Setting the Bar: Lonestar Throwdown 2016

For truck builders, lifted or lowered, Lonestar Throwdown (LST) is one of the most highly anticipated shows regardless of where you call home. Rapidly growing in size every year, LST is one of the largest shows in the nation. For many, this will be the biggest event owners and show-goers will have the chance to attend during each show season, if not the largest they have ever taken part in thus far. With 2,500 trucks, SUVs and cars in attendance this year, the staff actually had to start turning away vehicles because they had hit capacity at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Conroe, Texas, where the show is held.

Here is just one of the two bodied 2015-16 trucks Jake McKiddie of PhatPhabz built in the 25 days before LST. The first test drive for each was the eight-hour trek across the Midwest to the show.

Deven Ramsey’s bodied ’04 Toyota Tacoma was an attention-grabber, especially since the paint looked different every time the sun moved.

Details are not just for low trucks. The rose gold detailing on this truck’s undercarriage and wheels stood out from the crowd.

To say unique builds were cruising the show would be an understatement.

There is something about clean simplicity and big billets that just cannot be beat.

Our September 2015 cover truck was hauled out to the show from the West Coast and crowned Best of Show.

Here’s just one of several in-progress rolling frames brought to the show this year.

Kerry Daigle debuted his beautiful ’07 Sierra at LST this year; there are enough details on this truck to keep show-goers looking for days.

This classic Chevy was built and brought down by Texas locals, Chicken House Chopshop.

Jason Sandusky’s GMC Sierra was one of the lucky few that claimed a Top 75 award.

Pleasant Cook, aka 4×4 Barbie, proudly shows that lifted trucks aren’t just for the guys.

If you have never attended LST before, this year may have been overwhelming. The number of trucks and vehicles in general that were at this show could be compared to SEMA. Jaw-dropping builds of all types were placed side by side, covering every square foot of the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. With more than 13,000 spectators attending the show, it’s easy to see why builders come from all coasts to display their rides and catch up with good friends. The show has grown at a rapid rate, increasing by an additional 700-plus vehicles in 2016 from the 1,800 who attended in 2015.

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The main reason Todd “Radar” Hendrix and Lonnie Ford started this show was to bring back the feeling of the older shows they remembered having attended in the past. Sitting back and relaxing with friends while trucks cruise the show, having a few beers and enjoying the company of other builders and enthusiasts alike was all that they wanted. Needless to say, years later it’s obvious they have achieved and even surpassed their goal. With show awards going to the Top 75 builds and also a few of the Best Of builds, it’s an understatement to say that the judges and LST staff had their work cut out for them picking the elite few from such a large pool of quality vehicles.

Yes, that’s a set of 30s on the rear of this Sierra.

From ’bagged and bodied trucks to trucks lifted high enough that owners needed a step-ladder to get into them, Lonestar Throwdown has something for everyone. The attendees at Lonestar Throwdown are a family because a community that stays together will always be stronger than a group of owners who are afraid to mingle.