August is one of the largest show months of the year in So Cal; it is the end of the show season aside from the push for SEMA in November. One of the larger shows in Southern California is Truck Jam in Irvine, CA. Unfortunately, this time there was a smaller turnout than at previous Truck Jam shows; possibly due to the large number of other events in So Cal that weekend: the X Games, and offroad expo and lowrider show could have accounted for the low turn out. A large number of those trucks that did show up (mainly SUVs) were of the baller style of trucks, lambo doors and snakeskin. The style of these trucks were leaving many to wonder if they were at the Verizon Amphitheater or actually on the runway of nearby John Wayne Airport. However the show provided the opportunity to make new friends, hang out with old and seldom seen friends.

The weekend began with dinner, drinking, pool playing and run-ins with the authorities. The crews from Acrophobia (both Nor Cal and So Cal), Local Finesse and friends hit up the Irvine Spectrum. Pool playing and drinking led to every lady in the south Orange County area knowing that Dooder has a bagged truck; and Dave & Buster’s security may still be looking for Andy as we speak. After the festivities, our own Chachi and Nick learned that freedom of the press doesn’t apply to taking pictures of trucks dragging.

As Truck Jam opened its gates, trucks low and high drove into show to see the insane paint jobs and mods. The burnout competition ended with rocker panels destroyed from not only smoke and burnt rubber but flying gravel and dirt. The ladies of the show couldn’t have looked better than those pleasing the crowds and digital cameras everywhere in the bikini contest. Top prize went to Dennis Sever with his yellow ’53 Chevy. Several STS members took home trophies as well.

Big thanks to Dooder for being himself and all the Nor Cal people you are hella cool! Thanks to Alyssa from Aftermath in Fresno for the beer and ice cream. Roulette for the shout outs and keeping the crowd entertained on his birthday. Thanks to “Shoeless Jenn” for the comedy. And to Big Steve from FFF…next time you’re sitting in a chair in front of the stage waiting for trophies…you’re going down, three times!

Be on the lookout for the upcoming Cal Jam After Dark show Sept. 30 in Long Beach. A nighttime show with cars and trucks and a spark flying drag off.

Article by Jason Mulligan