AS SEEN IN OUR OBS BUILDERS GUIDE FALL 2026 ISSUE – Buy Now!

Weathering the Storm at the OBS Nationals

There is something undeniably electric about rolling into a venue with as much horsepower-soaked history as the Talladega Superspeedway. Let’s get one thing straight right out of the gate: if you haven’t made the pilgrimage to the Battle of Bama and OBS Nationals, you need to add it to your bucket list right now. This isn’t just another weekend parking lot gathering—it’s an absolute must-attend event where you’re going to see a little bit of everything that makes the custom truck scene so damn good.

This year marked my maiden voyage to the ‘Dega infield, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The caliber of the rides and the infectious, laid-back vibe of the crowd are things you simply have to witness firsthand to truly appreciate.

The OBS Nationals segment of the show was completely off the charts. We are living in the golden age of the ‘88-’98 GM truck, and this event proved it. We’re talking every conceivable build style represented under the southern sky—from frame-laying, billet-wheeled street sweepers to lifted, purpose-built bruisers and pristine survivors. The sheer variety of old body style perfection was mind-blowing, proving that there is no single “right way” to build one of these classic haulers.

I was incredibly honored to get the invite to tag along with editor Joe Acevedo for this trip. Having the opportunity to cruise in, talk shop, and soak up this killer event alongside good company is exactly what this lifestyle is all about.

Of course, pulling off an event of this magnitude is no small feat, especially when the skies decide not to cooperate. Craig Rowley and his incredibly dedicated crew deserve a massive shoutout. They went toe-to-toe with Mother Nature all weekend long, refusing to throw in the towel. Despite the weather throwing everything it had at the tarmac, the staff pushed through the adversity, and against all odds, the show was an undeniable success.

If you missed out this year, consider this your wake-up call. Get out to the garage, finish turning those wrenches, and make sure your rig is ready for the next Battle of Bama. We’ll see you on the pavement.

If you’re into OBS trucks, mark your calendars. This is one event you don’t want to miss. Whether you’re wrenching on your ride or just a fan, the OBS Nationals is where you need to be. Can’t wait to see you at the next OBS Nationals! For more info and to snag your spot, hit up www.battleinbama.net. Let’s make next year even more epic!