WORDS: SCOUT MOTORS PHOTOS: JOHN Ryan HEBERT / DOUG HYLAND
very spring, just as the California desert begins to turn up the temps, a dedicated group of International Harvester® enthusiasts roll into the Calico, KOA Campground with a parade of trail-ready Scout® trucks. It’s more than a gathering. It’s the Western Regionals—a long-standing tradition for Scout die-hards that’s been getting progressively dustier since 1996.
This is decidedly not an elegant affair. There are no white gloves or velvet ropes in sight. It’s a celebration of patina and personality, where the trucks are as storied as the people who own them. If you show up with a dent or two, you’ll be welcomed with open arms.
"It’s a celebration of patina and personality, where the trucks are as storied as the people who own them."
Western Regionals’ laid-back no-fuss attitude is what makes it special. People from across the U.S.—from Baja to Boise—bring their cherished Scouts for a few days of offroading, tailgating, BBQ, and desert stargazing. The days are hot, the trails are dirty, and the offroad courses serve up just enough challenge to keep things interesting. A few banged up skid plates here and there keep people smiling. By nightfall, it’s all cool breezes and coolers full of cold beverages.
The event culminates in a charity raffle blowout with more than 100 items up for grabs, all benefitting Oceano Dunes—a cause close to the offroading community’s heart that promotes responsible recreational land usage. You might win a set of shocks, a trail jack, or just a little extra love for your rig. Either way, it’s all good vibes and a good cause.
This year, Scout Motors was back in the mix—not just as spectators, but as a brand on a mission. Since 2022, we have been actively connecting with the Scout community, bridging the legacy of IH with the future of offroad adventure. We’re not just making a truck, we’re building something that creates connection—between people, places—between past and present. We’re designing the new Scout with customization and community in mind, and events like the Western Regionals are the perfect setting to experience that ethos.
Sean Barber of Anything Scout brought his NORRA 1000-bound Race Terra out for a shakedown (which has gone on to a first place finish in its class. Read the race log HERE) . Sponsored by Scout Motors, the beast of a build took on the desert terrain with attitude.
Western Regionals is less about pristine restorations and more about rugged runners and the stories and camaraderie of the Scout culture. It’s where offroaders and restorers, BBQ lovers and moonlight campers, all find common ground—in the dirt, under the stars, and around a Scout. And as long as there are dusty trails and people who love to drive them, you can bet Western Regionals will be waiting. And we’ll be there too.
