LONESTAR THROWDOWN 2017
THE SIXTH ANNUAL SHOW
Having grown in size and popularity every year since its start in 2012, Lonestar Throwdown (LST) is one of the most anticipated shows of the year for truck and auto enthusiasts alike. LST takes over the city of Conroe, Texas, the last weekend in February each year (Feb. 24-26, 2017). It started with a more humble (by comparison) show size of a few hundred cars, since the LST staff actually made the decision to cut down the amount of cars they let into the show from 2016. An astounding 2,500-plus vehicles showed up last year, making for a spectacular show, but it was also a little overwhelming for show-goers and staff. Cutting the number of vehicles down slightly to 2,000 with an additional 100 vendors on the fairgrounds, promoters Lonnie Ford and Todd Hendrex felt it would be a safer and more enjoyable atmosphere for all involved. With more than 15,000 spectators coming through the gates of this event, it was definitely a smart choice.
It’s easy to see how popular the show is becoming when owners and builders book their hotel rooms a year ahead of time. With a flood of #Lstprep hashtags and an assortment of pre-show memes floating around Facebook and Instagram, it’s the first show of the season for many Midwest builders as they wave goodbye to freezing winter temps.
However, this show isn’t limited to people in the Midwest. Owners from California, Florida, Michigan, Louisiana and basically everywhere else go out of their way to attend. There are always numerous hotly anticipated build unveilings at the show. Whether lifted or lowered, show-goers with a variety of tastes can spend the entire weekend discovering trucks to satisfy their custom appetites. With multiple food trucks and a full concessions area on the grounds, there’s no need to leave the show before you see everything, assuming you’re wearing your walking shoes. With the vehicles and vendors spread across the Lone Star Expo Center, it takes a few laps of the grounds to see all that LST has to offer.
Vendors such as Billet Specialties, VIAIR, American
Force, American Racing, Accuair, Raceline Wheels, C-10 Talk, Vintage Air and many more set up alongside shops such as Delmo’s Speed Shop, Chassis Fab, The Roadster Shop and Ekstensive Metal Works. Many distinguished car clubs like Negative Camber, Severed Ties, Aftermath and others showed up, and long-distance friends used the event as an excuse to get together with fellow club members and customizers. Negative Camber actually celebrated its 25th anniversary this year at the show, so they had an even larger than usual number of members in attendance. It’s easy to see the brotherhood and strong friendships formed just by looking around the event.
Sunday is the coveted awards’ day. From Best Paint and Best Debut to Best in Show and Top 100, there was a category to suit every style. Whether or not they win an award, attendees always leave the show with a smile on their faces thanks to a weekend packed full of good times. If you’re someone who hasn’t attended LST, start making plans and reservations now for next year. You won’t be sorry.