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The Import Model scene or Import racing scene refers to the subculture that revolves around modifying imported brand cars (commonly referred to as imports), especially those of Japanese brands, for street racing in the United States with Import Models. These modified cars are sometimes pejoratively referred to as rice rockets, rice burners or ricers. The culture was originally associated with Asian American youth, however, thanks to movies like "The Fast and the Furious", it has become a mainstream phenomenon among youth of all races in the United States. Women who modify their cars have become a significant presence in the scene and commerce has responded with specific marketing campaigns geared toward women, such as NOPI Import Models.

Import Models

The import model scene emerged with the pioneer event called Import Showoff and was the first of its kind. Modified cars are often exhibited at import models, such as Hot Import Nights (HIN), Extreme Autofest and NOPI. Hot Import Nights is the largest of the import models in this space with over 20 events across the US reaching over 250,000 enthusiasts. Endemic vendors sell various products at these import models including sound equipment for cars and other car modification products. Non-endemic vendors and sponsors like XM Satelite Radio, Hanes, Pepsi and Rockstar Energy Drinks participate in these events to target the young, mostly male, demographics attracted to these shows. Frequently, models are present at these shows to pose in front of cars. These models are known as import models or "booth babes" and have gained massive popularity among those in the import scene. Increasingly, music (mostly hip-hop, urban and electronica) has become a large part of these events. Whether its DJ's spinning the latest tracks, up and coming recording stars or B-Boys and go-Go dancing, the lights, the sound and the movement have become a staple of these multi-faceted shows.

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