Our June '08 feature truck,...
Our June '08 feature truck, Joe Cochran's '02 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD 4x4, makes it tough on the competition. Every inch of the truck has been redesigned, and it has become virtually unbeatable in the Pull-Off competition. The cab and bed are loaded with stereo components, making this one a winner under the spotlights as well as in the dirt. The truck took home Best of Show.
Many folks already know the history of one of the longest-running shows in the Southeast. Orlando, Florida's, Hardcore Car & Truck club came together back in the late '80s and is still going strong. Every year for the last 13 years, the crew puts on a memorial show, dedicated to keeping the memory alive of one of their own. Larry Neal Oliver was a club member who was killed by thieves who stole his truck. The annual event underscores that while he may be gone, he is certainly not forgotten-living on in the hearts of his friends. Every year, the club invites Larry's parents to participate, and they often display his truck with a poster of Larry during happier times. While the show recalls the past, it's also a reminder to celebrate life, making the December event a bittersweet mix of sadness and fun.
The show, held in the Central Florida Fairgrounds in Orlando, is always packed with entertainment, beginning with the nonstop precision of the Seminole Power Sports motorcycle stunt team that performed all day, presenting hourly proof of its ability to defy gravity. The Burnout Competition brought out the gearheads in the crowd who showed how quickly a new set of Toyos could morph into smoke and dust. The 4x4 Pull-Off saw the big diesels take the field-led by Joe Cochran's '02 Silverado 4x4. The lifted rig was hot enough to defeat all comers in the Pull-Off and cool enough to capture Best of Show. Featured in the June '08 issue of 8-Lug Diesel Truck magazine, this full-custom Chevy packs a 550hp punch under the hood, along with a bed full of stereo components generating 6,000 watts of power.
Besides the great collection of vehicles to admire, significant door prizes added to the fun, and the Wet T-Shirt contest caused some serious strain on digital camera batteries. Club games are always as much fun to participate in as they are to watch, and the Hardcore crew does it right. At the afternoon awards ceremony, more than 100 drivers went home with trophies, one of which was truly a special one. Each year, Larry and Rebecca Oliver choose a favorite from the vehicles on display, and this year the Oliver's Choice Trophy went to Acrophobia's Chris Sewell and his beautiful, flamed '99 F-150. If you'd like to be part of this memorable December event, where old friends are not forgotten and the proceeds help local charities, get the details from www.hardcoreminis.net.
 The big, blue-and-white '03...  The big, blue-and-white '03 F-250 is owned by Josh Williams of Lakeland, Florida. |  Slamfest show promoter TC...  Slamfest show promoter TC Coleman won the Oliver's Choice Award last year with his '00 Ford F-350 dualie. Featured in 8-Lug in May '08, the truck is TC's daily driver and still brings home trophies on the weekend. |  The Speed and Truck World...  The Speed and Truck World Dodge is loaded with a custom stereo system, along with a modified body, bagged suspension, and 24-inch wheels. |
 From Chosen Few, Mike Freeman's...  From Chosen Few, Mike Freeman's '04 Dodge Ram is just as tough on the show circuit as it is on the trail. The elaborate stereo inside adds to the fun. |  This bright-orange Avalanche...  This bright-orange Avalanche belonging to Emilio Maldonado rolled on big rims and was filled with a ton of audiovisual extras. |  Black Chapel Tattoo Studio...  Black Chapel Tattoo Studio was the event sponsor and its truck was one of many in the Burnout competition. The event emcee gets a firsthand look, narrating the action from the bed. |
 Best of Show winner Joe Cochran...  Best of Show winner Joe Cochran shows that his truck is more than just another pretty face. The '02 Silverado took on all comers in the Pull-Off competition and once again, Joe was this year's LNO champ. |  Big and little on display...  Big and little on display. |  From Creative Tuning in Winter...  From Creative Tuning in Winter Garden, Florida, this black-and-orange '02 F-350 showcased the talents of the staff with its elaborate bed-mounted stereo and custom paint. |
 |  |  These are some nasty looking...  These are some nasty looking wheels. |
 More than 250 vehicles attended...  More than 250 vehicles attended this year's event, including a large select group of tough, lifted trucks. |  Custom trucks don't have to...  Custom trucks don't have to be dainty. |  Throughout the day, the Seminole...  Throughout the day, the Seminole Power Sports motorcycle stunt team entertained the crowd. |
 Lots of trophies went home...  Lots of trophies went home with new owners. |  From Street Styles in Melbourne,...  From Street Styles in Melbourne, Florida, Todd Jackson's '07 audiovisual Avalanche captured the Best Interior award. |  The truck pull entertained...  The truck pull entertained a lot of people. |
 Peanuts in Da Chocolate Cream...  Peanuts in Da Chocolate Cream Pie! Find the nuts without suffocating in the chocolate syrup and you're a winner! |  The warm Root Beer chug was...  The warm Root Beer chug was a test of your speed and capacity. The end of the contest had its own level of entertainment with some explosive results! | |