The Great Food Truck Race season 18 is hitting the Atlantic coast for its biggest road trip yet. Tyler Florence returns as host, steering nine food truck teams through eight cities in a battle for $50,000 and serious bragging rights. The “Truckin’ Awesome” season cranks up the chaos with tougher stops and bigger crowds than ever before.
The journey runs from Georgia to Virginia, stopping in beach towns and landmark spots along the way. Trucks roll into wild venues like NASCAR speedways, packed boardwalks, and even a massive aircraft carrier. At each stop, teams must prove they can cook, hustle, and sell fast. The highest earners keep moving forward, while the lowest risk gets sent home.
The Food Network's The Great Food Truck Race gathers food truck crews from across the country for a cross-state cook-off like no other. Each week, the weakest truck is eliminated until just two remain for the big finale. It has equal parts food fight and road trip, serving viewers a mix of local flavors and fun destinations.
The season wrapped in Norfolk’s Waterside District, the final pit stop of a marathon filming schedule. Local leaders and businesses were thrilled to host, hoping national TV buzz would give their city a tasty boost in tourism.
What to expect from future episodes of The Great Food Truck Race?
The Great Food Truck Race season began in Savannah, Georgia, with an unusual challenge from the viral baseball club the Savannah Bananas. Teams had to make banana-themed meals that would please both the judges and paying customers. This first episode laid the groundwork for the season's unique challenges and high-stakes eliminations.
The premiere episode aired on August 3 and immediately established a competitive atmosphere. Three teams found themselves fighting to avoid elimination after the first sales day. Savannah served as the ideal background for the show's distinctive blend of cooking competition and area tourism.
Charleston, South Carolina, is the second site on the coastal tour. Guest chefs Kardea Brown and Rodney Scott use their knowledge to appraise the competing teams. Their "no-mercy" approach to evaluation promises to separate serious contenders from struggling competitors.
The Charleston episode of The Great Food Truck Race showcases the city's renowned food scene while putting teams through rigorous culinary tests. Local food culture plays a significant role in shaping challenges and customer expectations throughout the competition.
Teams get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to cook at Darlington Raceway for NASCAR drivers Mamba Smith and Todd Gilliland. This unique venue presents logistical challenges while offering exposure to racing fans and motorsports culture.
The raceway setting allows producers to create challenges that blend high-speed excitement with culinary precision. Teams must adapt their usual strategies to serve crowds in this distinctive environment.
Hampton Roads becomes a major focus with episodes filmed in Virginia Beach, Newport News, and Norfolk. Newport News features a secret surveillance challenge, adding mystery to the standard competition format. Mayor Phillip Jones welcomed the production, highlighting the city's vibrant food culture.
The Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Victory Landing Park provide scenic backdrops for coastal-themed challenges. These locations allow teams to connect with beach-going crowds and seasonal tourism demands.
What were the other locations the show filmed at?
A special episode filmed at the Best Western in Leland, North Carolina, titled "Wilmington Revenge," aired on August 17. This installment featured teams settling scores while facing potential shutdowns from county officials. Chef Lauren Krall Ivey from Olivero judges a breakfast challenge worth $15,000.
The Great Food Truck Race season concludes with an unprecedented finale at Naval Station Norfolk. The final two teams compete to feed sailors aboard a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier. This military setting creates the ultimate high-pressure environment for determining the champion.
The naval finale represents the show's most ambitious location choice, combining patriotic elements with intense culinary competition. Only one team will claim the $50,000 prize and championship title on September 14, 2025.
Watch The Great Food Truck Race: Truckin' Awesome Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on Food Network, and you can also stream it on Max.