Louisville Slugger

They may be “bad to the bone,” but George Thorogood and the Destroyers will sound good to truckers relaxing after a full day at the Mid-America Trucking Show.

When the Mid-America Trucking Show rolls into the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky., March 23-25, organizers say it will surpass its reputation as the world’s largest heavy-duty trucking show.

“We have an additional 160,000 square feet of exhibit space,” says Toby Young, vice president of operations for the show. With a million square feet devoted to 1,000 exhibitors, representing everything from the smallest accessories to the top truck and engine makers, the show will be the largest in its 35-year history.

A highlight for owner-operators is the free Overdrive Partners in Business workshop, 2-4 p.m. March 24, sponsored by Freightliner Trucks and Castrol. Jeff Amen and Richard DeForest, consultants for American Truck Business Services in Denver, will share the tips they’ve used to help more than 20,000 owner-operators increase their earnings. Each attendee gets a free copy of the 2006 Partners in Business manual.

George Thorogood and the Destroyers will headline Kenworth’s 18th annual Trucker Appreciation Concert at 7:30 p.m. March 24 in the convention center’s Freedom Hall. Thorogood is famous for classic rock songs such as “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer” and “Bad to the Bone.” Opening the show is country music newcomer Jason Aldean.

Concert tickets are free to CDL holders but limited to two tickets per person. They will be distributed in the South Hall lobby, while supplies last, beginning at 1 p.m. March 23 and resuming at 10 a.m. Friday.

Country star Aaron Tippin, known for hits such as “Working Man’s Ph.D.” and “There Ain’t Nothin’ Wrong with the Radio,” will sign autographs 1-4 p.m. March 23 at the Midnight Trucking Radio Network booth. Tippin also will appear at the network’s party 6-7:30 p.m. March 23.

Disc jockeys Bill Mack and Big Al Weekley will sign autographs at the Overdrive booth. Mack, host of the Overdrive Top Ten Countdown, will sign beginning at 4:15 p.m. March 23. Weekley, host of “The Big Al Bluegrass Show” on KRVN in Lexington, Neb., will sign noon to 4 p.m. March 24.

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Another attraction will be the winner of the Big Honkin’ Truck Makeover, sponsored by Castrol Tection Extra. Attendees of the 2005 Great American Trucking Show voted Jeff Fields’ 1979 Peterbilt 362 cabover the most deserving of a $50,000 makeover, and the result – performed by the Chrome Shop Mafia of Joplin, Mo., stars of Trick My Truck on Country Music Television – will be on display.

Other attractions include the Internet and Technology Center, the Expedite Experience, the Paul K. Young Memorial Truck Beauty Championship, the Driver Recruitment Center, the Ol’ Blue USA Safety Center and many free seminars.


MATS Information
HOURS: 1-6 p.m. March 23; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. March 24; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. March 25.

ADMISSION: Free online, but $5 at the door.

PARKING: Day parking is $5 a day, any vehicle. Those sleeping in their vehicles must park in the RV lot for $25 a night. RV parking with electric hookups is $45 a night and requires a reservation by calling Linda Stone at (502) 367-5384.

FURTHER INFORMATION: www.truckingshow.com or call (502) 899-3892


NICKELBACK CONCERT
After the truck show’s close March 25, the rock group Nickelback will perform at Freedom Hall at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, with opening acts Trapt and Chevelle. Nickelback’s hits include “Photograph,” “How You Remind Me” and “Feelin’ Way Too Damn Good.” Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. show are $38.50 from Ticketmaster.