Coverage continues from Wednesday July 9th at the 52nd Annual National Truck-In... I mentioned in yesterday's blogpost how vans were arranging themselves for the aerial photo before the opening ceremony and cruise to the Surf Ballroom. Well, this is the result. My van is the top-right corner of the "n" in "52nd". It was pretty cool to be a part of that.
Credit to JJ Lightning and Donut for the photo and the group on the ground who had to figure out van placement - it did not look easy! This was the view from the grandstand and up close it was really difficult to get a sense for it:
It was pretty warm that day and I ducked out for a bit and went to the local aquatic center for a swim to cool off. I did the same thing at the 50th in Colorado so maybe this is the start of a personal Nats tradition.
Back to the fairgrounds...
I was sure to be back before the bands started up in the DSV building... First up was DNF (Dad's Nighttime Friends) with Jay (aka Hollywood) on vocals and Kristy (aka KristyKreme) on drums. It was Kristy's first public performance and she did great. Bad Company and Ramblin' Fever are their vans.
Pat and Nate enjoying the show:
For the last few songs, Kristie joined the audience:
Willie was rockin' out in yet another costume:
At this point, Justin and Aurora drove their vans from the grandstand back to the campsite after getting them pinstriped by Michael Swann. They were both very happy with the results.
Babe's tail would swing as it drove around.
Donut was driving his R/C van around FPV via a headset using the camera in the windshield, just like a drone.
A little romance in the grandstand?... you'd think Coldplay was performing.
Aaron with his not-so-subtle back patch.
Nate:
Sam was quite the character too:
Thought Patrol was the second band of the evening:
Fairgrounds repairs... that's vannin'
Miss USA hard at work...
Babe was also shuttling people around.
As the sun set, it was time for another band.
Last up in the DSV building was
Rad Enhancer. I would see them again in about a week-and-a-half at Full Tilt. Do you like metal? Do you have a cherished coleslaw recipe? Do you think whales really need to be put in their place? Well, then give your beer to Rad Enhancer and enjoy these pics.
Pickles:
The party continued in the bar building with karaoke
James was dressed as George Washington... of course.
Nighttime view of the campsite:
OK, that was Wednesday... We'll start Thursday coverage tomorrow.
