52nd Annual National Truck-In (Van Nats)

Friday was a really big day at the 52nd Annual National Truck-In with both Show & Shine and Bright & Shine on the schedule along with more bands and other events. A large rain system stayed just to the south leaving the sky full of clouds but mostly rain-free. There was a lot of talk about how we might handle Show & Shine if it rained, but I'm really glad it worked out. While I was pretty sure I wouldn't be taking home any awards, I still very much wanted to show my van so I got it out there on the show field in the Dodge section.

You might be wondering whether someone from the host club would even be eligible for awards. The judging was done by the Nats Board, not the host club, so technically I was eligible, even if my van was a bit unlikely to win anything. Don't get me wrong - I really like my van, I'm proud of the work I've done to it, and have it set up just how I like it, but it's just never going to as flashy, over-the-top, or themed-out like some other vans in the category. The paint is flawed and the body is dinged up. It's a go-van more than a show-van but I still think it shows pretty well and I'm happy to open it up. It's just a bit more understated than others.

Nate's 'Black Knight' sporting some mud from Vankhana:

Justin's van:

Janet's van:

Bob's van:

I really like how Kristy and Jay re-did Ramblin Fever to patch all the rust, give it some fresh paint, ensure it was roadworthy, but pay tribute to the original artwork and interior while still making it their own. Very nice work.

Wood Butcher:

Death Trap:

Randy always has his trophies with Berserker:

Nates other van:

Alcazar:

Even the table was freshly pinstriped!

Mystic Traveler

Mine!

Steve's:

The paint on this van was really nice:

Tommy's hitch bar umbrella on Lucky 7 is a really nice touch.

The interior of this Ford was just so clean! It would go on to win the Flying Eagle award, which is reserved for the best van that was shown for the first time at the Nationals.