If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you mix an autocross course, and a few hundred folks who take trucks a little too seriously, the Spring 2025 Pro Touring Truck Shootout had your answer.
The event returned to Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky, on April 11-12, and it did exactly what you’d expect: burned rubber, pushed trucks to the limit, and gave grown men a reason to hang out in lawn chairs and argue about tire compound. Just the way it should be.
Started back in 2020 by Arnie Gonzalez, PTTS has grown into a serious proving ground for performance-minded truck owners who actually drive their builds. With support from heavy hitters like Gandrud Chevrolet, Summit Racing, Belltech, Forgeline, Bowler Performance Transmissions, BFGoodrich, Brian Tooley Racing, ACES EFI, and OBS Chevy Racing, the event has planted its flag as a cornerstone in the sport truck scene.
Now, this isn’t one of those shows where folks just park their trucks and sit around polishing billet. This is a full-contact weekend. There’s Autocross, the Speed & Stop Challenge, and a Drivability Cruise for good measure. That alone would be enough to fill two days and a couple of coolers, but they went a step further and created the “Ultimate Truck” challenge.
To walk away with that title, a truck has to do it all. You need to be quick around cones, able to cruise without overheating or rattling your fillings loose, stop like a sports car, look sharp enough for the truck show, and then still be able to hustle down the quarter mile without embarrassment. It’s the kind of well-rounded abuse that separates the parts changers from the real builders.
Classes were divided up so just about anyone could get involved. From full-blown Outlaw class entries to first-timers in the Novice group, the playing field was open. T1, T2, T3, and T4 classes split things further based on truck spec and modifications, which meant you didn’t have to show up with a blank check and a trailer queen to have a good time.
For the more visual crowd, the Truck Show gave everyone a chance to stretch their legs and show off what they brought. Whether it was slammed squarebodies with polished engine bays or LS-swapped beaters still wearing original paint, the turnout was strong and the variety was even better. This wasn’t just a parking lot full of the same five trucks and a row of tents. It was a real cross-section of what makes this hobby fun.
All in all, the Spring 2025 PTTS kept its momentum rolling and reminded everyone why this scene keeps growing. It’s not about who spends the most. It’s about who’s actually putting their truck to work and having fun doing it.
Instagram: protouringtruckshootout
Facebook: Pro-Touring Truck Shootout
protouringtruckshootout.com
