Anytime we can get away from the office to go check out a cool event – especially one we’ve never been to before – that is a day that has the makings of greatness in it. When we first heard of the Desert Storm and Poker Run event over in Lake Havasu, Arizona, we couldn’t wait to get our bags packed and ship off to this balmy, waterside locale.

Desert Storm gives enthusiasts a chance to showcase their truck, boat, and trailer along McCulloch Boulevard in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.

Now that we’re here, we couldn’t help but think: why have we never been here before?!? More than just the great diesel rigs parked all over the place, this shindig had the added attraction in its dozens of highly stylized watercraft, all decked out in brilliant colors, high-performance motors, and luxurious interiors, as well as thousands of visitors from all walks of life.

We rolled up just in time to see the beginnings of the Desert Storm Street Party, the “opening act” if you will, for the Poker Run that is due to commence tomorrow morning. The Poker Run, which is the water-based equivalent of the street-based Desert Storm, should be just as exciting, but for now, let’s give you all a glimpse at what happens when boats, diesels, and trailers meet up in the vibrant downtown area of Lake Havasu City.

Big money gets you a big boat with big power. Many of these boats commanded upwards of 750 horsepower and could reach speeds higher than 180mph.

Starting on the corner of Riviera & McCulloch and stretching eastward for about a mile, Desert Storm was indeed a mishmash of all kinds of awesomeness. The street party vibe was alive and real as we heard music blasting from all directions, and plenty of folks were having a good time with a vape in one hand and a beer in the other.

All joking aside, this was everything we’d hoped to see out of a boat and truck event, and then some. Vendors from all over were plying their wares to the masses, from lacquers and waxes to lighting and interior reupholstery.

“It’s always a blast to come out here,” said Howard, a spectator. “I’ve been coming here since they started over a decade ago and there’s always something new to see, and the people who bring their boats really up the game year after year.”

The thing is, Howard wasn’t exaggerating. For as polished and perfect as these watercraft looked tilted up on their sides and with the gleaming V8 engines pointed toward passerby, they definitely had the heft to back it up. Justin Corrales was representing Wild One Racing and the Dave’s Custom Boats (DCB) Group at Desert Storm, and he was able to educate us a little more on just what these speedy ships could do.

“These ships are getting more and more crazy,” commented Justin. “One of our buddies was able to run his up to 186 miles per hour last year. I want to say that his other boat got up to 206 over in the Ozarks in Missouri.” Keep in mind, a good portion of these ships run on pump gasoline, and it’s not rare to see superchargers and turbochargers installed as well.

Given that kind of description, we can only hold our breath in anticipation for the Poker Run tomorrow. In the meantime, keep it locked here on Diesel Army as we bring you the latest diesel news, event coverage, new products, and more.

Freightliners and Kodiaks were a lot more common at Desert Storm than lesser-duty, three-quarter-ton trucks.