GBATS set for September 23-25, 2021 in Joplin, Mo.

Expect an even bigger Guilty By Association Truck Show in 2021, organizers say.

Last year, like many other trucking events, GBATS organizers were forced to adjust their plans due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizers did what they could, offering a virtual experience through their company website, but it obviously was just not the same truck show that loyal truckers have marked on their calendar for more than a decade now.

Due to the growth of the event, it had been previously decided GBATS would be held every other year in Joplin, Mo. That was to start with the 2020 show, but because that ended up being a virtual event, GBATS will now be held every other year starting with the 2021 show, which again is sponsored by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association.

The in-person GBATS event returns Sept. 23-25 to 4 State Trucks in Joplin, and that’s a welcome relief for organizers who say you just can’t replicate the kind of experience a show like GBATS provides attendees.

“Our last live event was in 2018, after which we adopted an every-other-year format, due to the growth of the event,” said Bryan “Boss Man” Martin of 4 States Trucks. “We tried to pull out all the stops last year with the virtual event, and it went pretty well, but nothing replaces 10,000 people and 800 trucks.”

Regardless of the unforeseen scheduling circumstances, excitement is at an all-time high and record numbers are expected for the return of the truck show, which featured 700 trucks in 2018.

“Everybody we’ve reached out to for confirmation, whether it be vendors, exhibitors, sponsors or volunteers, have been over-the-top excited,” Martin said. “It’s encouraging, but also a bit intimidating. There’s a lot of pent-up excitement, and I think it will be exhibited here and at every grassroots outdoor truck show this summer. We’re planning for 800 trucks but expecting more.”

The event, sponsored by Chrome Shop Mafia, is free to attend, but drivers are encouraged to arrive on Wednesday for registration.

Many of the popular events and vendors will be back this year. And, there will also be a few additions, Martin said.

The diesel drag time trials now will be an organized main event, while the Friday night stunt show will feature some of the best motocross racers in the world. Big rig burnouts is adding cars, motorcycles and pickup trucks for exhibitions. You also may see some notable movie trucks as well as industry celebrities.

Town hall with FMCSA

A special town hall event, in partnership with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Friday. This 90-minute Q&A session will provide attendees with information on regulations, rules, interpretation of rules and also an opportunity to receive any feedback to help their business.

It will be similar to the Q&A that was held on hours of service at the 2018 GBATS.

“We encourage people to attend and ask any questions they have,” OOIDA Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh said. “This is an opportunity to get clarification about anything they don’t understand or anything they need more information about. It’s also a chance to give FMCSA your perspective and let them know what you’re seeing out on the road.”

Special Olympics convoy

Saturday will again be fundraising focused with the Special Olympics breakfast and World’s Largest Truck Convoy for Special Olympics later in the day. The convoy, which began in 2014 with 300 trucks has grown to more than 500 trucks in 2018, which raised nearly $200,000. Online registration is now open or you can register at the Special Olympics tent at GBATS. All drivers are encouraged to participate as organizers are hoping to break the record, yet again.

Concert

The concert and street party which officially closes the celebration, will have a brand new location in downtown Joplin that offers better access for trucks as well as attendees.

Joe Nichols, who’s recorded a half-dozen No. 1 singles and 10 top 10 hits, will headline the concert. The Arkansas native and multiple-platinum artist also has a CMA award, ACM trophy and three Grammy nominations among his credentials. Some of Nichols’ best known hits include “Brokenheartsville,” “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off,” and “Gimme That Girl.”

Texas native Curtis Grimes is scheduled to open the show. Grimes has 12 No. 1 singles on the Texas Country Music Chart, over 50 million digital streams and was named entertainer of the year by the Texas Country Music Association.

For more information, visit the Chrome Shop Mafia website, or call 417-624-2900 ext. 161. LL

GBATS schedule of events

Wednesday, Sept. 22

All day – Truck registration

Thursday, Sept. 23

All day – Truck registration
3 p.m. – Diesel drag time trials – West side of 43, trackside
6 p.m. – VIP participant dinner – West side of 43, trackside
7:30 p.m. – Diesel drags – West side of 43, trackside

Friday, Sept. 24

7:30-9:30 a.m. – Food trucks open
8 a.m. – Store opens
11 a.m.-8 p.m. – Food vendors open
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – FMSCA Town Hall Meeting Q&A – East side of 43, Install Shop
Noon – Truck registration closes
Noon – Big rig burnouts – West side of 43
4 p.m. – Celebrity photo opportunity – West side of 43
5 p.m. – Store closes
5 p.m. – Big rig burnouts – West side of 43
6:30 p.m. – Welcome to the 2021 Truck and Tractor Pull – West side of 43, trackside
7 p.m. – Motorcycle and four-wheeler stunt show with Fire Truck Jump
7:15 p.m. – Lucas Oil Semitruck and Tractor Pull begins
10 p.m. – Fireworks
10:30 p.m. – End of Day 1 festivities

Saturday, Sept. 25

7:30-9:30 a.m. – Food trucks open
8 a.m. – Store opens
11 a.m.-8 p.m. – Food vendors open
11 a.m. – Big rigs, cars, bikes and pickup burnouts – West side of 43
Noon – Kids pedal tractor pull begins – West side of 43, Kids Zone (ages 2-10 years)
1:30-4 p.m. – Celebrity meet and greet – West side of 43
2 p.m. – Big rigs, cars, bikes and pickup burnouts – West side of 43
2:30-5 p.m. – Participant plaque pickup – East side of 43, Info Tent (need plaque coupon to receive)
4 p.m. – Convoy auction: All money raised goes to Special Olympics of Southwest Missouri – Front of store
4:30 p.m. – Mandatory driver’s meeting for the Special Olympics Convoy – Front of store
5 p.m. – Store closes
5 p.m. – Truck show awards presentation – Front of store
6 p.m. – Big Rig Convoy departs
7:30-10:30 p.m. – Downtown street party – Downtown Joplin
7:45 p.m. – Truckers light show – Downtown Joplin
7:45 p.m. – Curtis Grimes in concert – Downtown Joplin
8:45 p.m. – Joe Nichols in concert – Downtown Joplin
10:30 p.m. – Official show end. LL

In This Issue:

GBATS is back