FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kustom Hoppers Awarded Visit Albuquerque Tourism Incubator Grant to Showcase New Mexico Lowrider Culture
Albuquerque, NM — August, 22nd 2025 — Kustom Hoppers is proud to announce it has been awarded a Tourism Incubator Grant from Visit Albuquerque to launch an exciting new project that celebrates New Mexico’s rich tradition of lowrider innovation through community-driven storytelling, tourism activation, and next-generation craftsmanship.
This grant will support the production of video stories and micro-documentaries highlighting the people and process behind Kustom Hoppers—an initiative building fully functional RC lowrider cars capable of hopping, dancing, and cruising. Designed and fabricated by local artists and engineers, each Kustom Hopper is a miniature tribute to New Mexico’s world-renowned lowrider scene.
“We’re honored to receive this award and grateful to Visit Albuquerque for recognizing the cultural and tourism value of our work,” said Max Baptiste, founder of Kustom Hoppers. “This grant allows us to document the artistry, mentorship, and mechanical ingenuity that goes into each hopper—and share that story with a wider audience.”
The funding will help Kustom Hoppers:
- Produce a series of short films profiling local lowrider artists, youth mentors, and fabricators.
- Highlight the role of RC hopping culture in preserving and innovating within lowrider traditions.
- Expand online storytelling and tourism marketing efforts to attract collectors, cultural tourists, and creative makers to Albuquerque.
The Kustom Hoppers platform is built not only to entertain, but to empower—supporting local talent, creating youth engagement pathways, and fostering economic development through maker-focused tourism.
For more information, visit www.kustomhoppers.com or follow us on Instagram at @kustomhoppers.