Terrific Tampa Trucks

Vintage truck owners are easy to please. Simply give them more fun than they expect and you'll keep them smiling all weekend. NSRA Special Events Director Jerry Kennedy and his gifted crew routinely give (almost) 'til it hurts. Their goal at the 2004 NSRA Tampa show was to see the happy group of drivers and spectators flash those warm smiles from the welcoming get-together until long after the trip home. That's when they know they've given their best.

How do you begin the giving process? For starters, Florida is trying to return to their old designation of the Sunshine State instead of the current nickname of the Plywood Panel State. After several weeks of hurricanes and rain, the local chamber of commerce gave the crowd a treat, arranging for marvelous October weather in the low 80s, a cause for rejoicing among locals and out-of-towners alike. The tree-lined lakes and spacious facilities of the Tampa Fairgrounds were another gift, with scenic beauty and loads of room to spread out. Inside, in air-conditioned comfort, dozens of manufacturers were on hand selling the latest in new custom and restoration parts. Outside, many swap meet folks were selling just about everything else. The Model Car Contest, sponsored by Model Associates of the Gulf State, brought the younger truck lovers into the competition as well.

Ready to start the fun? First, you could have joined the host club, the Tampa Knights, for their traditional Friday poker run and tour of Tampa, then met for the evening kickoff party at the Crowne Plaza, Sabal Park host hotel for Even Steven's Oldies Dance Party. You'd have had to be ready for more excitement Saturday morning however, and plan your schedule carefully. Some spent time checking out the fabulous collection of 1,256 registered custom vehicles on display and chatted with old friends as they made the rounds. While the locals never miss the NSRA Tampa event, the warm Florida weather attracts many folks from the colder parts of the country. You can always find new and interesting rides, some driven from great distances, at this show. There was even a sizable contingent from the United Kingdom enjoying the unique collection of American rides. While we were wandering row upon row, we kept an ear out for NSRA voice Wings Kallahan, who was calling numbers throughout the weekend, qualifying spectators for great door prizes. Many who entered a vehicle in the competition took a moment to schedule a free NSRA safety inspection. The inspection crew definitely added to the owner's peace of mind, and the sticker likely helps the value of the vehicle at trading time. When we were exhausted from seeing the sights, we grabbed a quick bite to eat and were refreshed for the Saturday evening festivities. We really enjoyed the traditional Tampa lip sync contest and stayed late for the classic rock sounds of Boomerz Doo Wop. For those with the stamina, Tampa nightlife adds another level of fun.

Sunday dawned bright and sunny with the NSRA crew ready for another day of fun. After Sunday morning services, most drivers took a final stroll around the fairgrounds to check new arrivals before moving to the Circle of Winners. Vehicles selected for the prestigious NSRA Picks were on display and quickly became Sunday's center of attention. At around 2 p.m., four drivers and their companions were recognized for driving their vehicles to all eleven NSRA events this year, a testament to their love of the sport. The vehicle picks were an exceptional honor, as each owner was called to receive his plaque. But the spectators knew that the real giving portion of this event began after the Picks were awarded. As the final best of the best vehicle cleared the circle, the famous drum full of tickets started to turn and people shifted in their seats. With more than $100,000 in prizes, giving at this show is serious business. With stereos, sets of wheels, car lifts, welders, tires, tools, and more, Jerry Kennedy and his crew of Santa's helpers had Christmas coming early to street rod and street truck owners in Tampa. Of course, the most coveted stocking stuffer of all was the brand-new Chevy Colorado pickup truck, one of 10 given away by NSRA at each of their divisional events.

When the winning number was called and Ron Jones from Cape Coral, Florida, checked his ticket, he instantly understood the true meaning of giving, since he became the proud owner of a brand-new '04 Chevrolet Colorado. Ron was already having his share of fun, but this special event certainly intensified the pleasure. Dozens of other NSRA members also went home smiling thankful that the gift certificates simplified the process of getting their significant prizes home. If you'd like to get in on getting prizes and awards, the NSRA is the biggest bunch of givers we know of. Put the NSRA Tampa show on your 2005 calendar. They will always give you their best, and maybe you'll come away with more than just a fun weekend. Those who'd like to learn more about the shows and the annual event schedule, check their website at www.nsra-usa.com.