The Legend of Wheel Jam
HURON, SD…. Wheel Jam began in 2003 with the South Dakota State Fair Task Force looking for ways to better utilize the State Fair Grounds, located in the city of Huron. The idea they came up was “Wheel Jam”, an event featuring show cars, stock cars, motorcycles and live bands. The group was looking for another addition to include in the event and it was then that they talked to Owner-Operator and South Dakota Farmer Scot Marone. Scot mentioned adding a Big Truck portion to the show and the rest is history. After speaking with some of his driver buddies, Scot found out that they were on board with the idea, so the Wheel Jam Truck Show and 18 Wheel Truck Promotions, LLC were born.
The first year, Wheel Jam Truck Show, “Show Within A Show” had 17 semis participate. In subsequent years, it has drawn over 200 big trucks to the annual event. After their 2nd show, Scot’s friend Doug Perkins suggested contacting Movin’ Out to promote the event and Scot states, “Movin’ Out put us on the map.” Not long after promoting Wheel Jam Truck Show in Movin’ Out, the Chrome Shop Mafia saw the ad and began participating in the show. Eventually Road Dog Trucking did a couple of live remotes, which also helped build awareness for the event.
Today, Wheel Jam Truck Show draws some of the best trucks and top drivers from nearly all 48 States and 4 Provinces in Canada. Being a driver himself, Scot said, “I like to make the other drivers feel welcome when they come to the Wheel JamTruck Show. I have an appreciation for North American Truck Drivers, so we want them to feel at home when they come here and [to] make sure that no one goes away hungry.” Scot takes that sentiment to heart, hosting a free steak dinner, sponsored by the vendors, at his home on Thursday night for all Professional Truck Drivers participating in the Wheel Jam Truck Show. It is Scot’s way of saying thanks to his fellow drivers and participants, vendors and their crews before the show starts. Friday is an Open Day for the drivers with free concerts on Friday Night. A 5 mile parade is held through the town of Huron (a truck friendly town) on Saturday morning. Saturday afternoon features a Dynamic Engine Brake Competition (a Wheel Jam Truck Showoriginal), followed by another free meal and Light Show and Concerts that evening. Sunday is the Judged Portion of the show, including Tractor/Trailer, Bobtail, and Cabover. Categories are broken out into different year classes, unique classes, as well as a special class for limited mileage/show trucks.
Drivers can also enjoy a judged car show, courtesy of Huron’s own Back Street Cruisers Car Club, that includes a Show and Shine and Audio competition. There are even stock car races. If motorcycles are your passion, you won’t be disappointed, there is a judged Show and Shine, Poker Run and Biker Games, including burnouts. Spectators are free at Wheel Jam and there is a nominal registration fee for big trucks. This fee includes the two free meals and the live concerts.
Unfortunately, 2020 saw the cancellation of Wheel Jam Truck Show due to the COVID-10 pandemic, but they will be back in 2021, bigger and better than ever! The 2021 Wheel Jam Truck Show will be held on June 3-6 at the South Dakota State Fair Grounds, off US Highway 14 in Huron. Scot Marone and 18 Wheel Truck Promotions, LLC invites Professional Truck Drivers throughout the country to come to Huron and experience Wheel Jam Truck Show for themselves. The people of Huron are super friendly, and it is a beautiful little town in a gorgeous state. Huron is a town that appreciates trucks and truckers and Wheel JamTruck Show is an event the entire family can enjoy.
To learn more, visit www.wheeljamtruckshow.com or contact Scot Marone at 605-354-2809 or email: [email protected] Doug Flowers at 605-354-1324. You can also find Wheel Jam Truck Show on Facebook: Wheel Jam Truck Show Classics. Wheel Jam Truck Show is listed in Movin’ Out’s Calendar of Events in both the printed and online versions. Scot Marone and the entire 18 Wheel Truck Promotions, LLC crew wanted to send a big thank-you to his fellow drivers who have kept and continue to keep America Moving during the Pandemic. Truckers Move America!