...And that's exactly what we did. At 8 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 12, 2001, 85 trucks of every make, model, and form left Dealers Sport Truck in Los Alamitos, California, on the day-long trek eastward for what would be our biggest event yet. At 6 a.m. Saturday morning, the participant gates opened and the more than 100 vendors and 400 killer fullsize and mini-trucks began entering to form one of the most enjoyable events we've been to all year. By 9 a.m., the multitudes of spectators (more than 36,000 over both days) began to pour in and the event was set into motion. The only question was where to go first.
In addition to the Meguiar's-sponsored show-'n'-shine, there were drag racing trucks and IDRC-sponsored compacts with just about every make and model represented. This was truly a run-whatcha-brung event, with everything from stone-stockers to fiberglass-bodied race trucks running the quarter-mile throughout the day.
Moving off of the pavement and onto the dirt, the Toughest Truck Championship lured those who only enjoy going in a straight line if it's through the air. While we were thoroughly impressed with these truck's feats, let's just say that it looked as if some of those trucks have been on the Tough Truck circuit for quite a while. If driving rather than watching 4x4s is more your style, the off-road test drive allowed Fords, Dodges, Nissans, and trucks prepped by Rollguard Suspension to go through the paces on a specially built course.
As if that weren't enough off-road action, four monster trucks periodically made their way onto the course, performing stunts for the many screaming fans. Bigfoot, T-Rex, Bounty Hunter, and Scarlett Bandit outdid themselves with each wheelstand, providing Kodak moments for the spectators.
Speaking of spectators and Kodak moments, the stands on the dragstrip were filled minutes after the announcement came over the P.A. that the bikini contest was being held on the starting line. John Holmberg and Talben Meyers -- DJs for local radio station KUPD 98 -- hosted the event, which began with eleven beauties. That number was narrowed down to five finalists before the lovely Jaclyn Day was crowned Miss Truckin' Nationals 2001. A grudge match drag race between the two DJs immediately followed, with Myers taking the win in a Ford.
Our favorite feature of the Nats, however, was the Truckin' show pavillion. Our huge show tent housed the trophy stage, our merchandise booth, and no less than 15 of our recent cover and feature vehicles. The booth provided a chance for Truckin' and Mini Truckin' editors to chat with show-goers and, more importantly, provided great photo opportunities with the trucks and our gracious models. Directly outside the tent, Hunington Beach, California, punk band Unjust Cause tore it up both afternoons and drew a crowd of very good-looking young ladies, we might add.
After two fun-filled days cruising the grounds of our annual event, the masses congregated to the pavilion stage for the awards ceremony, where lucky recipients not only received killer trophies but a pretty hefty bag of Meguiar's products as well. A huge thanks to all of you who participated in this year's event and helped it to grow yet again.