GBATS returning in 2025
The Guilty By Association Truck Show will continue as a biennial event, next scheduled for Sept. 25-27, 2025 at 4 State Trucks in Joplin, Mo.
“GBATS 2025 promises to be a rip-roaring good time for all truckers and truck lovers,” said Bryan “Boss Man” Martin of 4 State Trucks. “Where else can you get 750-plus trucks in one location, along with nightly motorsports, top-name concerts, fireworks, attractions and food trucks?”
As part of the event in 2023, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association celebrated its 50th anniversary.
“This has been a show that we participated in for quite a few years now, because it’s a fun show and we have lots of members who come here,” OOIDA President Todd Spencer said in 2023. “We thought it was a perfect place to celebrate our 50th anniversary.”
Another fun-filled event is being planned for 2025, and it will again include something that’s become a staple of GBATS – the Special Olympics Convoy.
“Not only is there a ton of fun to be had, but the industry rallies for Special Olympics, as we execute our version of the World’s Largest Convoy and typically raise more than $100,000 in just three short days,” Martin said.
Truckers can enter their truck in the convoy for a $100 donation, with every penny going to the charity.
The GBATS convoy effort resulted in a contribution of more than $120,000 for Missouri Special Olympics in 2023.
In 2025, truck registration and parking will begin on Wednesday, Sept. 24 and remain open until noon Central time on Friday, Sept. 26.
Registration is free, but drivers are encouraged to arrive on Wednesday to expedite the registration and parking process.
Martin said this event put on by 4 State Trucks, OOIDA and the Joplin 44 Petro is one where all you have to do is show up and have a great time.
“Put it on your calendars, get your rooms booked in Joplin and join 15,000 of your friends at the Guilty By Association Truck Show,” he added. LL