This three-day event runs Thursday through Saturday and brings together truckers, fans, families, and showstoppers from all over the map. Whether you’re here to show off your rig, catch some live music, or soak in the vibes, Kenly’s pulling out all the stops.

From custom rides and car shows to fireworks, live music, and even pro wrestling, there’s something for every kind of road warrior.

Here’s what’s happening:

TODAY – Thursday, May 8

• 10 a.m. – Gates open & truck show registration begins
• 7 p.m. – Jim Quick & Coastline bring the beach music vibes

Friday, May 9

• 10 a.m. – Truck show continues
• 6 p.m. – Trial By Fire, a Journey tribute band, rocks the stage
• 9 p.m. – Fireworks and Lights at Night truck show judging

Saturday, May 10

• 9 a.m. – Truck show judging kicks off (rags down!)
• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Car show
• 12 p.m. – Dangerzone pro wrestling throws down
• 1:15 p.m. – Heaven’s Saints Motorcycle Ministry trophy presentation
• 3 p.m. – Closing ceremony and truck show awards

Whether you’re rolling in solo or bringing the whole crew, Kenly 95 is the spot to park it this weekend. The chrome’s shining, the music’s loud, and the community’s strong—just how trucking should be.

Source: Truckers News
Image Source: Kenly 95

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“It’s a charity that’s real close to mine and Misty’s heart after what she went through,” Justice shares. “and learning how that disease impacts the entire family, not just the person with the cancer, but everyone around them. And it’s a big deal to go through, so we definitely support that.”

Additionally, the event will raise money for the Bristol Children’s Charity, helping young ones across Tennessee and Virginia.

Bigger Venue, Bigger Dreams

Last year, Large Cars & Guitars showcased nearly 200 trucks at Smokies Stadium and raised nearly $56,000 for charity. With the move to Bristol Motor Speedway, Justice is hopeful for an even larger turnout.

“We actually have unlimited space for bobtails and combos,” Justice said. “That’d be cool to see that place filled up, all that parking lot around there. But that would take probably about 10,000 trucks.” He quipped that he’s not sure if he wants to “tackle that kind of goal or not, but you never know what something might turn into. We’re happy with where it is.”

Rather than being a competitive truck show, Justice calls the gathering more of a “trucker reunion.” The goal is connection and camaraderie, with an emphasis on enjoying the trucks without the pressure of perfection.

”The truckers who bring their rigs clean their trucks up, but they’re not stressed out about them being just dialed in perfectly,” he added.

The only judging involved? That’s up to the kids attending, who vote for their favorite trucks.

Musical Lineup to Rock the Speedway

On top of the incredible truck displays, music takes center stage during the two-day event. Fans can look forward to performances by Tony Justice himself and country music powerhouse Montgomery Gentry ft. Eddie Montgomery on the evening of May 24.

Other acts joining the lineup include:

• Long Haul Paul Marhoefer, an Overdrive contributor

• Past Trucker Talent Search winner Taylor Barker

• Rising star Elvie Shane

• Breakout artist EmiSunshine

And that’s just the start! With more artists to be announced, attendees are in for two days of unforgettable live country music.

Registration and Event Details

Truckers interested in bringing their rigs to Bristol can register online. The fees include:

• Bobtails: $100
• Dump Trucks: $100
• Combos: $150

Source: Overdrive

Image Source: Bristol Motor Speedway, Overdrive, Bennett

The post Large Cars & Guitars 2025 Gets Bigger with a Venue Change appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Mark your calendars for Thursday, March 27, at 6 p.m., as attendees gather in South Wing Lobby A and South Wing Room B101 at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Sponsored by Triumph and WEX, this event promises a fantastic evening to kick off the three-day trucking extravaganza.

What to Expect at the Opening Reception

The reception, free for all badged attendees, offers a prime mix of entertainment, networking, and celebration. Highlights include:

• Silent Auction: Support the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund through a silent auction featuring unique items. All proceeds go to charity.

