Knoxville, Tennessee, is the home of the UT Vols, Mountain Dew, and the F-100 Supernationals and Ford Family Reunion-each of which engender an energetic fan base. But we didn't go to catch a game or blast our nervous systems with doses of sugar and caffeine. On the weekend after Mother's Day last year we went to visit with one of the greatest collections of classic pickups (and their owners, owners' wives, and kids and kin), which gather for Pat Ford's annual automotive lovefest. Bucolic Chilhowee Park amplifies the show's picnic-like atmosphere, punctuated by the inevitable afternoon showers common to environs south of the Mason-Dixon Line.
The show attracted 811 pickups. Each year a vehicle model other than an F-100 is invited to the show, with the Ford Falcon making an appearance at the '05 event-make that 75 of them. In addition to them was a complement of 15 classic Ford tractors.
"King of the Oldies" Doug Geiser, with his music collection and dulcet tones, both entertained and informed showgoers. He'll be reprising his role as DJ and announcer at the '06 Supernationals, but with a twist-and not necessarily the Chubby Checker kind. Among other additions will be Friday Night at the Drive-In.
Since we're on the topic of the next show, one lucky attendee will have a chance to win a 1956 Ford F-100 show truck as a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the venerable '56. That's a value of over $100,000, customized by No Limit Engineering and using parts from a number of Supernats vendors. To participate, simply register for the event and show up. By the way, all early Chevy Broncos are invited to show at the 18th Supernationals.
Anyone interested in visiting with the F-100 family on the weekend after Mother's Day this year can contact Pat Ford Promotions, 1920 Council Ave., Statesville, NC 28625, (704) 872-7327, www.f100supernationals.com.
And the Winner Is
Everyone wins at the F-100 Supernationals and Ford Family Reunion, but we don't have enough room to list everyone who walked away with a trophy; so we're going to highlight the people who won at the top of their class.
Brett Ford Incredible Youth Award:
Ryan Fleck ('67 F-100 Ranger)
Truck of the Year, 1948-52 Pickups and Panels: Joe Henkle ('50 blue)
Truck of the Year, 1961-66:
Ed Davis ('66 root beer)
Truck of the Year, 1967-72:
Glenn Krofchick ('67 red)
Good Guys Rodder's Pick:
Johnny Walker
People's Choice Award:
Jim Boruff ('54 orange)
Dan Ford Spirit Award:
Bill Lee, born in Long Beach, California, on November 13, 1953
Ford in a Ford Award (for using a Ford engine):
Jim Boruff ('54 orange)
Final Four Award (finalists):
Terry Atman ('55 black), Jim Boruff ('54 orange), Rick Clutte ('56 candy orange), Hunter & John Lamar ('56 silver)
Truck of the Year:
Rick Clutte ('56 candy orange) won a chassis from No Limit Engineering.