Now that 2003 is safely behind us, we here at Mini Truckin' are diving into our 2nd Annual Awards. Voted on by the members of the MT editorial and freelance staff, the awards give props to those who made our year most enjoyable. From MT's cover trucks, to the features and show coverage, we want to take this opportunity to let everyone know just who we felt made the year interesting. This is also an opportunity for readers to see what we look for when featuring a vehicle or covering an event. The awards for 2003 were made by Silver Star Customs, using our new logo design. Just for the record, staffers are ineligible to win and everyone was asked to vote impartially. So, without further ado, let's find out who gets bragging rights from the staff of MT for 2003.
Lance Martz - MT Editor
Truck of the Year 2003:
Charles Armstrong
Prescott, Arizona
Jan. '03 issue
It was extremely hard to choose this year's best because we've had so many worthy trucks grace our pages, and the quality of our features has reached an all-time high. Without a doubt, though, Charles' Time Machine is the most detailed mini-truck I've laid eyes on in eight years at MT and 16 years of being involved with truck shows. True, he's in my own club, but no one has ever beaten his Toyota at a show, and you can see why. Someone please build a better truck.
Club of the Year 2003:
Forbidden Fantasy, California - These are some of the most fun guys on the planet to hang out with. Since meeting these guys more than two years ago, they've never stopped trying to do the most they can for the mini-truckin' pastime. Besides hosting one of the largest shows on the West Coast, the members of Forbidden are in the scene for all the right reasons. For more information on the organization, check out www.forbiddenfantasy.net.
Show of the Year 2003:
Assorted Miniatures' Showfest - Greenville, Mississippi. This show has more debut rides in attendance than you're likely to see anywhere else. Because of that, this show is not to be missed for any reason, especially not the equally crazy aftershow. Whether you have to drive, fly, or hitchhike, just make it to Greenville.
Mike Alexander - MT Associate Editor
Truck of the Year 2003:
Josh Freeman
Dana Point, California
March '03 issue
Josh's '94 Toyota, the cover truck of the March '03 issue, gets my vote for Mini Truck of the Year because of the immense detail that went into its buildup. My favorite part is the killer tube work from the frame and suspension that is carried to the cab and through to the engine bay - very impressive. The smooth dash that flows to the center console is super trick, while the taillights glow through the plexiglass in the tailgate and flow into the paintjob, finishing the truck off very nicely. It's also tight to see such a nice truck driven from San Diego all the way to Bakersfield, to show, drag, and burn out all weekend long. Josh is one down mini-trucker and his truck gets my vote.
Club of the Year 2003:
Pebble Pushers - Out of all of the clubs that come to mind as I flip through the pages of last year's issues, Pebble Pushers stands out. I got the opportunity to meet the guys and they're just super cool. Every single truck they brought out to the shows I attended has been featured or will be featured. Cool guys and tight rides; what more can you ask for?
Show of the Year 2003:
Indy Truck Bash - Indianapolis, Indiana. My favorite show of the 2003 season was definitely the Indy Truck Bash at the Indianapolis Raceway Park; it was the biggest show I have ever attended. I saw so many dope trucks and met so many cool people that it broke the ice and proved that I'm really going to enjoy my job for years to come. Oh, and the filet mignon at Ruth's Chris Steak House helped out a little.
Mike Finnegan - MT Associate Editor
Truck of the Year 2003:
Josh Freeman
Dana Point, California
March '03 issue
This '94 Toyota has it all: A really classy paintjob; insane tube chassis work and suspension; and an interior that would make a street rodder cry. I hear he drives it everywhere. Hands down this truck is my favorite, and I'm just jealous that I didn't build it.
Club of the Year 2003:
Negative Camber - It never fails, everywhere I go, these guys are there, and they roll harder than anyone else. Check the quality and it's there every time.
Show of the Year 2003:
(No response due to new duties with Off-Road magazine)