NAST Shoot-out

The National Association of Show Trucks (NAST) held its 11th Truck-Lite Trophy Shootout at Mid-America this week. Four of the six finalists for the award were able to make it to the show. Two others had to make the tremendously difficult and disappointing decision to stay out on the road.

Winning the trophy was Bobby Lindamood Demolition out of Texas, with a 2007 Pete 376. Runner-up for the top spot was Jeremy Haasevoort of Holland, MI, with a 1986 Pete 359. Third place went to Jerry Kissinger of Wisconsin, with a 1991 Mack Superliner, while fourth was taken by MBH Trucking of Michigan, represented by Brian Hitchcock in a 1996 Peterbilt 379. Photos and details about these and other NAST competitors are available at http://www.nastshowtrucks.org.

It was something of a bittersweet event. Truck-Lite had earlier announced that the economic conditions had led it to decide not to renew sponsorship of the Trophy series. The company has been an outstanding supporter of NAST, and we all hope that it resumes a sponsorship role soon.

The award meeting paused to honor the passing of several NAST friends - photojournalist extraordinaire Bette Garber; Laurie Sweetman, the wife of Land Line columnist Dave Sweetman; and Gina Kemner Clarke, one of NAST's founding members who died unexpectedly of a brain aneurysm on Feb. 26.

NAST is moving ahead with plans for shows later this year, so check its Web site often for updates.