WEST COAST EXTRAVAGANZA
ANOTHER COOL CALIFORNIA TRUCK SHOW
Some of the coolest big rig trucks, hot rods and motorcycles from California and beyond took over the Galt Flea Market in Galt, CA on May 30-31 for the annual Cherokee Truck Parts Truck Show. Hosted by Bob Hitchcock, owner of Cherokee Truck Parts, along with a crew of volunteer helpers, the show brought in about 50 trucks and a handful of motorcycles and hot rods competing for a select few awards, and their owners, who were mostly just looking to have some fun. We at 10-4 Magazine were happy to be invited – and we had a great time. And the best thing about this show was the fact that all of the proceeds went to Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Shriners Hospitals for Children is a one-of-a-kind international health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing specialty pediatric care, innovative research and outstanding teaching programs. Children up to the age of 18 with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate are eligible for admission to receive the absolute best care available at no charge – regardless of financial need. Bob was proud to report that the show raised almost $10,000 for the Shriners.
The show kicked off Friday night after everyone got settled and then the sun went down and the lights (on the trucks) came on. The glowing rigs were quite a display – especially Cory Cloward’s extremely lowered Kenworth and matching end dump. Featuring newly-painted magenta flames on the hood and unique billet air cleaner tops, Cory’s truck had a crowd around it all night (and the next day, too). A couple old trucks that got a lot of attention were a 1936 Autocar wrecker owned by Sal DiSalvo and a 1964 Peterbilt with a brand new Rogue Transfer unit owned by Mike Green of Yuma, AZ. Both of these rigs turned a lot of heads all weekend. Over at the Botelho camp, Jeff and his friends and family had several trucks on display, including his cool convertible and another Peterbilt project he recently completed.
On Saturday afternoon, there was an exciting auction that helped raise more money for the charity. Emceed by auctioneer Doug Hoff, with help from James Cotta, tons of items like hard-to-find shifter knobs, tires, nut covers, bumpers, a headache rack, tool boxes, stainless steel quarter fenders, gift certificates for brake jobs, oil changes and more, were sold to the highest bidder. It was loud and exciting, and many folks walked away with some great deals on some great stuff! In addition to all of the cool vehicles to check out and the auction, there were also several vendor booths set up for both participants and spectators alike to visit, shop, gawk, or just “talk truck” with. To keep things simple and fun, there were only a few awards handed out. There were first, second and third place winners in a Motorcycle class, a Hot Rod class, a Tractor-Trailer Combination class and a Bobtail class.
In the Combination class, 3rd Place went to Cory Cloward and his cool red KW and polished end dump (which was featured on our December 2007 cover); 2nd Place went to Jimmie Sernach and his blacked-out Peterbilt and curtain van; and 1st Place was awarded to James Davis and his orange and black 1993 Peterbilt and black curtain van (featured on our June 2008 cover). In addition to making our cover and winning 1st place at the show, it was also James’ 30th birthday that day – what a way to celebrate!
In the Bobtail class, 3rd Place went to Bob Panella and his old 1950 red Mack LT (which was featured on our June 2002 cover); 2nd Place went to Tom Zayas and his white and maroon old-school painted Peterbilt; and 1st Place was awarded to Bruno Cerri and his red “Trucks N Stuff” Peterbilt.
In addition to the awards already mentioned, which were cool plaques made by Carl Carstens at Rockwood, there was one special award given out in honor of Jim Botelho who passed away earlier this year. The James Botelho Memorial Award was chosen by members of the Botelho family who walked around the entire show and chose the truck that they felt Jim would have liked the best. The first-ever award was tearfully presented by Jim’s son Jeff Botelho to Jeff Fowler of Pierce, Colorado and his 1986 Peterbilt 359. The truck had just gone through a complete rebuild and restore and this was its maiden voyage. Etched on the plaque it said, “Old School Cool – The Way It Should Be” which is what James liked best.
Bob Hitchcock wanted to send out special thanks to all of his show sponsors. “To all my sponsors, I would like to thank you all for supporting the show. Thanks to Auto Industrial Paint, Hogebuilt, Valley Chrome/WingMaster, Dynaflex, Maxxima, Whelan Bros, CHP, Lifetime Nut Covers, Woody’s Accessories, Panelite, United Pacific, Merritt Equipment Company, L&M Xpress Grafix, G&O, Tony at Surf City Garage, Yokohama Tire, Shane & Dave’s, Valley Peterbilt, and last but not least, thanks to Carl at Rockwood for working his magic on the dash plaques and awards! Carl, our hats are off to you!”
We had a lot of fun at the show and look forward to next year. Bob promises that it could end up being the largest (and best) truck show on the West Coast next year, so make your plans now to be at the Galt 2009 Truck Show sometime in May. “Let’s show everybody what cool trucking is all about,” said Bob, adding, “We’ll see you all next year! Until then, truck safe and keep the rates up!”
