A Week Full of Adventure, Learning, and Lots of Laughs

This year’s Grand National show was anything but uneventful! The event was marked by constant off-and-on showers and numerous instances of trucks experiencing part failures, engines blowing up, rear differentials coming apart, and clutches going out, which kept everyone on their toes. My journey to the event was an adventure in itself, with the first incident occurring just 20 minutes into my five-hour drive. From a fuel delivery issue, to the driver side rear brake drum locking up, and a nasty oil leak that I couldn’t stop, I encountered more unexpected turns on this trip than I had anticipated! 

When I finally got into Pigeon Forge, all my stress and worries faded like an old paint job! With the abundance of old-school F-Series trucks everywhere, I felt like I had traveled back in time! People were gathered around, sitting on tailgates or cruising in groups, heading to various shops and attractions in town. After checking in at the hotel, I met up with friends I hadn’t seen since last year’s event. The evening was spent reminiscing and catching up on our experiences and memories from our trip to the show last year and this year. We shared stories, laughed, and enjoyed each other’s company as we recalled the highlights of both trips.

Despite the chaos everyone had endured already, spirits and attitudes remained strong. The first day of the show was impressive, to say the least! Walking through the show field on Thursday, I was amazed to see the vast amount of trucks already on display! With over a thousand vehicles already in town, the variety of trucks was insane, ranging from perfectly maintained factory-fresh restorations to unique custom builds!

Although everyone attends the show, many anticipate the nighttime and after-show events. This year, I was excited about making it to two after-show happenings! The first after-party was organized by Solomon Lunger and took place at Quaker Steak. We all parked in the lower parking lot, enjoyed dinner together, and had a great time. As the night progressed, things got a little rowdy, adding to the excitement of the evening!

The second one I was thrilled to attend was the F100 takeover meet at the Hard Rock Cafe! Some fantastic companies in the F-Series aftermarket industry put the show together. It’s one of the best after-show events I’ve ever attended! This event usually happens right after the mountain cruise organized by the Grand National Show. This timing allows everyone to come together in one place to chat about the breathtaking views and the drive they just had. Plus, it’s an excellent opportunity to enjoy delicious food, hang out, and meet new people with the same interests.

In the end, The F100 Grand National show was amazing despite a bit of rain and some minor mechanical issues. It was a week full of adventure, learning, and lots of laughs. You definitely will want to attend the next F100 Grand Nationals! Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a first-time attendee, the mix of innovation, knowledge, and sheer passion guarantees that everyone will leave with cherished memories and a desire for more!