Capturing Best of Show and...
Capturing Best of Show and the cover truck for the Nov. '05 Sport Truck was Jonathan Goolsby's '98 GMC Sonoma, painted Inca Gold and black.
With the country music capital of the world to the west and Knoxville with its Great Smoky Mountains to the east, the friendly town of Lebanon, Tennessee, is flanked by awesome sights and sounds. But, it wasn't Bluegrass music or scenic panoramas that attracted almost 500 drivers to this year's show. Rather, it was the stunning collection of radical rides that flock to the town, vying for top honors at the show and looking for magazine coverage at this early autumn event.
The Ninth Annual Mini Truckin' Nationals found a new (old) location, and this time, show promoter Charlie Cobble felt right at home. Held at three locations in the last three years, the Nat's has become a little difficult to track, but Charlie thinks there is a solution. The Ward Agricultural Center, part of the Wilson County Fairgrounds in Lebanon is already home to Charlie's very successful Slammin' and Jammin' show. Now, with a little luck from the scheduling department, it will also become the future site of the Mini Truckin' Nationals.
Drive-through judging, thanks...
Drive-through judging, thanks to the pros of Showoff Promotions, was fast and fair.
Lots of new trucks debut at this show with dozens of already featured vehicles also showing up to see and be seen. This year was no exception with a huge crop of radically customized minis on display. While trucks were the primary attraction, there was plenty more going on, with Charlie and Denise always carefully orchestrating the fun. Many chose the camping privileges inside the fairgrounds, saving money and staying close to the action. The show opened on Friday morning with the early arriving drivers rolling through the Drive Through Judging lanes to avoid the Saturday rush. Lines were rarely very long, thanks to the quick and efficient, professional judging teams from Showoff Promotions, of Charlotte, North Carolina.
 Check out Jimmy Key's bright-yellow...  Check out Jimmy Key's bright-yellow '71 Chevy from Bowling Green, Kentucky. |  Linc Lameroux's '00 Dodge...  Linc Lameroux's '00 Dodge Dakota from Dayton, Tennessee, was certainly noteworthy. |  John Ford's '95 GMC Sierra...  John Ford's '95 GMC Sierra from Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, made a definite impression. |
 Stacey Lee's '88 Chevy C1500...  Stacey Lee's '88 Chevy C1500 from Greenville, Tennessee, made a classic two-tone appearance. |  The '99 Dodge Ram of Chris...  The '99 Dodge Ram of Chris Tetzlaff, of Glasgow, Kentucky, was clean and original. |  |
 This '88 Chevy with silver...  This '88 Chevy with silver flames is owned by Josh Hawkins, of Smithfield, Tennessee. |  Ryan Grooms from Corby, Tennessee,...  Ryan Grooms from Corby, Tennessee, displayed his '94 GMC Sierra. |  Larry Jakes from Spending...  Larry Jakes from Spending Habits Car Club displayed his '03 Avalanche. |