Are you worried about your job? Is the cost of fuel too high? Are there too many love bugs on your windshield? Blame it on the economy! Was your favorite truck show canceled? Was the attendance down in the ones that were left? Do your feet hurt? Blame it on the economy!
Or maybe, with a little effort, there might be another solution. At least, that was the prevailing attitude at this year's 18th Annual Slamfest-one of Florida's longest-running club-sponsored events. More than 800 vehicles arrived at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, along with a couple thousand spectators, all of whom were intent on having a fun weekend, despite the current gloomy economic situation. A great collection of trucks, indoor and outdoor displays, a chance to meet and greet old friends, and balmy Florida weather made it the perfect fun weekend.
Creating its own version of an entertainment stimulus package, the Mini Madness crew handled judging Saturday and orchestrated the Sunday morning burnout competition, the bikini contest, and the afternoon awards ceremony, sending 128 drivers home with shiny reminders of the fun event. A few lucky drivers even benefited from the club's version of stimulus checks, like Steve Delong in his lifted Avalanche. The big Chevy was loaded with one of the most elaborate audiovisual systems you're likely to see in a lifted truck. He took Best of Show-Truck and the $500 cash prize.
If you're looking for a break from the current economic woes, put the 2010 Slamfest event on your calendar, because everything always looks better when you're having fun. Of course, there's a side benefit as well. When you actively support great car and truck shows like this one, they will be around for you again next year! The club has a new location planned for this year's event: the Alachua County Fairgrounds in Gainesville, Florida, Oct 2-3, 2010. Email minimadnessinc@hotmail.com or call 941/366-9123 for details. As has been tradition for the past 18 years, Mini Madness club members share a portion of the profits from the event with local charities, thanks to the help from supportive sponsors like AVE Car Stereo Warehouse, Diesel Wheels, Scrape-N-Customs, AutoStyles, Enhanced Concepts, Red's Miami, Lowrider Depot, HornBlasters, and Street Options.
One of the biggest vehicles...
One of the biggest vehicles at the event was this customized, six-door F-650, all black on the outside and loaded with stereo equipment and a huge flat screen monitor inside.
Game Over is a one-of-a-kind...
Game Over is a one-of-a-kind '04 Chevrolet Z71 four-wheel-drive Avalanche with 21 inches of lift rolling on 20x12 Weld Racing Cheyenne wheels and 49-inch Super Swamper tires. The interior and bed are loaded with stereo products. Currently owned by Steve Delong, the Chevy captured the Best of Show-Truck award, along with a check.
Adding some visual interest...
Adding some visual interest to the HornBlasters booth, this lifted Silverado from Speedlab rolls on 30-inch rims.