Fighters, Auction Personnel Train for Smoker Sale at Brasher's Idaho Auto Auction

The count-down to the Smoker Sale at Brasher's Idaho Auto Auction has begun in earnest, and auction personnel are training for the event, both in the boxing ring and the auction arena, preparing for an event that will include eight amateur boxing matches at Qwest Arena in downtown Boise, two-days of auction selling, and 3,000 vehicles. The Smoker Sale at Brasher's Idaho Auto Auction marks its 10th anniversary this summer, on June 24th and 25th in Boise. 

General Sales Manager Matt Brasher enters the ring for the first time in his career, to meet up with Smoker-Sale veteran and cross-town rival Todd Carlson, whose two previous appearances in the Smoker ring resulted in a win/loss split. Brasher's training has been rigorous, split between time in the gym with former pro fighter Cleveland Corder, and a more unconventional workout at home, slugging overturned tractor tires with an oversized sledge hammer. 

The Smoker Sale is a summer tradition at the Idaho Auto Auction, begun in 2000 by the auction's original owner, Steve Marlow. Over the past ten years, it attracting the attention of car dealers and auto remarketers from coast to coast, and has grown into one of the biggest auction promotional events in the nation. Idaho Auto Auction's "Smoker" has featured both professional and semi-professional boxers over the years, in addition to colleagues from the auction industry who have shed their shirts along with their pride to take their turns in the ring. 

"This year's Smoker promises to be bigger and better than ever," notes Doug Brasher, who took his turn in the ring in 2004. "We're expecting a tremendous selection of vehicles, and we'll have huge crowds here ready to buy them. And we're all looking forward to the Smoker's main event, when our own Matt Brasher will enter the ring to prove his boxing prowess!" 

Brasher's Idaho Auto Auction's Annual Smoker Sale has become one of the largest auction promotions in the nation. This year, more than 3,000 cars will cross the block during two days of auction selling, and 4,000+ boxing fans will cheer their favorites in eight different grudge matches. These photos were taken at the '04 Smoker.

In addition to a GM Factory sale, the auction will feature a number of national consignors including GMAC, US Bank, Wachovia, AmeriCredit, Capital One, Key Bank, Idaho Central Credit Union, Prestige Financial, Zion's Bank, Wheels, Drive, Suzuki, Enterprise and Avis. The Smoker will also include a Horsepower Sale (new car dealer trades), as well as an RV and Powersports sale. 

"To commemorate the Smoker's 10th year, we're starting a new tradition, which we're calling the 'last man standing' contest," said Brasher. "It's a way to work together to raise money for charity, and we'll give everyone who attends the opportunity to 'stand' for as much money as they'd like to donate to help members of our community."

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