Feature > Events/Trail Rides
Texas Style Jamboree
A new event in the Lone Star State!
Everyone knows that everything is bigger in Texas — especially trucks. Therefore, it makes sense that a truck show would be just perfect in the state where one in four vehicles registered is a pickup truck. The O’Reilly Auto Parts 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals (April 2 & 3, 2005) in Fredricksburg provided the perfect backdrop to host an event to celebrate all types of trucks.
The Special Events Performance Series and O’Reilly Auto Parts teamed up to host this event in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. This gathering of truck owners and fans provided great truck racing, shopping the Performance Marketplace and hundreds of show-n-shine custom trucks.
The Dodge Pro Monster Truck Thunder Drags highlighted some great side-by-side racing. Mark Hall’s Raminator Dodge swept the field with victories in all three races and thrilled the faithful with sick air and killer wheel stands. Dave Harkey, Team Bigfoot, was the crowd favorite, he did not disappoint with two runner up finishes, and some patented Bigfoot moves in the freestyle competition. Jim Kohler’s Avenger, Dale Benear in the Rammunition Dodge and John Seasock’s new T-Maxx Ford also provided plenty of action during the monster meet.
The opening round of the Mickey Thompson Tough Truck Series provided many moments of some classic side-by-side off road racing. Joey Leone’s (Largo, FL) “Tropical Depression” Chevrolet and Lionel Easler’s (Kissimmee, FL) Rancho Ford met in the finals with a tight finish decided by a dq. Easler had the lead but crossed the centerline forcing Leone to “check up.” Easler crossed the finish line first but was scored as a disqualification resulting in a second place effort. Leone tallied his three straight victories on the tour dating back to the final two events of 2004.
A handful of participants took to the track for the KVET Radio Stock Tough Truck competition and Matt Burkett, San Antonio, TX, won the event with the weekend best time of 26.32 seconds.
David Lott, Houston, TX, powered past three other “showoffs” to win the Mickey Thompson Tires Burnout Contest in his 2000 Ford F-250.
Scores of daily drivers lined up to tackle a 100’ long MUD BOG with the winner grabbing a trophy and Texas Bragging rights. No one made it out the end; however, everyone had a kicking good time battling the Texas gumbo.
Mickey Thompson Tires and 4-Wheel Parts Wholesalers anchored a Performance Marketplace that was teaming with vendors who provided the latest in parts and accessories. Ford Racing Parts, Flowmaster mufflers, GM Performance Division, MSD Ignitions, Super Lift and Fabtech were on hand to provide info and expertise on anything related to the truck market. Off-Road Adventures magazine was there passing out free copies and as well as entry blanks to enter their 2005 Jeep Rubicon Unlimited giveaway — free copies of Off-Road Adventures and giveaway entry blanks will be available at all the 2005 Jamboree events. Even the Johnsville Big Taste Grill was on hand to cook up some brats!
The custom truck crowd did not leave empty handed. Over 58 categories of awards were presented to truck owners. From “Best Full Sized Truck” to “Best Mini Truck” the judges had their hands full making the decisions for this inaugural event. Jeeps, F-250’s Suzuki’s, Hummer’s, Blazers and even a 2004 Scion XB all carted away prizes.
Plans are underway for the 2006 event, which will probably offer a Rock garden to test the top Texas Trucks’ rockcrawling ability. For complete show information or to check out the other stops on the 4-Wheel Jamboree tour, log on to www.familyevents.com.
