By Kenny Thompson – Founder and owner of KT Performance, serving the diesel and truck performance community since 2006. Based in Clermont, Florida, Kenny combines hands-on industry expertise with a commitment to customer service and innovation.
Celebrating Father’s Day the Truck Enthusiast Way
For many of us, trucks are more than just vehicles—they’re a part of our family stories. This Father’s Day, we want to hear from you! Share a story that involves your father and a truck. Whether it’s wrenching in the garage, hauling gear for a weekend adventure, or just cruising down backroads, these memories keep us connected across generations.
Kenny’s Favorite Truck Memories with Dad
- The Square Body GMC: My dad’s old square body GMC with a well-built 350 was a legend in our family. We called it the Brown Mule because it was a work horse. I’ll never forget riding in the back through the woods during hunting trips—feeling the cool morning air and hearing that V8 rumble. My dad bought that truck brand new while he was driving to rodeos riding bulls in the southeastern circuit. It's the only brand new truck that he has ever bought for himself.
- Building Fence on the Ranch: There’s still a dent in the bed rail from the time we were building fence together stretching out barbed wire. My brother was driving the truck and the pole that the barbed wire was spinning on caught a tree and nearly knocked us out of the back of the truck. Every time I see a truck with a few dings, I think of those long days working side by side with my dad and if some of those dings have deep memories attached.
- My First Truck: I’ll always remember my dad and his best friend taking me to check out and purchase my first truck—an ’87 F-150 with a 300 straight-six with 4 on the floor. That day wasn’t just about buying a vehicle; it was about passing down a passion for trucks and hard work. That truck is where I learn a lot of lessons, both mechanical skills and personal life lessons. It was known to my high school friend as the Blue Streak, possibly because of the way I drove it.
- Forging New Paths: On my 21st birthday, my dad and a group of guys decided they were going to drive out back in the woods (we had access to few thousand acers of woods directly behind the house) and "drive to the river" (which later became a phrase we would joke about). They left in two basically monster trucks. One on tractor tires and the other on 44s. About 2am I get a call that they were stuck and needed me to come get them in my over weight F-250 7.3L on 35" all-terrains. I figure this should be fun and headed out. All said and done, we arrived back at the house with everyone as the sun was coming up. But that was after I created a new road with my truck plowing through the trees and using a highlift jack to get unstuck. That path because the new road and sometime referred to as "Kenny Road".
Share Your Story!
Now it’s your turn! Share your favorite truck memory with your dad on our Facebook and Instagram pages. Did you learn to drive in your dad’s diesel? Did you tackle a big project together? Or maybe you just have a great photo of your family truck. We’d love to feature some of your stories in an upcoming post!
Keep the Legacy Rolling
At KT Performance, we know that trucks are more than horsepower and torque—they’re about family, tradition, and making memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re restoring a classic, upgrading your diesel, or just keeping your daily driver running strong, we’re here to help you keep those stories alive.
Need parts or inspiration for your next project? Check out our products or call our team at KT.
