48 10-4 Magazine / May 2026 young people who attend truck shows following their parents and listening to the stories about “back in the day.” These are the same kids who read this magazine every month (and others like it) who will become the next leaders someday, and others who will become the truck builders of the future. For me there is a single line that talks about the Louisville truck show. Back then it was called the Overdrive Pride and Polish. It was the same event, just hosted by a different organization. “Yes, I’ve showed at Mid-America where the truckin’ legends stood,” now he too can take his place as a legend. The whole crew at PCT earned the right to stand proudly as legendary builders. Their creation of the “Alfalfa Cruiser” set a new standard for competition. The design, the craftsmanship, the detail, and the presentation were all trendsetting. The level of fabrication on this hay truck is overwhelming, but to have someone on hand to explain the design process is a gift that keeps on giving. I saw many young people crawl down and peek under to see the “how it works” part of the truck. When I see second and third generation family members take up the mantle of ownership it warms my heart. To see the changes in our equipment from a technology standpoint I would be lost trying to trace the electrical system in a new truck, but my son grew up working on them, so it has become as common to him as the 379 is to me. There are many reasons to attend the local truck shows, and to shine up your ride and park on the grass for the afternoon. It has never been about the trophies, the bragging rights, or the accolades that go with being selected Best of Show. Just seeing a smile on a little girl’s face when you let them sit behind the wheel and rip the air horns is better than any award. We cannot know how many or how often we affect the lives of others by taking the time to talk to them, explaining the mechanisms of a big truck. In a world where everyone is told what they can’t do, how about telling someone what is possible to do! Show them how to use their hands, their head, and their heart for the betterment of themselves and their families. If you are able, give these kids a place to learn and experience the thrill of making stuff. They don’t have to build a truck or truck parts, but for them to make parts for their bicycles or go carts is a great start. My life is full of young people who started their lives right here in the backyard, driving the lawn mower, pulling a cart, then a pickup truck hauling water. Sure, we lost a lot of tools in the grass, some forgotten and never to be found again, until the mower blades send them into space (which is why I always keep some cheap hand tools in an old toolbox). Eventually those same wayward kids went on to pilot some of the most BATs (Bad Azz Trucks) to ever hit the highway. Every one of them excelled in their own field of expertise. None of us can see into the future, but with a little encouragement and a lot of elbow grease, we can make the lives of the next generation a lot brighter. Who knows, maybe in another 30 years you may find a poem written by someone that you influenced, and you will be able to see how their life turned out. Inspiring the next generation of “Young Guns” is our honor and responsibility. And trust me, that sheet of paper with the poem means more to me than any award, 10-4. n
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