For 31 years, the Truckin’ For Kids Charity Show & Drags has not only raised a lot of money for kids in need, but it has also given those of us who live in and around Southern California a good excuse to get together and have some truck show fun. And this year was no different. With perfect weather, plenty of cool west coast rides, exciting racing action and a parking lot full of friends, this show was once again, as their slogan goes, a good time for a great cause!
Held at Toyota Speedway in Irwindale, CA on September 24-25, this 31st annual event has been produced by Frank & Dianna Pangburn and their tireless volunteer crew for decades. Over the years, they have raised more than half a million dollars for various children’s charities. This year, even with the number of trucks and attendees down a bit, the show was still able to raise almost $6,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Oak Knoll Kinderhaus Montessori School in Pasadena, CA.
The show started on Saturday afternoon as several trucks arrived early to get setup, most of the vendors put up their displays, and all of the last-minute details were finalized. As the day came to a close, everyone who had arrived early were invited to cross the parking lot and watch the stock car races for free. Before the races began, several trucks paraded around the track with their lights on to be judged by the crowd.
Sunday morning came fast, and so did the crowds. With a full day of events planned, there was no time to waste. The judges went right to work, judging the 150+ trucks in the Show & Shine competition, and then the working contests (which included various backing events and a transfer dump competition) began. Along with the regular TFK Show & Shine contest, the folks from Pride & Polish were also on-hand, judging trucks for their own awards and for spots in their National Championship Series (see a complete list of their winners on our website). John Silva and Yamko were the big winners for their contest, along with several top awards going to Golden State Foods, Gardner Trucking, Albert Guzman, Arrowhead Water and Mike Green.
Around 11:00 the crowds began to gather in the grandstands. Shortly thereafter, the drag racing events started. With several classes of big rigs and pickups, as well as a bunch of Jr. Dragster races, the action was hot and heavy. When the smoke cleared, once again, Pat Kyle took top honors in the Super Drag Truck class.
In the 10-4 Magazine booth, we introduced our latest t-shirt design (with a classic Route 66 theme) and handed out a lot of free magazines. We also got to meet a dedicated young man that came by our booth to show off his 10-4 tattoo! As usual, our booth was a great place for people to hang out, relax, talk and have a cold one.
During the awards ceremony, names like James Davis, Stephen Ashburn, Bob Doyle and John Silva, along with companies like Yamko, GSF and Arrowhead were heard quite a bit. Tommy Sierras of DeBoer & Sons and their cattle-hauling Pete earned the coveted People’s Choice award, while the entire Maggini Family, in honor of Felix Maggini, was given the Sponsor’s Choice trophy by all of us at 10-4 Magazine. It was also nice to see Ken Weiland’s old Kenworth, which was featured way back on our April 1999 cover, at the show. But the big winner was Jeremy Smith. Jeremy brought down Tyler Picknell’s green 2006 Peterbilt and matching 2007 Wilson Step Deck from Roseburg, Oregon and ended up winning the big Best of Show trophy. Needless to say, he was pretty surprised and excited!
After the show ended, we got together with a large group of friends and enjoyed some fun times at the hotel bar and then a very late (and loud) dinner. These are the times we cherish the most – the times when we really get to just relax with our friends and have a good time. Our thanks to everyone who participated in this event or helped put it all together. As always, it brought out the best of the west and truly was “a good time for a great cause” once again!
