10-4 Magazine October 2023

Truck Show Report: By Mark Harter & Carson Lambrecht I’ve been to a lot of truck shows over the years, both as a competitor and as a spectator, but if anyone asks me what my favorite truck show is, the answer is easy – it’s the Walcott Iowa 80 Truckers Jamboree. To me, trophies don’t mean much, as seeing old friends and making new ones, along with meeting others who share our passion for trucks, is what I enjoy the most. With rows and rows of show trucks and vintage rigs lined up, there’s something for everyone to see. Combine that with the Moon Family’s “Iowa Hospitality” with pork chops, a concert stage and fireworks at night, it’s always an amazing atmosphere for all the competitors, vendors, truck nuts, and everyone attending the show. This year I had the opportunity to ride to the 44th edition of the Truckers Jamboree in a very special rig. On the Tuesday before the show began, Jay Van Kampen stopped through Newburgh, Indiana (where I live) to pick me up in his 1976 VIT 200 Bicentennial W900A and roll out to Iowa together. I had just written a story about Jay and his truck in the July 2023 issue of 10-4, so knowing Jay’s story and being able to ride to the event in his rare Kenworth was a great kick-off to an awesome Jamboree. Arriving at Iowa 80 on Tuesday night, Jay got the truck washed and we met up with Kim and John Jaikes on Wednesday morning. After getting the truck’s registered and parked in the show area, rain was forecast for that late morning/early afternoon. Due to the weather that was to arrive, Jay, John, Kim and myself, along with another friend, Julio Holmes, headed to the Iowa 80 restaurant for something to eat until the weather passed through the area, and before all of us got busy polishing and cleaning on our respective trucks before rags down on Thursday morning. With full stomachs, blue skies and sunshine, everyone got to cleaning and polishing – Kim on her Classic XL, John on his W900L, and Jay and I on his old Bicentennial KW. Not having polished on a truck in almost 20 years, sadly, I didn’t forget how to do it! While Jay and I were cleaning, people were already roaming the show grounds, admiring the trucks, taking photos, and stopping by to ask questions and talk. While cleaning, two longtime friends stopped to talk with Jay – Nate Hare and Larry Caves – both 62 10-4 Magazine / October 2023 FRIENDS & FUN!