FULL COVERAGE – ALL TRUCK SEASON OPENER

This One-Day Central Florida Show was a Huge Success

The first annual ALL Truck Season Opener truck show in Ocala, Florida, was a collaboration between Street Trucks magazine and world-famous drag racer Don Garlits with the intent of creating an old-school truck show, one that would bring together a diverse collection of trucks to showcase the passion and craftsmanship of the builders. In addition to a great opportunity as one of the first big events of the season, the one-day show was free to spectators and designed to acquaint the Central Florida public with modern truck trends. The collection of almost 300 trucks (with one C10 all the way from Canada!) on the show field included every category with examples of lifted, slammed, monsters, minis, classics, rat rods and restored originals. 

In addition to the huge gathering of vehicles, drivers also had the opportunity to visit the equally huge collection of 263 vehicles on display at the Garlits Antique Car Museum and Drag Racing Museum, showing the storied history of one of the sport’s most famous drag racers. Don himself was on hand, signing autographs, selling vintage auto parts and posing for photographs with fans. Once he had a chance to wander the grounds, he was genuinely impressed with the variety and craftsmanship of the vehicles on display.

At 4 o’clock, prior to the afternoon’s award ceremony, a Nissan Hardbody was moved to center stage. As part of its Warrior Wheels Project, the Florida Chapter of the Birdwell Foundation for PTSD had been rejuvenating the Nissan over the past year, planning to give it to a local veteran in need. Coryan Hathaway was surprised to hear his name and grateful for the most amazing gift.

Don Garlits followed, presenting the award for his favorite vehicle at the show: “No Compromise,” the elegant 1996 Chevrolet C-3500 Dually of Mike Barcia, under construction for the last 15 years. Mike also took home the Best Interior and Best Engine awards. Dave Shulman was presented a medallion and trophy from the Street Trucks editor for his mile long “Krew Kut,” while Elvis Kerns captured the Overpower Pick with his patina Divco restomod. Collecting the largest number of ballots in the popular vote was the radical, diesel-powered, Best of Show-winning Rat Rod truck of José Lugo, complete with a matching diesel-powered Rat Bike in the bed. More than 40 other winners received custom “Starting Tree” trophies supplied by Overpower Customs as permanent reminders of the weekend fun. If you’d like to be part of this Central Florida Season Opener next year, add Feb. 6 to your 2021 calendar.

Special thanks to the supportive sponsors that made the event possible beginning with the Don Garlits Museum, Hypertech, Ernie’s Southern Off-road, Ocala Car Audio, NU-JAY Fab, Overpower Customs, C10 Squared and SQRBDY.

Keep up to date with this event at www.alltruckseasonopener.com.