SATURDAY NIGHT “LIGHT THE LOT” WINNERS
COMBINATION: Stephen Ashburn – Ashburn Auto Transport
BOBTAIL: John Gonzales – Yamko Truck Lines
ANTIQUE: David Bryson – Perris Valley Transport
WORKING CONTEST WINNERS
3-AXLE CLOSED BODY BACKING: Joseph Chaves – Veramontes Express
3-AXLE 45’ FLATBED BACKING: Gary Stivenga – McKeon Trucking
TRUCK & TRAILER BACKING: Johnny Juarez – D & M Hay
TRUCK & PUP BACKING: Mark Tarascou – Tarascou Trucking
TRANSFER DUMP CONTEST: Mark Tarascou – Tarascou Trucking
DRAG RACING WINNERS
JR. DRAGSTERS: Tierney Diaz, Savanna Hall, Kylan Dennis & Adrianna
PICKUPS & SUVS (WITH SLICKS): Larry Sayeg
PICKUPS & SUVS (WITH STREET TIRES): Edgar Reyes
DIESEL-POWERED PICKUPS: Steve Price
BRACKET DRAG RACE FOR ALL BIG RIGS: Armin McKee
SUPER DRAG TRUCKS: Pat Kyle
SHOW & SHINE WINNERS
PROFESSIONAL SHOW TRUCK: Alberto Caballero – Betuco Trucking
3-AXLE CONV (2008-2011): John Gonzalez – Yamko Truck Lines
3-AXLE CONV (2003-2007): Stephen Ashburn – Ashburn Auto Trans.
3-AXLE CONV (1996-2002): Tad Hamilton – TTL/Mayflower
3-AXLE CONV (1987-1995): James Davis – JDT Trucking
2-AXLE CONV (2008-2011): Mike Puppi – D & M Hay
2-AXLE CONV (2003-2007): Adrian Gonzales Jr. – Gardner Trucking
2-AXLE CONV (1987-2002): John Silva – Silva Hay
3-AXLE COE (1987-2011): Dennis McCluskey – Felix Maggini Trucking
2-AXLE COE (1987-2011): Mike Arzola – Gardner Trucking
ANTIQUE (1966-1986): Travis Owen – Bernard’s Pampered Meats
ANTIQUE (1946-1965): Roger Ghidelli – Maggini Trucking
NON-WORKING ANTIQUE: Ruben Cendejas – Arrowhead Water
LOCAL DELIVERY (UNDER 50K MI. YEAR): Bob Doyle – Golden Bear
DUMP TRUCK: Ozzie Arroyo – Ozzies Trucking
DUMP TRUCK & PUP: Moses – Tarascou Trucking
WRECKER/TILT ROLLBACK: Ruben Cendejas – Arrowhead Water
SERVICE TRUCK: John Murray II – M & J Transport
SPECIALTY RIG: John Lagomarsino – Lagomarsino
HOBBY TRUCK: Jake Blackwell – Extinguisher Racing
SMALL FLEET: Yamko Truck Lines
LARGE FLEET: Gardner Trucking
ROCKWOOD INTERIOR: Armando Burguan – Yamko Truck Lines
SPECIALTY TRAILER: Tommy Sierras – DeBoer & Sons Trucking
FLATBED: Brandon McDaniel – First Class
HEAVY EQUIP/LOW BED: Bryan Baichtal – B & I Equipment Rental
CAR CARRIER: Stephen Ashburn – Ashburn Auto Transport
END DUMP: Jimmy DeLeon – American Wrecking
TRANSFER DUMP: Rich Gallardo – Rock It Transport
STEEL TANKER: Michael Himba – Art Bousema Construction
ALUMINUM TANKER: Bob Doyle – Golden Bear
OVER THE ROAD TRUCK: Kris Gaare – Kriss Trucking
SPECIALTY TROPHIES
LONGEST TOW: Geoff Morris – Liberty Linehaul West (Ontario, Canada)
UGLIEST TRUCK: Disher
BEST REACTION TIME: Steve Price
QUICKEST TRUCK: Keith Pounds – Central Valley Transport
QUICKEST PICKUP: Larry Sayeg
BEST ENGINE: John Silva – Silva Hay
BEST INTERIOR: Stephen Ashburn – Ashburn Auto Transport
BEST KENWORTH: Bob Keffer – Ownby Trucking
BEST FREIGHTLINER: Mark Pounds – Central Valley Transport
BEST PETERBILT: Jerry Salinas
BEST INTERNATIONAL: Tony Lewis – Golden State Foods
KING OF THE HILL: Jake Blackwell and his Monster Fire Truck
SPONSOR’S CHOICE (10-4 Magazine): The Maggini Family (in Memory of Felix)
PEOPLE’S CHOICE: Tommy Sierras – DeBoer & Sons Trucking
BEST OF SHOW: Jeremy Smith – Showing Tyler Picknell’s Truck
PRIDE & POLISH TRUCK BEAUTY CONTEST WINNERS
WORKING BOBTAIL: 1st Armando Burguan/Yamko Truck Lines – 2009 Black Cherry Peterbilt 389; 2nd Tony Lewis/Golden State Foods – 2010 White International ProStar; 3rd James Davis/JDT – 1993 Black & Orange Peterbilt 379.
