The 2024 43rd Annual Tire Rack 4-Wheel Jamboree Fall Nationals Driven By Yokohama roared into Indianapolis, Indiana, for three days of all things off-road. The weather was great, the infield action was on point, and the Show ‘N’ Shine area was packed with 4x4s. In all, 14,991 off-road fans flocked to the “Fall Jambo,” and there were 2,078 participating vehicles. On top of all that, Jamboree organizers made a big announcement regarding a new location for the 2025 Fall 4-Wheel Jamboree. Read on for a look at the 2024 Fall Jambo and info about the new location that’s going to drop in 2025.
About The 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals
If you’re not familiar with the 4-Wheel Jamboree series, here’s the lowdown. The events have been a facet of the four-wheel-drive landscape since 1982. In fact, the first one was held that year in Indianapolis, Indiana. Throughout its 40-plus-year history, Jamborees have been held in various locations across the U.S. Some were one-and-done locations, others were recurring for many years. Most “Jambos” have included Tough Truck racing, monster truck racing, and mud racing in some form. Additionally, a Show ‘N’ Shine area where owners can display their rigs, and a Performance Marketplace (vendor area) where Jamboree-goers can check out 4×4-related products.
New, Experienced Owners With Big Plans
In early 2024, a group of former employees from the original 4-Wheel Jamboree management company purchased the Jamboree series. This experienced group immediately put the wheels in motion to spool up the 2024 Jamboree season. Their goal: return the Jamboree series to its “former glory” following decline under a former owner.
Jambo Fare For All
The 2024 Fall Jambo returned to the Indiana State Fairgrounds, which has been its home for several years. The Jambo included a sprawling Show ‘N’ Shine area, a Cruise Route (parade of 4x4s), monster truck rides, and games. Furthermore, infield action that included seven Monsters of Destruction monster trucks, Tough Truck racing, mud bog racing, and a burnout competition. Additionally, the Performance Marketplace included 51 vendors to peruse. And of course, at the Main Stage there were games and other things going on for folks to engage in throughout the weekend.
The Fall Jambo Drew All Ages, And From Far Away
The Fall Jambo drew participants of all ages. For example, the youngest participant was 16-year-old Hailey Cook. The oldest participant was Orville Dennison at 94 years young. Additionally, folks came from all over to participate in the event. In fact, the participant who traveled the longest distance was Theodore Nemic, who made the 913-mile trek to Indy from St. Augustine, Florida.
The Fall Jambo Gets A New Location For 2025
So, what’s up with the new location for the 2025 Fall Jamboree? Well, organizers are moving the event to the Hendricks County Fairgrounds in Danville, Indiana. The fairgrounds is 22 miles west of the Indiana State Fairgrounds and it encompasses 110 acres. Organizers tell us that the Hendricks County Fairgrounds is a much nicer setting than its previous location. For one thing, it has more grass and less pavement, which fits the event perfectly. Event organizers say the fairgrounds is like the property used for the Summer 4-Wheel Jamboree in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. That’s not a bad thing. Importantly, the Hendricks County Convention and Visitors Bureau and town council is said to be excited about the Fall Jambo coming to Danville. On that note, the dates for the 2025 Fall Jambo are September 19 through 21, so mark your calendar.
The Bottom Line
The 2024 43rd Annual Tire Rack 4-Wheel Jamboree Fall Nationals Driven By Yokohama was, by all accounts, a roaring success. Event organizers tell us they received numerous “thank yous” from participants and spectators for their efforts in bringing the “past glory” back to the Fall Jambo. On that note, if you attended the Summer or Fall Jambo, 4-Wheel Jamboree organizers would like your input. Email them at info@4wheeljamboree.com with your suggestions. They’re in it for the long haul and want to see the 4×4 community grow. Finally, for more information on the Jamboree series, visit the 4-Wheel Jamboree website.
The Awards
At each 4-Wheel Jamboree, several awards in various categories are given to participants for their vehicles. Here are the awards from 2024 43rd Annual Tire Rack 4-Wheel Jamboree Fall Nationals Driven By Yokohama.
