Rain and truck shows just aren\u2019t a good combination.\u00a0 Making my way from Wisconsin through heavy rain, I wondered how my weekend at the 2nd stop of the 2016 Pride & Polish truck show series, held at Fitzgerald Glider Kits on July 15-16 at their facility in Crossville, Tennessee, was going to go.\u00a0 Arriving the evening before the show actually started, I stopped briefly to get a sneak peek at the trucks in attendance and was glad to see many trucks already there, despite the difficult weather conditions, including Eilen & Sons\u2019 2014 Peterbilt 389, from Hampton, MN, parked up on the hill overlooking the event.\u00a0 Knowing that this is the rig that hauls Eilen & Sons\u2019 latest show truck around, I couldn\u2019t wait for the show to begin.<\/p>\nngg_shortcode_0_placeholder\n
On Friday morning, I made my way to the show, which had a gray sky overhead, but no rain (the sun even popped out a few times).\u00a0 After parking, I caught up with Darrell Andrews Trucking, Inc. from Siler City, NC unloading their butterfly-hood Kenworth, which was hauled in by their 1980 Kenworth W900A extended hood.\u00a0 Both trucks were entered in the show and both were definitely an awesome addition, with their old-school-cool appeal.<\/p>\n
Crossville resident, owner-operator and my friend, Jonathan Terry, was also in attendance with his 1995 Kenworth W900L \u201cDriveway Dream\u201d sporting a 5EK CAT motor and 270-inch wheelbase.\u00a0 My home state of Wisconsin had some representation, too, with Joel Dawes, owner of Dawes Contract Carriage out of Waterford.\u00a0 Joel\u2019s Viper Red 2014 Fitzgerald Glider Kenworth T660 \u201cThrills, Chills & Dollar Bills\u201d snagged the Working Bobtail Best of Show, 2nd in Engine, 1st in Bobtail Paint, 1st in Interior (Cab Only) and 1st place in Working Bobtail.<\/p>\n
I would be hard-pressed to pick a favorite truck at this event, because there were so many good ones.\u00a0 But, to name a few I really liked, Eric Turner of Turner Transport and his very classy 2015 Sovereign Blue Peterbilt 389 \u201cShow Time\u201d with a 2016 WallyMo car hauler would be high on the list.\u00a0 Fleenor Bros. from Carthage, MO also unveiled their 2008 Kenworth W900L \u201cAce In the Hole\u201d and it was looking pretty top-notch, too \u2013 especially during the light show!\u00a0 The Davis Bros. crew was looking large with their 2015 white and blue Peterbit 386 \u201cBuzz Kill\u201d and their newly-built \u201cJaw Breaker\u201d \u2013 a black and red 1999 Kenworth W900L.\u00a0 Taylor Transport from Cartersville, GA came in with their Surf Blue 2016 Kenworth W900L and a sleek Black Effect 2015 Peterbilt 389, as well.<\/p>\n
As mentioned before, Eilen & Sons brought out \u201cThe Hustler\u201d \u2013 a totally custom white, black and orange 1990 Peterbilt 379, sporting a 3406E CAT motor, that has been dropped three inches and chopped six.\u00a0 This rig has too many unique features to list them all!\u00a0 Naas & Sons from Haubstadt, IN rolled in with their 1991 Mack R called \u201cLong Hard Ride\u201d which made its debut at MATS earlier this year.\u00a0 On display, front and center, was Rethwisch Transport\u2019s popular and easily-recognized lime green and white 2013 Fitzgerald Peterbilt 389, along with its matching 2013 Polar fuel tanker.\u00a0 Like I said \u2013 there were a LOT of amazing rigs at this event!<\/p>\n
Daredevil Jesse Toler and his crew made an appearance on Friday afternoon to wow the crowd with their stunt bike show.\u00a0 As the sun went down, the lights came on for a display and light competition, as the judges made their rounds and attendees looked on.\u00a0 Tony Justice took the stage for an intimate concert, covering many of his popular songs, and amazed the audience with his talent.\u00a0 The performance he gave of his song \u201cStars, Stripes and Whitelines\u201d was definitely appreciated by all.\u00a0 The evening came to an end with a fireworks show put on by Fitzgeralds.<\/p>\n
After a few sprinkles fell here and there, the show came to an end on Saturday evening, after the awards were presented, and the trucks immediately began leaving.\u00a0 On Sunday morning, as I left the hotel room to make my way back to Wisconsin, I stopped at the grounds one last time.\u00a0 I was almost a little sad to see the trucks were all cleared out.\u00a0 It was a bittersweet end to a show that didn\u2019t disappoint.\u00a0 I left with some great pictures, quality time with friends, and many new friends, too.\u00a0 To all the drivers out there doing the deal, truck safe, and try to avoid the rain.<\/p>\n