WORKING BOBTAIL (COMPANY TRUCK): 1st Steve Arvidson/Golden State Foods – 2011 White & Black Peterbilt 386; 2nd Randy Reza/Golden State Foods – 2011 White Peterbilt 386; 3rd Juan M. Perez/Liberty Line Haul West – 2004 Burgundy Kenworth T800.
WORKING BOBTAIL (SPECIALIZED): 1st Bryan Brown/Matt Dunlop – 1998 Gray Peterbilt 379; 2nd John Lagomarsino – 1994 Gray Peterbilt 377 Wrecker; 3rd Danny Monteiro/Duarte’s Towing – 1974 White Kenworth W900L.
ANTIQUE (BOBTAIL): 1st Armin McKee/McKee Tractor Service – 1948 Yellow & White GMC 950; 2nd Steve Merritt – 1966 Black & Yellow Kenworth 921A; 3rd Oscar & Henry Velasquez – 1961 Black Kenworth.
LIMITED MILEAGE (BOBTAIL): 1st John Gonzales/Yamko Truck Lines – 2009 Black Cherry Peterbilt 388; 2nd Roger Ghidelli/Maggini & Son Trucking – 1962 Yellow & Green Peterbilt; 3rd Shaun Barney/PDI – 2002 Black Peterbilt 379.
WORKING COMBO (2007 & OLDER): 1st Mike Salcido/Arrowhead Water – 2007 Red Freightliner Columbia & 1991 Brenner Tanker; 2nd Brandon S. McDaniel/James Davis – 1994 Lime Green Peterbilt 379 & 2007 Wilson; 3rd Vince Jenkins/After Midnight Trucking – 2007 Blue & Black Peterbilt 379
WORKING COMBO (2010 & NEWER): 1st Juan Henriquez/Yamko Truck Lines – 2010 Black Cherry Peterbilt 388 & 2004 Hyundai Container Hauler; 2nd Albert Guzman/Guzman Express – 2011 Gray & Yellow Peterbilt 389 & 2007 Fontaine; 3rd Max Frener/Golden State Foods – 2011 White Peterbilt 386 & 2008 Utility Reefer.
WORKING COMBO (COMPANY TRUCK): 1st Larry Gonzales/Golden State Foods – 2010 White Peterbilt 386 & 2008 Utility Reefer; 2nd Maston Harris/Liberty Line Haul West – 2003 Red Berry Kenworth W900L & 2009 Great Dane Van; 3rd Steve Beatie/Godfrey Trucking – 2007 Silver & Purple Kenworth W900L & 2007 Great Dane Van.
WORKING COMBO (SPECIALIZED): 1st Mike Green – 2009 Orchid Peterbilt 389 & 2002 Talbert; 2nd Jerad Wittwer/PDI – 2006 Blue Peterbilt 379 & 2000 Landoll; 3rd Stephen Ashburn/Ashburn Auto Transport – 2005 Blue Flamed Peterbilt 379 & 2006 Boydstun Car Carrier.
