Jason and his wife Kelly towed their mile-high lifted, red, flamed Ford quad-cab all the way from Texas. For the picture we had to clear the huge crowd of curious spectators.
This year's Truckin' Nationals at Firebird International Raceway in Chandler, Arizona was attended without its usual state-to-state cruise, due to the escalated fuel prices at the pumps. For many cruisers, it was just too much of a burden to make the trip. As we arrived early Saturday morning at O-dark-thirty, we were amazed at the line that had formed during pre-dawn hours before the gates opened at 6 a.m.
When the gates opened, the vendors, show 'n' shiners, drag racers, rock crawlers and tough truck competitors lined up for registration. Pre-registered contestants were directed to the show area where they would be displayed for the day. The aroma of carnauba waxes and polishes filled the morning air as competitors began their detailing rituals and positioning display props. The 7th Annual Tire Pros Truckin' 4X4 Aftermarket Expo Presented by JC Whitney was taking shape and ready to rock!
The two-day event featured something for everyone. There was the colorful Show 'n' Shine and monster trucks. There was even a "Party In The Pits" that allowed fans to meet the drivers, get an autograph, or two and measure themselves up to the massive beasts like Bounty Hunter, Iron Outlaw, Nasty Boy, Snake Bite, and the most famous of them all, Big Foot, which started it all years ago. Each day of event the mighty monster trucks gave the spectators their money's worth with incredible sky-high aerials, wild wheelies, and dizzy spinnin' donuts.
The 1320 guys were smokin' their tires as they made countless passes down Firebird's famous quarter-mile strip, everything from 7-second Pro-mod-tucks, to 20-second Scion xB four-bangers. For those who thought they had the baddest off-road vehicle that could withstand the treacherous terrain of the Toyo Tires Tough Truck Competition course, many brought it on! But there were those unfortunate few who were rescued and taken out on the hook. U-Drive programs were put on by Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford and Honda, allowing the consumer to get behind the wheel of their latest models to evaluate their handling performance both on and off-road.
The drag strip grandstands were packed, the testosterone level was on the rev-limiter for the Miss Truckin' Nationals Bikini Contest, as eight minimally clad girls paraded and posed skin and cleavage for those who attended.
A great time was had by all who attended. As the sun set over the Superstition mountains to the west, the event's Award Presentations were being held inside the Ford Fusion Tent. After the winners received their well-deserved hardware, it was time to pack 'em up and roll 'em out until next year.