Billed as four shows in one, the Big Show drew an even bigger crowd this year than last with its "No Rules, All Fun" policy. Catering to all vehicles - trucks, 4x4s, cars, and bikes - the show not only attracted more than 900 of the hottest rides from a 10-state area, but also gave drivers an event to remember. Nonstop action is what this show is all about, and there is always something going on. The huge display area of the Virginia Motorsports Park, just south of Richmond, easily accommodated the largest crowd in the event's three-year history. Unlike lots of other events, cruising is not only allowed, it's encouraged. The slow-speed parade of custom rides became a real advantage - you could stay in one place and let the show come to you!
Show promoters Glenn and Mike Pilgreen, founders of Drop Jaw Promotions, assisted by JR Berheul, teamed up with Bryan Pierce, general manager of the track, to create their mega-event, oriented around nonstop automotive entertainment. Each of the players brings more than a decade of experience to the game, with Bryan handling the facilities and the Drop Jaw team creating the nighttime fun.
Hmm, hopefully these girls...
Hmm, hopefully these girls will check out the new addition to the MT Web site - a model search! Check out www.minitruckinweb.com for all the info.
Lots of the weekend activity centered around the dragstrip, with motorcycle stunts, sky-darkening burnouts contests, the MECA-sponsored Boom and Zoom Challenge, hydro exhibitions, and free 1/8-mile fun runs open to any show vehicle on the field. Nighttime entertainment is a Drop Jaw specialty, and their particular brand of fun is legendary. The bikini and wet T-shirt contests are often clothing-optional, giving the girls an opportunity to pocket some cash and add to their bead collection. The big banana contest was a test of the girls' ability to entertain the crowd while ensuring they got their minimum daily requirement of fruit. The party continued until the wee hours, with on-site camping at the track helping to keep expenses low.
Like everything else about the Big Show, the awards ceremony saw a huge number of folks heading home with smiles on their faces after more than 400 trophies changed hands. The top winners also left with pocketfuls of extra green, such as Mike Rossi, winner of the Overall Best of Show. If you'd like to squeeze more fun into a weekend than it will normally hold, engrave the 4th Annual Big Show on your 2006 calendar. Drop Jaw and the track both promise next year's event will be even bigger and better. For more info, check out www.dropjawmag.com. Special thanks goes to Seven City Scion for its sponsorship help in making the event possible.