When we rolled into Salem, Ohio, for the Properly Grounded Show, aka Slam Jam 8, we noticed a setting that rivaled anything we'd seen on TV, including the old show, Green Acres. With fields of corn and farms as far as the eye could see, we weren't sure if we were heading to a mini-truck show or a country hoedown. Upon arriving at the Quaker City Raceway, we were more than excited to see a good mix of show vehicles already at the event. Likewise, there were already plenty of vendors setting up their show displays to get ready for the weekend's festivities.
The Properly Grounded crew had been busy long before anyone showed up at the Raceway, trying to prepare itself and the area for what would be one of the largest gatherings in Ohio this past August. On Friday, Properly Grounded began moving in all of its vendors, as well as show vehicles, to set up the showgrounds. Although there was no show on Friday, that didn't mean there wasn't plenty going on, especially after the sun went down. As soon as it became dark, the dragstrip came alive, with side-by-side drag racing action in which every sort of vehicle imaginable took part.
Early Saturday morning, the showgrounds filled to capacity with plenty of hot show rides, hot chicks, vendors, and more drag racing at the dragstrip. Of all the vehicles there, we were surprised to see Lenny Gruver's "Talk Now" S-10 make a comeback with a fresh new look. Gruver's wasn't the only ride there that debuted, however, making the Properly Grounded judging staff work double-time to ensure that each vehicle was properly judged on its own merits.
When the show's contestants felt that they were ready to have their vehicle inspected, they simply drove their truck over to the judging tent, where Properly Grounded held its official inspection and made notes to each contestant's judging sheet. Once judged, the show had still more to offer those who attended, with a bikini contest, plenty of food vendors, and custom parts that could be purchased at a fraction of regular price. Mini-truck shows are always a good time to kick back and hang out with friends, but that, of course, goes without saying. In all, it looked as though everyone at the event was enjoying their time in Ohio.
Sunday morning brought a bunch of mini-truckers to the show, still sporting smiling faces from the weekend's events thus far. On tap Sunday, more fun was still to be had, such as a hydraulic competition and the ever-popular awards ceremony. Throughout the morning, competitors wondered just who would take home top honors from the event. When the awards were announced, most of the participants felt confidant that Properly Grounded's judging staff had acted fairly and impartially to award trophies to those customs that were most deserving. Properly Grounded plans to host Slam Jam 9 this year, so don't miss out on the opportunity to hang with some of the coolest mini-truckers anywhere. For more information, contact: Rich Dallas, (330) 608-0625, rdallas@stylinconcepts.com