The Sunshine State almost lost its sunny reputation in 2004 after being thrashed by multiple hurricanes. Thankfully, though, Slamfest-one of the largest club-sponsored automotive events in the state-never lost its sunny disposition. Besides, if you're a true Florida Truckin' enthusiast, little annoyances like 100 mph winds, driving rain, and major changes to the landscape won't keep you from enjoying your favorite end-of-year automotive get-together. Slamfest is now in its thirteenth year and continues to attract larger crowds every year. Even Mother Nature relented for this year's show, creating a beautiful, bright, sunny weekend, with temperatures in the seventies. (That fact alone made the Bikini Contest a rousing success.)
Weather problems aside, there were other issues facing the pink-shirted staff members of show promoter MiniMadness. The Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa is the perfect show place, with inside and outside display spaces, lakes, shade trees, easy access, and more. Unfortunately, it also plays an active roll as a storage site for National Guard equipment and hurricane center supplies. The Fairgrounds was cleared only two days before the show, creating multiple Maalox moments among club members as they had less and less time to set up the event. With the last obstacle out of the way, MiniMadness sprang into action, preparing for another weekend of the high-intensity partying that has made them famous.
There are lots of reasons why enthusiasts love this show, not the least of which are low entry fees, and the option to either compete or just hang out. Once inside, everyone looks forward to the nonstop entertainment; winners always get big cash prizes, and drivers appreciate the quick and fair judging. This year, the club even introduced outside, air-conditioned comfort in their huge, multi-lane, drive-through, cold-air judging tent. Sponsors such as Audio Video Empire, Scrap-N-Customs, Street Options, and Mild2Wild, crowd-pleasing club games, sanctioned stereo events, a large center stage for the ever-popular bikini contest, and the eagerly anticipated award presentations were just a few of the highlights. Five thousand spectators enjoyed more than a thousand colorful, rolling works of art, glistening in the Florida sun.
The awards ceremony sent more than 150 drivers home with tangible proof of their talents. Bobby Hillgeartner was one of the happiest truckers in Tampa when he heard that his radical S-10 won Best of Show, Minitruck. A former Mini Truckin' cover vehicle, the multicolored S-Dime is the ultimate combination of wild stereo, graphics, and body mods, rolling on tall 22s. In addition to the applause of the crowd, Bobby collected a trophy and $500 in cash. Chip Wolny was just as happy, learning that his beautiful, red '40 Ford street rod, fitted with a 351 Windsor bored out to 408 cid, won Best of Show, Fullsize. Chip also packed away a trophy and five big ones.
If you happen to be rolling through the Southeast during the first weekend of October, don't miss this great event. Read more about this year's show and see all the pictures, or get the details about Slamfest 2005 on the MiniMadness website, www.minimadness.com.