Joplin, MO – One of trucking’s most popular truck shows has been canceled due to the COVID-19 national emergency, but there is still some good news.

On Monday, Bryan Martin with 4-State Trucks in Joplin, MO announced this year’s Guilty By Association Truck Show (GBATS) is not going to happen.

“Unfortunately this pandemic climate that we are all be subjected to would cause us to greatly alter the event,” Martin said. “Try to imagine a GBATS with no diesel drag races. How about no truck and tractor pull? No burnouts. No big time Saturday night concert where there’s 4,500 of us standing shoulder-to-shoulder under the street lights in downtown Joplin.”

He said it would be “impossible” to properly social distance as well.

“In good conscience, it just doesn’t make sense in September… just a few short months away to bring 800 to 900 truckers and their families to Joplin,” Martin explained.

Add to that the 10,000 or so locals that attend the show and Martin said it could be a recipe that might “end up badly for some people.”

GBATS was set to take place September 24- 26 before today’s announcement.

There is some good news for GBATS lovers though.

Martin indicated the show will go on in September 2021.

“GBATS is going to be back bigger, badder, and more action and excitement than ever,” Martin declared.

That’s not all.

Martin said that Friday night, September 25, 4-State is hosting a four hour Facebook Live event.

The live stream will feature truck walk arounds, interviews, vendor spotlights, burnouts, contests, parts giveaway and more.

Here’s hoping trucks shows return in 2021!

Check out the GBATS truck and tractor pull from year’s past in the awesome video below:

Click HERE for more GBATS footage, including the Special Olympics Convoy, some bad ass big rig burnouts and an interview with “Boss Man” Martin.

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