WORKING COMBO (DOUBLE FLATBED): 1st Mike Arzola/Gardner Trucking – 1995 White Freightliner Cabover & Double Hay Hauler; 2nd Dennis McCluskey/Felix Maggini Trucking – 1992 Yellow & Green Peterbilt Cabover & Utility Double Hay Trailers; 3rd Hector Santos – 1999 Blue & White Peterbilt 379 & Utility Double Flatbed.
LIMITED MILEAGE (COMBO): 1st John Silva/Silva Hay – 2000 Red Peterbilt 379 & 1990 Utility Double Flatbeds; 2nd Jeremy Smith/Tyler Picknell – 2006 Green Peterbilt 379 & 2007 Wilson Stepdeck; 3rd Bob Doyle/Golden Bear Marketing – 2000 Brown Peterbilt 379 & 2000 Weld-It Double Tanker.
ENGINE: 1st Albert Guzman/Guzman Express – 2011 Gray & Yellow Peterbilt 389 & 2007 Fontaine; 2nd Juan Henriquez/Yamko Truck Lines – 2010 Black Cherry Peterbilt 388 & 2004 Hyundai Container Hauler; 3rd Larry Gonzales/Golden State Foods – 2010 White Peterbilt 386 & 2008 Utility Reefer.
INTERIOR (CAB ONLY): 1st Stephen Ashburn/Ashburn Auto Transport – 2005 Blue Flamed Peterbilt 379 & 2006 Boydstun Car Carrier; 2nd Juan Henriquez/Yamko Truck Lines – 2010 Black Cherry Peterbilt 388 & 2004 Hyundai Container Hauler; 3rd Mike Salcido/Arrowhead Water – 2007 Red Freightliner Columbia & 1991 Brenner Tanker.
INTERIOR (OEM SLEEPER): 1st Armando Burguan/Yamko Truck Lines – 2009 Black Cherry Peterbilt 389; 2nd James Davis/JDT – 1993 Black & Orange Peterbilt 379.
PAINT (BOBTAIL): 1st Armando Burguan/Yamko Truck Lines – 2009 Black Cherry Peterbilt 389; 2nd John Lagomarsino – 1994 Gray Peterbilt 377 Wrecker; 3rd James Davis/JDT – 1993 Black & Orange Peterbilt 379.
PAINT (COMBO): 1st Albert Guzman/Guzman Express – 2011 Gray & Yellow Peterbilt 389 & 2007 Fontaine; 2nd Juan Henriquez/Yamko Truck Lines – 2010 Black Cherry Peterbilt 388 & 2004 Hyundai Container Hauler; 3rd Stephen Ashburn/Ashburn Auto Transport – 2005 Blue Flamed Peterbilt 379 & 2006 Boydstun Car Carrier.
LIGHTS (BOBTAIL): 1st Tony Lewis/Golden State Foods – 2010 White International ProStar; 2nd Steve Arvidson/Golden State Foods – 2011 White & Black Peterbilt 386; 3rd (tie): Armando Burguan/Yamko Truck Lines – 2009 Black Cherry Peterbilt 389 AND Randy Reza/Golden State Foods – 2011 White Peterbilt 386.
LIGHTS (COMBO): 1st Mike Green – 2009 Orchid Peterbilt 389 & 2002 Talbert; 2nd Stephen Ashburn/Ashburn Auto Transport – 2005 Blue Flamed Peterbilt 379 & 2006 Boydstun Car Carrier; 3rd Vince Jenkins/After Midnight Trucking – 2007 Blue & Black Peterbilt 379.
BEST OF SHOW WORKING BOBTAIL: Armando Burguan/Yamko Truck Lines – 2009 Black Cherry Peterbilt 389.
BEST OF SHOW WORKING COMBO: Juan Henriquez/Yamko Truck Lines – 2010 Black Cherry Peterbilt 388 & 2004 Hyundai Container Hauler.