The Minitruck Showdown 2024 took over the Kern County Fairgrounds in Bakersfield, CA, from June 21-23, bringing together custom mini trucks, slammed rides, and adjustable suspension builds from all over. The event is exclusively for mini-truck-inspired vehicles, welcoming cars, trucks, SUVs, lowriders, 4x4s, and full-size trucks—as long as they run adjustable suspension setups like air bags, hydraulics, or coil overs.
This year’s show marked a return to Bakersfield after spending time in Las Vegas due to California’s COVID restrictions in previous years. As expected, Bakersfield brought scorching summer heat, and this time, a heatwave pushed temperatures to around 110°F all weekend. While the turnout was lower than usual, with 70 vehicles braving the heat, the event still packed plenty of show-stopping rides, club gatherings, and epic builds.
Pre-Registration & Club Camping
Those who pre-registered for the event locked in prime camping spots for their clubs, setting up weekend-long hangouts, shade tents, and even pools to beat the relentless heat. With Bakersfield’s extreme temps, many clubs brought inflatable pools to stay cool while enjoying the show.
Show Artwork: Community-Picked Designs
Mini Truck Showdown makes sure the community has a say in the event’s branding. Leading up to the show, attendees had the chance to submit photos of their vehicles for a chance to be featured on the official event artwork for shirts and flyers. The final designs were chosen through voting on the event’s Instagram page, giving participants another way to be part of the experience.
Show Highlights: The Best of the Best
Even in the brutal heat, the Mini Truck Showdown 2024 delivered an unforgettable display of custom mini trucks, slammed builds, and wild suspension setups. From candy-painted classics to body-dropped beasts, the fairgrounds were packed with next-level craftsmanship.
🏆 Lowest Car Award: Julio Gomez
Julio Gomez took home the Lowest Car Award, showcasing a ride that sat mere millimeters off the pavement. His perfect stance, fitment, and attention to detail left no doubt that he had one of the sickest builds in attendance.
🏆 Lowest Truck Award: Shane Waterman
Shane Waterman claimed the Lowest Truck Award, proving that when it comes to laying frame, he knows how to do it right. His truck’s flawless body drop, custom suspension work, and overall build quality made it a standout, even among the elite competition.
The Vehicles: A Suspension Lover’s Paradise
The Mini Truck Showdown is all about adjustable suspension builds, and this year’s lineup featured:
✅ Body-dropped mini trucks slammed to the pavement
✅ Hydraulic lowriders hopping and dancing for the crowd
✅ Classic and modern SUVs on full air-ride setups
✅ Coilover-equipped 4x4s that prove stance isn’t just for pavement pounders
✅ Wildly customized interiors with custom upholstery, audio setups, and more
✅ Show-stopping paint jobs featuring candy colors, intricate graphics, and pinstriping
The Culture & Community
Beyond the trophies and the builds, Mini Truck Showdown is about the people. Club campsites, shade tents, and cooling pools turned the show into a weekend-long party, bringing together builders, enthusiasts, and clubs from all over. Whether you were there to show off a fresh build, swap ideas with other builders, or just kick back and enjoy the scene, the event delivered on all fronts.
Final Thoughts: Another Epic Year in the Books
Despite the scorching 110-degree heat, Mini Truck Showdown 2024 kept the mini truck culture alive and thriving. With Julio Gomez and Shane Waterman taking home the lowest awards, the event’s return to Bakersfield proved that no amount of heat can keep the mini truck scene down.
Photos by: Cheri Delgadillo
