By Bryce Hoffman
Senior Writer

In the school parking lot, no car stands out like a certain silver Chevy truck parked in the staff parking section. Towering high above the rest of the cars and sporting massive bumpers, it would be the obvious choice for homecoming king—if there were a homecoming court for cars.

Equipped with a 295 horsepower Vortec 5300 V8 engine, a premium Bose sound system, 22-inch rims and the renowned Spintek spinners, English teacher Michael Smith’s 2003 Chevy Z71 Tahoe makes everyone jealous, even this Talon reporter.

“Other than being pulled over every single month since I’ve had it, I like to think my car is a reflection of me,” Smith said.

Just like pets, the best cars have much in common with their owners. Sure enough, Smith and his car share some remarkable similarities.

“When I stop my mind continues to go. When my car stops my rims continue to go. It’s really quite fascinating,” Smith said.

Throughout the past year, Smith has grown quite attached to his ride. Unsurprisingly, a unique and affectionate nickname has been developed for the Chevy truck.

“We call it ‘the ho’…short for Tahoe,” Smith said.

Right.

Smith bought the car in 2002 for several reasons. First and foremost, it is constantly used as a shuttle for all of his friends and family members who don’t own or drive their own cars. He selected the Z71 Tahoe partly because of its large passenger capacity.

“I would have [gotten] the Mercedes SL, but that only carries two people and I have more than one friend who would mooch off me,” Smith said.

Furthermore, Smith often drives his parents around when they want to go out.
“I don’t have kids but my mom and dad like to go out and I just take them,” Smith said.

Smith is obviously a loving son who is willing to provide transportation and entertainment for his parents. After purchasing the Tahoe, Smith was quick to upgrade his truck with stylish Spintek rim spinners—and yes, Smith says they were very expensive.

So when you pull up next to Smith at a stoplight and the rims of his car look like they are still spinning, it is because they really are. It is craziness. If Smith is ever short on cash, he could set up a little booth and charge people just to spin the rims.

Of course, all of the complements that his truck has received are what is most important to Smith. The Tahoe has been unofficially voted “the best car of Los Altos High School,” a title Smith says he is very proud of and fiercely determined to keep.

“When I lose that title, I’ll get another [car],” Smith said.

A message goes out to any potential “best car” title contenders out there: be very afraid. There might be a certain silver Chevy truck behind you, coming to get you. Or maybe it is only Smith taking his parents out to dinner.