The Lone Star Throwdown’s modified pickup trucks show will once again bring thousands of vehicles to Conroe this weekend, as authorities from several counties activate a special operation to curb street takeovers, drag racing, and drunk drivers.
The Lone Star Throwdown show will bring more than 2,000 customized vehicles to Conroe over three days, along with a wide security deployment. According to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, a task force will be reactivated with agencies from Montgomery, Walker, and Harris counties to increase patrols during and after the event.
The authorities’ goal is clear: to allow attendees and exhibitors to enjoy the show, but to prevent problems that have occurred in previous years, such as parking lot takeovers, street racing, and arrests for driving under the influence.
Lone Star Throwdown, a massive event in Conroe
The Lone Star Throwdown will be held at the Lone Star Convention and Expo Center and at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds, at 9255 Airport Road. According to local authorities, it is one of the largest modified truck shows in the United States, and it has been held in Conroe since 2012.
Conroe Police Chief Jon Buckholtz noted that the event has been an economic boost for the city. He said that this annual gathering fills dozens of hotels and generates revenue for local businesses and restaurants. At the same time, he warned that no illegal or dangerous behavior around the show will be tolerated, and there will be consequences for those who make poor decisions.
Event organizers did not respond to a request for comment, according to the original note.
Lone Star Throwdown and the “Zero Traction” operation
Sheriff Wesley Doolittle created in 2025 a dedicated weekend task force for the Lone Star Throwdown, after multiple incidents linked to the show were reported in 2024. That year, dispatchers received more than 30 calls for takeovers in parking lots in the Willis and Shenandoah areas.
Doolittle explained at a press conference that, in recent years, the community has reported property damage, crashes, and arrests for drunken driving related to the event. Therefore, the operation — known as Operation Zero Traction — aims to prevent vehicle gatherings in parking lots and improvised races from putting residents and visitors at risk.
The sheriff stressed that it is important for all agencies to work together to keep the community safe during those days.
Results of the 2025 operation
According to information from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, last year officers conducted 576 traffic stops during the show’s weekend. Of those interventions, 170 resulted in fines and 353 warnings.
In addition, 59 people were arrested for various alleged offenses, including driving under the influence, outstanding arrest warrants, racing, reckless driving, weapons offenses, and possession of narcotics. Authorities also reported that 41 vehicles and six firearms were seized.
For the authorities, these figures show the scale of the operation surrounding Lone Star Throwdown. The message from the police chiefs is that people who come to Conroe to enjoy the show are welcome, but those who seek to take advantage of the event to break the law will face firm action.
Message from authorities to drivers and visitors
Houston Police Department Assistant Chief Andrian Rodriguez stressed that the show is a legal event and should be enjoyed responsibly. He warned that street racing, roadway takeovers, and reckless driving will not be tolerated. “If you come to celebrate, you are welcome. If you come to break the law, expect the law to be enforced,” he said, according to the release.
Montgomery County District Attorney Mike Holley indicated that his office will prosecute those participating in criminal activities during the show’s weekend. He noted that the most common violations around the event are driving under the influence, street racing, and evading authorities. For Holley, Montgomery County is a “county of consequences,” and those who commit crimes will face them.
Authorities emphasized that the goal of Lone Star Throwdown is not to cause disorder in the streets, but to bring together fans of modified pickup trucks in a controlled environment. However, the event’s impact on the region has forced agencies to coordinate to keep order outside the venue.
Broad collaboration among regional agencies
This year, Operation Zero Traction will involve a broad group of agencies: Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Conroe Police Department, Shenandoah Police, Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, Montgomery Police Department, the five county constable offices, Willis Police, Montgomery County Fire Chief’s Office, Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Houston Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
The presence of Harris County agencies and the City of Houston underscores that the effects of Lone Star Throwdown go beyond Conroe, as many attendees travel from the metropolitan area and use shared highways. For law enforcement, regional coordination is key to preventing problems from moving from one municipality to another.
Authorities invited those planning to attend the show to respect speed limits, avoid alcohol if they will drive, and not participate in racing or dangerous maneuvers, both inside and outside the event venues.
