Bristol, TN — The Large Cars & Guitars event is shifting its 2025 operations to the Bristol Motor Speedway, aiming to significantly expand its footprint for the upcoming May 23-24 gathering. Organizer Tony Justice is moving the show from its previous location at Smokies Stadium to capitalize on the massive expanse of the speedway’s parking facilities, which offer virtually unlimited space for bobtails and combination rigs.
This event serves as more than just a gathering for the trucking community; it functions as a major fundraising engine for the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the Bristol Children’s Charity. The cause carries personal weight for Justice and his wife, Misty, who have navigated the realities of a cancer diagnosis within their own family. By shifting to a larger venue, the organizers hope to build on the momentum of last year’s show, which successfully raised nearly $56,000 for charitable causes while hosting roughly 200 trucks.
Justice describes the event as a casual reunion rather than a high-pressure competition. While many industry gatherings focus on rigid judging criteria and pristine paint jobs, Large Cars & Guitars prioritizes camaraderie among the professional driving community. The only formal recognition at the show involves children in attendance, who are tasked with voting for their favorite rigs. This relaxed atmosphere allows owner-operator participants to show off their equipment without the stress of perfection, fostering a space where drivers can connect away from the pressures of the road.
What This Means for Drivers
The move to a larger venue provides a unique opportunity for those seeking to network with peers and industry supporters in an informal setting. For the professional CDL-A driver, the event offers a chance to see how other owner-operators are customizing their equipment while directly supporting regional charities. Because the event is designed to be accessible, it serves as a low-stress environment for drivers to showcase their rigs and enjoy live country music without the typical show-circuit burnout. Drivers interested in networking often find these events are great places to learn about new opportunities with trucking companies hiring top-tier talent.
Industry Reaction
The trucking industry has increasingly leaned into charitable events as a way to improve the public image of the profession and provide relief to families in need. By combining the niche appeal of custom trucks with the broad reach of country music, Justice has created a model that resonates with the lifestyle of the OTR truck driver. Industry observers note that these grassroots efforts are vital for maintaining morale among long-haul workers who spend the majority of their time behind the wheel. As the industry faces ongoing labor fluctuations, events that foster a sense of community remain essential for retaining experienced talent.
Key Points
- The event is scheduled for May 23-24, 2025, at the Bristol Motor Speedway.
- Proceeds benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the Bristol Children’s Charity.
- Previous iterations of the show hosted nearly 200 trucks and raised over $55,000.
- The show emphasizes a "trucker reunion" atmosphere over competitive judging.
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