Back in the early to mid-'90s, the truck run scene was in full swing with events such as Spring Splash, Endless Summer, West Coast Nationals, The Council Run, and Resolutions. These shows rocked the show scene and provided an environment for custom truck enthusiasts to let loose and show and cruise their rides. Truck runs have a completely different feel than your average one-day event has, since there is nightlife with people cruising, trucks being dragged, and campfires blazing. Enthusiasts really get a chance to hang out, have a few cocktails, and talk trucks while watching custom ride after custom ride roll by. Unfortunately, after a few ill-fated incidents back in the late-'90s, the main custom truck runs that every custom truck enthusiast had on their summer show schedule fell by the wayside. Resolutions is still going strong today, but there is another run on the docket that has pulled in some wild rides and made for one heck of a good time. Freakfest, hosted by the Freaks of Nature truck club, has become a smash-hit event, and Truckin' was on hand this year for the second-annual Freakfest show to capture all the action. Held at the Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield, California, the weekend of April 16-18 was filled with full-throttle show and cruise action.
Several clubs were already pitching tents, hanging banners, and keeping the campfires roaring as we rolled through the gates on Friday afternoon. Not long after everyone settled in for the weekend's festivities, the cruising and dragging began. Frames and rocker panels hit the ground, sparks began to fly, and the party was on. Everything from body-dropped fullsize Chevys to rocker-wrinkling mini-trucks were seen cruising the main drag, and most had their beds filled with cocktails and friends. To add to the party mood, a few bands took the stage on Friday afternoon to get the crowd grooving while freestyle motocross riders clicked through the gears to hit massive ramps and dance with their bikes in the air. Enthusiasts dragged their rides into the wee hours of the morning, and the line for the show 'n' shine quickly formed early Saturday morning.
Saturday morning came early for those who over-indulged on Friday night, but the hardcore custom truck owners were up and in line with their rides detailed to perfection for the show 'n' shine. Lining the show-'n'-shine area were some of the nicest fullsizes and mini-trucks on the scene, and owners were busy getting them looking their best for the Freakfest judges. From sky-high Ford Super Dutys to body-dropped Toyota minis, the show featured something for everyone's taste and style. Things were ramping up over in the vendor row area as well, as various companies peddled everything from clothing to airbag suspension systems.
Before the show closed on Saturday afternoon, enthusiasts returned to their camps and prepared for another night of cruising, cocktails, and conversation. Once again, trucks were laid out for spectator pleasure and dragged into the night with sparks trailing behind.
As the sun rose on Sunday, many broke camp to prepare for the trophy presentation. Awards were presented to the winners in a wide array of classes. For information on next year's Freakfest Show, go to www.freakfestshow.com