• Bourbon Tasting: Savor Kentucky’s finest bourbons in an immersive tasting experience. To participate, grab free activity tickets from Triumph (Booth #37301) or WEX (Booth #18068) during Thursday show hours.

• Wall of Fame Induction Ceremony: Celebrate those who’ve significantly contributed to the trucking industry as new members are inducted into the MATS Wall of Fame. Nominations for the Class of 2025 are open at www.truckingshow.com/mats-wall-of-fame.

• Complimentary Food and Beer: Enjoy free drinks courtesy of Triumph and WEX. Pick up drink tickets at their booths during Thursday’s show hours. Free food will also be available in South Wing Room B101 during the reception.

• Craft Beer Tasting: Discover local brews with the Louisville Ale Trail, featuring tastings from breweries like Monnik, Hometown, Against the Grain, and Hi-Wire. Free activity tickets can be collected from sponsors Triumph and WEX on Thursday.

• Live Music: Kick off MATS with energy and charm as Bourbon Revival takes the stage, welcoming attendees with a lively performance.

Get Ready to Experience MATS

For more details about the event and to register for MATS 2025, visit www.truckingshow.com.

MATS 2025 runs from March 27 to March 29 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, KY.

Source: Truckers News

Image: MATS

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In a stunning surprise for the trucking industry elite, legendary British rock band Def Leppard took the stage at the 2024 Daimler Truck Customer Appreciation Event. The performance unfolded at Nashville Municipal Auditorium, captivating an exclusive audience of over 1,000 on October 14.

Source: (Seth Cllevenger/Transport Topics)

Daimler Truck, the renowned manufacturer behind Freightliner and Western Star trucks as well as Detroit engines, orchestrated this private concert in conjunction with the American Trucking Associations’ Management Conference & Exhibition.

Formed in Sheffield, England, back in 1976, Def Leppard delivered a powerful 90-minute set featuring their groundbreaking albums Pyromania and Hysteria, along with a blend of classic tracks and recent releases.

Show-Stopping Performances Through the Years

The Daimler Truck Customer Appreciation Event concerts have been a tradition since 1976, showcasing a remarkable lineup of musical legends:

• 1976: Jazz greats Oscar Peterson and Charlie Byrd

• 1979: Johnny Cash

• 1995: Elton John

• 1999: Celine Dion

• 2014: Eagles

• 2015: Paul McCartney

• 2016: Rolling Stones

• 2017: Jason Aldean

• 2018: Carrie Underwood with Florida Georgia Line

• 2019: Luke Bryan with Maddie & Tae

• 2021: Bon Jovi

• 2022: Billy Joel

• 2023: Chris Stapleton with Sting

The setlist for the evening featured arena rock staples like “Foolin’,” “Love Bites,” “Rock of Ages,” “Photograph,” “Armageddon It,” concluding with an encore of “Hysteria” and “Pour Some Sugar on Me.”

The event’s entertainment lineup remained a secret until Daimler Truck North America CEO John O’Leary unveiled the band, flanked by David Carson, DTNA’s Senior VP of Sales and Marketing, and the retiring global chief, Martin Daum, who recently concluded his tenure as Daimler Truck’s CEO.

Before the concert, DTNA introduced the latest generation of its flagship Freightliner Cascadia model within the MCE exhibit hall at Music City Center.

Reflecting on nearly 50 years of tradition, Daimler Trucks highlighted the origins of their customer appreciation events, tracing back to 1976 when Freightliner Corp., then a subsidiary of Consolidated Freightways, invited ATA conference attendees to a jazz concert by Oscar Peterson and Charlie Byrd in Washington, D.C. Over the decades, these events have featured legendary performances across genres including rock, pop, country, and jazz, with memorable acts spanning from Johnny Cash to Elton John and Celine Dion.

Source: Transport Topics

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