In their upcoming documentary “Roll Modelz,” recent Whitman College graduates Oliver Rodriguez Dickson ’25 and Yahir Tzec-Carrasco ’25 set out to challenge the stereotypes of an often misunderstood cultural movement: lowriding.
Lowriders—customized cars modified so that their bodies are low and close to the ground—began to gain popularity in the mid-20th century in the Mexican American community. But, as Dickson and Tzec discovered, lowriding is about much more than the hands-on skills it takes to build a custom ride. Frame by frame, their film is uncovering the richness and complexity of a small-town lowrider community that emphasizes craftsmanship, family, friendship, service and a proud celebration of Chicano culture.
In the fall of 2024, Tzec attended the Wheelin’ Walla Walla Car Show—and was surprised by what he found: a lowrider club based in Walla Walla.
The Washington State Lowriders Club was founded in 2021 by Jason Pastor O’Neel, a lifelong lowrider enthusiast and Walla Walla native, along with his cousin, Cris Avila, in memory of Avila’s daughter, Mya. Most club members are based in the Walla Walla Valley, with some as far away as Ephrata and Moses Lake.
“I wanted to know what their story was, because usually lowriders are associated with California, Chicago, these bigger cities,” Tzec recalls.
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