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE (10 Recipients, Listed In Random Order)
Rodney Cook- 2015 Jeep
Scott Farney- 2022 Ford Bronco
Travis & Till McDonald- 1999 Ford
Eric Schlitzer- 2000 Excursion
Jay Trowbridge- 1959 Ford F-100
Dave Stuler- 2024 Jeep Rubicon
Zach Adams- 1997 Ford F-350
Aaron & Amber Laird- 1989 Wrangler
Dave Braton- 1980 Chevy K10
Domenick Mitchell- 1978 CJ-7
STREET ZERO (Zero Areas Modified)
Best Full Size Truck (Up To 1980)
1. Caleb Townsend- 1978 Ford Bronco
2. Gary Knight- 1972 GMC Jimmy
Best Full Size Truck (1981-2001)
1. Lisa Crossley- 1987 Chevy
2. Andy Kassing- 1988 Ford
Best Full Size Truck (2002-Present)
1. Jessica Cox- 2017 Ford
2. Jordan Jackson- 2022 Dodge Ram
Best Jeep
1. Troy Hudson- 2020 Gladiator
2. Bill Sullivan- 2017 Jeep
Best Ford
1. Michael James- 1979 Ford F-150
2. Taylor Hudson- 1979 Ford Bronco
Best GM
1. David Duvall- 1969 Chevy
2. Bobby Smith- 1987 Chevy
Best Mopar
1. Billy Rudd- 2008 Dodge
2. Andrew Miller- 1986 Dodge
Best of All the Rest
1. Steve Giddings- 1990 AM General
2. Jolene Meck- 2014 Toyota
STREET (0-1 Areas Modified)
Best Paint
1. Coy Dehart- 1979 Ford F-150
2. Dave Collins- 2018 Jeep
Best Engine/Compartment
1. Arlon Springer- 1986 Chevy K10
2. Scott Caldwell- 1987 Chevy
Best Interior
1. Smoke Jones- 2000 Ford1
2. Ron Mueller- 2018 Ford
Best GM
1. Tim McCaffrey- 1972 Chevy K5
2. Dawson Cragun 2004 Chevy
Best Ford
1. Nick and Ellie Schilling- 2001 Ford F-250
2. Paul Thompson- 1978 Ford
Best Mopar
1. Lowell & Sherry Eggleston- 2001 Dodge
2. Scott Isaacs- 2017 Dodge
Best Jeep
1. Brian Holdren- 2021 Gladiator
2. Heather McKinney- 2023 Gladiator
Best of All the Rest
1. John Conrad- 1978 Toyota FJ45
2. Kevin Hampton- 1987 Toyota
MODIFIED (2-3 Areas Modified)
Best Paint
1. Matt Miller- 1997 Ford
2. Trevor Miller- 1995 Ford Bronco
Best Interior
1. Todd Glandt- 1953 Ford
2. Caleb Townsend- 1992 Toyota
Best Engine/Compartment
1. Charlie Herring- 1990 Ford F-250
2. Aaron Laird- 2008 Chevy
Best Ford
1. Chris Kimes- 2018 Ford F-250
2. Dean Pigg- 2002 Ford F-250
Best GM
1. Scott Caldwell- 1986 Chevy
2. Henry Laxton- 1982 Chevy
Best Mopar
1. John Conrad- 1949 Dodge Power Wagon
2. Jordan Jackson- 1997 Dodge 2500
Best Jeep
1. Jim Sampognaro- 1974 Jeep CJ-5
2. Darren & Lisa Gottschalk- 1988 Jeep
Best of All the Rest
1. Greg and Jill Snyder- 1970 Scout
2. Marion Potts- 1957 Willys
PRO CLASS (4 & Up Areas Modified)
Best Paint
1. Jeff and Kathy Cox- 1987 Ford Ranger
Best Interior
1. Jim Williams- 1974 Ford
Best Engine/Compartment
1. Butch Kemp- 1997 Jeep
2. Jim Peabody- 1981 Suzuki
Best Engineered
1. Ron Mika- 1968 Ford F-250
2. Bobby Duncan- 1996 Ford
Best Ford
1. Tom Rininger- 1979 Ford F-150
2. Dilbert Hamilton- 1976 Ford
Best GM
1. Danette Lafferty- 1989 Chevy S10
2. Jim Schneider- 2006 Chevy
Best Jeep
1. Bill Sullivan- 1985 Jeep CJ-7
2. Tom & Hope Davis- 1998 Jeep
Best of All the Rest
1. Bob Kistler- 1985 Toyota
2. Dean Rostock- 1965 El Camino
GRAND CHAMPIONS/RUNNER-UPS
Street Zero
1. David Duvall- 1969 Chevy (Grand Champion)
2. Lisa Crossley- 1987 Chevy (Runner-Up)
Street
1. Nick and Ellie Schilling- 2001 Ford F250 (Grand Champion)
2. Smoke Jones- 2000 Ford (Runner-Up)
Modified
1. Scott Caldwell- 1986 Chevy (Grand Champion)
2. Charlie Herring- 1990 Ford F250 (Runner-Up)
Pro
1. Danette Lafferty- 1989 Chevy S10 (Grand Champion)
2. Tom Rininger- 1979 Ford F-150 (Runner-Up)