if they don’t already garner enough attention. Once the night time fell, the fleet of custom lit slingshots descended upon the MGM Grand for fun and fine dining. The valet area was filled to capacity with Polaris Slingshots.
On Saturday, everyone trekked right back to Coleman Powersports in Falls Church Virginia for a day full of fun events. The Sound show was clearly the highlight of the event as each Slingshot owner battled it for trophies, prizes and the crown. It was great to see Rockford Fosgate installed in many owners rides since they are now the official audio of the Polaris Slingshot. The ride and drive list filled to capacity as onlookers wanted to test out the Polaris Slingshot to see what the hype was all about. Coleman Powersports fired up the grill so that everyone kept their stomachs full while DJ Kelly B. kept all entertained as she spun great tunes throughout the event. Onsite were also a few lovely ladies offering free Slingshots washes to get the rides ready for the custom show.
A 50/50 raffle was held with many great prizes that were given out after the custom show. Every vendor supplied gifts that were a part of the raffle. A special thank you must go out to Meguiar’s who supplied complete car care kits as a part of the raffle, along with other gifts. All attendees received gift bags courtesy of Shoe City filled with gifts from Polaris, Coleman Powersports and Megiuar’s automotive care products.
On Sunday all of the riders headed out for a trip in downtown D.C. The vibe and energy was electric as the Slingshots and bikers shut down every block they entered upon their grand arrival lining the streets with custom Slingshots as far as the eye could see.
This gathering of three-wheeled winged beasts was a bit different from others as it involved the full weekend rather than the usual day events. Slingshot owners descended upon the Nation’s Capital from New York, Florida, Philly, Atlanta, The Carolinas and many other states to take part in this monumental event.
It was a phenomenal experience to participate in such a historical event of which I’m sure many more will follow. Whether on 2s or 3s, the love shared amongst riders and enthusiast is what fuels the industry and community. Events as the DC Slingshot Takeover absolutely enriches this experience and sub-culture.
For more photos see the photo gallery. Ride safe and Enjoy.
