About this episode
In this episode of the Power Driven Podcast , hosts Todd, Will, and Myer welcome special guest Damian, the man who went from enthusiast to event promoter with the launch of the first-ever Southwest Truck Fest. Recorded just weeks after the dust settled, we pull back the curtain on what it took to organize a diesel truck event from scratch, and what he’d do differently next time. We break down the real-world challenges of launching a grassroots diesel event: securing city permits, dealing with insurance, managing vendors, and coordinating logistics like dyno scheduling, vendor placement, and traffic flow. Damian shares the three-month sprint from idea to execution and how Southwest Truck Fest attracted trucks and fans from across the U.S., including builds from Idaho, Texas, New Mexico, California, and even Washington. We also talk horsepower, dyno numbers topping 2,400+ HP, what it takes to impress at a show-and-shine, and how event culture has changed in the post-COVID era. And yeah, we get real about the negative press, afterparty burnout fiascos, and what those viral moments mean for the future of diesel events in small towns like St. George. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to start a diesel truck show, or you just want to hear how the performance diesel scene is evolving, this episode is packed with insight, entertainment, and honest talk from guys who live and breathe this world. Whether you’re into dyno days, vendor row, burnout pits, or just rolling coal with your buddies, this is the podcast for you.