LONE STAR THROWDOWN 2021
Celebrating 10 Years of Custom Truck Shows
Celebrating 10 Years of Custom Truck Shows
It’s been over a decade since a couple of buddies discussed the idea of creating a show that was different from all the rest at that time. Todd “Radar” Hendrex and Lonnie Ford grew up as full-fledged members of the truck scene and decided it was time for something fresh. They searched for a venue and were able to procure the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. This vast piece of Texas real estate would certainly be large enough to accommodate their vision.
The first “LST” had over 600 trucks and cars. Those numbers have grown exponentially each year to a self-imposed capacity of 2,000 custom trucks from all over the country.
The success of LST can be attributed to Lonnie, Radar, and the army of family and friends who staff the show, never losing site of the original goal. Over the past 10 years, to ensure a fun family friendly event, they have reduced the number of entries from 2,500 to 2,000 and eliminated the audio competition. The larger clubs were moved to the shade under the covered livestock pavilions.
While the show is open to all brands, it’s clear that
A SIGN HANGS ON THE GATE at the fairgrounds in Conroe, Texas, that reads, “Somewhere around this show, there is a kid who wants to be just like you someday. You owe it to them to be the best you can be.” That philosophy mirrors the original concept behind the annual Lone Star Throwdown truck show, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in February.
Texas is truck country, and Ford outsells them all. Bill Carlton and his talented team from Ekstensive Metal Works had the Texas Metal season opener on display—an olive green ’68 Ford F-100 Ranger.
Out on the fairgrounds, one could find a mixture of pickups, where once again the Blue Oval was well represented. Tony Leal’s (@slammed64s) bright blue ’64 F-100 was on display laid out at the Flo and Airlift booths.
In fact, several of the top 100 plaques went to FoMoCo fanatics. The giant Best of Show trophy, created by Philbuilt Designs, stands 46 inches tall and weighs 64 pounds. Phil machined dozens of pieces to create his work of art.
Recently, Mitch Henderson, a long-time truck enthusiast, passed away. A memorial award was designed by Carter Hickman Designs and built by the craftsmen at Greening Auto Company in Mitch’s honor. John Jackson of Not Stock Photography presented this award in his memory.
Both of these prestigious awards went to the “Big Red Bump” recently featured on the cover of F-100 Builders Guide. This Inferno Red 1971 bumpside built by Big Willie’s Garage and appropriately named “El Diablo” is a simple yet stunning work of automotive art, much like the awards it received.
This sensational F-100 truly represents what the Lone Star Throwdown show is about.