The second annual O’Reilly Auto Parts Grand National Truck Show, presented by Classic Truck Performance magazine, hosted more then 400 trucks, vans and SUVs of every make, model and style at the Fairplex in Pomona on Sept. 14-15. Rod Shows closed out the weekend by presenting awards in more than 50 judged classes.
“The passion for custom trucks, vans and SUVs was evident at the inaugural show and this year’s show was even bigger and better,” said John Buck, owner of Rod Shows and producer of the Grand National Truck Show. “Our award winners are stellar examples of some of the finest vehicles in this segment and we had an incredible collection of trucks join us inside and outside throughout the weekend.”
The World’s Most Beautiful Truck Award, sponsored by ARP Fasteners, was presented to Ed Ganzinotti for his 1956 Ford F-100 pickup. Built by Classic Car Studio, this truck was originally started by ‘Fat Jack’ Robinson, who was instrumental in beginning the project’s fabrication. After his passing in 2020, Classic Car Studio went on to finish the truck. The build features Robinson’s signature stance, a quick-change Winters rear end, custom wood bed floor and is powered by a Jon Kaase Boss Nine 540 cubic inch V8 with Borla Stack injection. Relic Restomods completed the body and black paint. The all-black interior is wrapped in Garrett Leather with a Morel stereo system, Vintage Air air conditioning and Dakota Digital gauges.
Ganzinotti bested 10 other custom trucks, which included early Fords, a 1963 Volkswagen double cab and a 1966 Chevrolet C-60 ramp truck, to claim the $12,500 prize and a custom trophy presented by ARP Fasteners.
Two new awards were added for this year’s event to honor industry legends Steve Stillwell and Tom McWeeney. Mark Quesada’s 1956 Ford F100 was awarded the inaugural Steve Stillwell Memorial Award, which was selected by Stillwell’s family and friends to celebrate the truck that reflects Stillwell’s legendary style and vision.
The Tom McWeeney Memorial Pinstriping Award was presented to Bertha Dominguez’s 1985 Datsun 720 King Cab, which was displayed as part of the NuMinis car club, to honor the master custom painter and pinstriper whose creative spirit left an indelible mark on the world of custom trucks, cars and art.
Dino Battilana, the founder of Dino’s Git-Down, received the Truck Trend Setter Award to recognize his contributions to the custom truck hobby.
The popular Pinstriper Charity Auction featured some of the country’s best pinstripers creating custom art to be auctioned off for charity. Their efforts generated nearly $20,000 for the Volunteers for Veterans Foundation.
For more information about the O’Reilly Auto Parts Grand National Truck Show, including the complete list of 2024 award winners, click here.
