For some, trucks aren't only about looks: Trucks are for going fast! Such is the sentiment of the North American Truck Club (NATC), which put on the Sport Truck Shootout (STS), an annual trucks-only event that focuses primarily on drag-racing power-oriented pickups.
The North American Truck Club is composed of a tightly knit group of Chevrolet 454SS truck owners. The 454SS was the factory truck that started the performance-truck trend, so it was fitting that the NATC would organize the only annual U.S. event that showcases performance trucks.
The first STS was held in Bowling Green, Kentucky, in 2001. The 2002 event was bigger and included a truck show on the day of the race, drawing many Chevy 454SS trucks, as well as Ford Lightnings, Dodge Dakota R/Ts, a couple 10-second Chevy S series trucks, and even a few modified diesels.
So what's the attraction to this unique celebration? "It's a day to compete rather than just look at the vehicles," explains Ann-Marie Psotta, an NATC member who helped plan last year's STS. "It's more interesting than the typical truck shows because it's more fun to drag race than polish the truck and let it sit all day."
"I enjoyed getting to race other trucks, not just late-model Mustangs", says Jimmy Thornton, another member. At the local dragstrips, a sport-truck is often ignored in favor of later-model cars. "If you aren't running a Mustang or late model F-body, you don't get a lot of attention. Here, it's all about the trucks."