20 10-4 Magazine / October 2025 English poet Geoffrey Chaucer wrote a poem in 1374 that included the widely used expression, “All good things cometoend.” Examplesofrecenttruck shows that eventually ended after very successful runs, proving this expression, include the Great American Truck Show in Dallas, TX in 2020, the Great West Truck Show in Las Vegas, NV in 2012, and recently the Waupun Truck-n-Show inWaupun,WIin2024. LittledidI know this well-used expression would apply to another great truck show that I enjoy attending, as it was announced at the very end of the show, this year. The 18th annual Top Gun Large Car Shootout happened on July 25-27, 2025. IarrivedattheRantoulAviation Center Thursday afternoon to check-in, grab a golf cart, meet the staff, and tour theshowfield. Manytruckshadalready arrived, parked, and were being cleaned. It was a beautiful summer day and a great start to a truck show weekend. A total of 226 trucks registered for the show, and there were many events planned for the weekend, beginning with theFridayNightLightsParade. Itwas a warm evening, with the backdrop of abeautifulsunset,fortheparade. The route began at the show, then proceeded to US 45 south, through Rantoul, the small town of Thomasboro, then north onUS45,backtotheshowfield. Itwas atwo-hour,12-mileroundtrip. Ihadthe opportunity to ride with Jared Traylor (TDOT) in his sharp black 389 Peterbilt, which he drives for Dave McKinney & SonsoutofLexington,Alabama. Iwas amazed at the turnout of spectators from Rantoul, Thomasboro, and surrounding areas, showing their support. Saturday afternoon’s scheduled events were the Kiddie Tractor Pull, Jake Brake Contest, and Stereo Competition. The Kiddie Tractor Pull was conducted from 2:00 to 3:00 pm and the Jake Brake Contest started at 4:00 pm, but only a few Truck Show Report: By Eric Hill trucks were able to compete, because late afternoon thunderstorms rolled through the area, canceling the rest of the event and the Stereo Competition. These late afternoon thunderstorms dumped a lot of rain on the show field. Despite a soggy field after the storms, the Saturday night light show took place, and all registered trucks were judged. The weather always seems to be a factor for this truck show, and this year was no different. Withamixofhotdays,temps in the low-to-mid 90s, and late afternoon or evening storms, I cannot recall a show I have attended in Rantoul where there was no rain for the entire weekend. THE FINAL CURTAIN
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