Be Sure To Visit

Our Friends At:

09/30/07

- Tail Gator Sweeps

City of Lebanon

Monster Mash!!

09/28/07

- City of Lebanon Monster Mash This Saturday Night!!

09/27/07

- Dodge Raminator Claims Special Events 2007 Title!!

09/26/07

- Monster Truck Thunder Drags Video Highlights!!

09/25/07

- MLMT Releases Current Point Standings!!

09/24/07

- Teaser Photos From Las Vegas MLMT!!

09/23/07

- Indy 4-Wheel Jamboree Recap!!

- MLMT Las Vegas Recap!!

09/21/07

- Indy 4-Wheel Jamboree This Weekend!!

- MLMT Las Vegas Tonight!!

09/20/07

- Monster Truck Thunder Drags Photo Gallery!!

- David Smith Interview On MLMT.com!!

09/19/07

- CFP To Offer MTRA Member Bonuses In '08!!

- "BIGFOOT Presents Meteor" DVD's Have Arrived!!

- LEGEND To Appear At Ogden, UT Motor Madness Event!!

09/16/07

- WGAS Extreme Sports Spectacular Globe, AZ!!

- Dixie Monster Truck Nationals Cancelled

09/13/07

- Monster Madness Coming To Ogden Stadium!!

09/12/07

- Sudden Impact Racing Press Release!!

09/11/07

- Tijuana Monster Trucks Showdown Video Highlights!!

- MLMT Major News!!

- BIGFOOT #17 Wins

'07 EMTRC Title!!

- CFP Press Release!!

09/10/07

- Monster Truck Thunder Drags Video Highlights!!

09/09/07

- Bigfoot, Maniac Take Wins In Phoenix!!

09/07/07

- Monster Truck Thunder Drags In Phoenix, AZ This Weekend!!

09/05/07

- Teasers Photos From Tijuana, Mexico!!

- Labor Day Weekend Tucson Tournament of Destruction!!

09/03/07

- Maverik Clash of the Titans Coverage!!

09/03/07

- MLMT Fall Lineups Announced!!

- MLMT Moves

Las Vegas Debut

To The Dirt Track!!

- Monster Trucks At

Elko Speedway!!

09/01/07

- Obsession, Bounty Hunter Take Wins In Tijuana, Mexico!!

- Monster Truck Thunder Drags In Phoenix, AZ Only A Week Away!!

f the Clash!!

- Lake Erie Monster Truck Mania Videos!!

 

   

 

     

 

SEPTEMBER ARCHIVE

PICTURE OF THE MONTH WINNER

Photo by Stephanie Cotnoir

Tail Gator Sweeps Lebanon Monster Mash!!:  Doug Noelke and Tail Gator dominated the 3rd Annual City of Lebanon Monster Mash Saturday night, taking on a strong lineup of trucks and winning it all!!  The evening started out with the wheelie contest, which saw some great attempts by Dale Gerding in Big Dawg, Keith Sturgeon in Bigfoot, and Noelke in Tail Gator. After several cheer-offs between Bigfoot and Tail Gator, Doug Noelke was awarded the win. Next up was qualifying which saw Tail Gator as the only truck to come in under the 5 second mark, taking the top spot. The semi-finals would see a great race between Gun Slinger and Bigfoot, with Scott Hartsock getting the call in a photo finish. Noelke defeated Big Dawg to meet Hartsock in the finals. In another great race, Noelke laid down a perfect pass to beat Gun Slinger for the racing win by about a half a truck length. Freestyle would see Keith Sturgeon in Bigfoot put up a strong number after a run highlighted by popping a huge wheelie off the backside of the FMX hill, mixed in with some donuts and a slap wheelie for a score of 27. The pressure was on Noelke to complete the sweep, and he laid down a great run with tons of momentum. The wow moment of Tail Gator's run came when he, like Bigfoot before him, went up the backside of the FMX hill and rode a wheelie all the way down. This was enough to earn a score of 30 from the judges with only Gun Slinger left to go. Hartsock would have to earn a score of 30 also to have a shot at the win in a crowd cheer-off, and that's exactly what he did. Gun Slinger was flying high through the air, and kicking up tons of dirt with several wild donuts to tie Tail Gator for the lead. When it was all said and done after several cheer-offs, the win went to Tail Gator for a sweep of the City of Lebanon Monster Mash!! 

A huge thanks to Gail Bryant with the City of Lebanon and Ron Taylor with the local Minuteman Press for putting on another great event this year. It was pretty neat to see a locally promoted event with such a strong lineup of trucks and we thank them for allowing us to be a part of it. Thanks to Staff Member Lauren Z. Bonar for the above photos and to our good friend Shane Skinner for once again handling the video duties. More photos and video to come, stay tuned!! (09/30/07)

City of Lebanon Monster Mash This Saturday!!:  The 3rd Annual City of Lebanon Monster Mash is coming up this Saturday night at the Laclede County Fairgrounds!!  Bigfoot, Tail Gator, Big Dawg, and Cowboy will take on Scott Hartsock in Gun Slinger as he attempts to defend his freestyle win from last year's event. This year's Monster Mash will also feature the high flying extreme freestyle motocross. All the action begins at 7:00PM, with a Pit Party where fans can see the trucks up close and get the driver's autographs beginning at 5:00PM.

     Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children, kids age 3 and under get in for free. Admission to the Pit Party is $2. Advance tickets can be purchased at Minuteman Press, the Cowan Civic Center, Price Cutter of Lebanon, and the Pulaski County Visitor's Center. Get yours today because there is limited seating available for this event!!  Be there Saturday night and see all the monster action, rain or shine!!  Click here to view the event poster, for more information call the Cowan Civic Center at 417-532-4642. TheMonsterBlog.com will once again be on hand to cover all the action after a great event last year. Check out video from the event here or watch our highlight video by clicking here. We'll see you there, results and much more when we get back on Sunday!!  (09/28/07)

Dodge Raminator Claims Special Events Title!!: (Dodge Motorsports PR) The Indianapolis
4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals has long been the final event for the Jamboree season, the grand finale before the teams take a break from racing and get ready for the next year. In the last seventeen years of monster truck competition at the 4-Wheel Jamboree nationals, there have been some very heated races that have taken place in Indy. Last minute tire swaps, driver changes, and down-to-the-wire championship battles have all become synonymous with the Indy Jamboree. However, the 2007 Indy Jamboree, as well as the 2007 Jamboree season, will go down in the books as belonging to the Dodge Rams of Hall Brothers Racing.

     Although the Hall Brothers team and their Dodge Raminator and Rammunition monster trucks have dominated the Jamboree tour for a solid seven years now (including a 1-2 finish in points last year), the team has swept through the season with a sense of determination and a level of ferocity that hasn't been seen in monster truck racing in a long time, if ever. Of the 17 races held this season, 14 of the wins this year belong to the trucks of the Hall Brothers team, a shining testament to the durability and unmatched power of the team's Hemi-powered Dodge Rams. And now, as if to punctuate that statement, the 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals officials have announced that Mark Hall and the Dodge Raminator monster truck have officially claimed the 2007 Championship, with teammate Geremie Dishman in the Dodge Rammunition monster truck bringing up the second place position. While the rest of the field in Indy vied for the remaining positions in points, the Hall Brothers trucks had yet another impressive showing of their own, with Raminator and Mark Hall taking two wins and taking the runner-up position twice. Geremie Dishman in Rammunition also fared well in Indy despite the tough track conditions, taking the final round victory on Sunday.
     "I'm exceptionally happy with how the season has progressed this year," said Mark Hall. "The officials had held off for awhile in regards to announcing whether or not we had locked up this whole deal, but I'm both ecstatic and relieved that everything is official now." Hall went on to state that "Obviously our math showed that after the Vermont event we had things pretty well taken care of, but you never want to count on anything until it is made official. With all the rain-outs and things of that nature that happened this year, we just wanted to make sure that we had really locked up the title before we let out any sighs of relief." If the team had not fully locked up the title by Indy, then Hall's wins in Indy certainly would have taken care of things.
     2006 Jamboree champion Geremie Dishman entered the season looking to defend his first title, but when interviewed it was obvious he was not unhappy about how the season turned out. "We've really had a great year in 2007, both on track and in the pits. Obviously our trucks have been the trucks to beat out on the track, but what has been nice this year is so much of the bad luck stuff that hampered our efforts last year didn't seem to come around as much this time." So how does Dishman feel about the 2008 Jamboree season? "I'm really looking forward to it. This has been a long summer of racing and it will be nice shift gears and really put a lot of focus on our Dodge dealer program this fall, but by the time 2008 rolls around, we'll be ready to get back out there and win some more races. I hope that in 2008 we can have another 1-2 finish for Dodge again."
     Perhaps the happiest man of the entire group is team manager and head crew chief Tim Hall. "You know, we fought a lot of breakage issues last year, everything from ring gears to transmissions to axles to full-on crashes, but our team was able to rebound and still get the wins we needed to be the champs. This year, things really went well from the get-go and fortunately they stayed that way. I really feel like Lady Luck owed our team something this year, and now, with Indy in the books, I think it's safe to say that she was definitely looking out for us this year." When asked about the key to increasing the durability of the trucks in 2007, Hall had this to say: "A lot of improvements we experimented with last year were placed into normal service for this year, and they made a huge difference. Everything from the material we have our axle shafts made out of to how we set up our rear-ends, it has all helped. We found a couple hundred extra horsepower later in the season on Mark's truck, and I think that really put him out of sight of the competition. I can't wait to see what we can do next year with what we've learned in '07."
     Helping the Hall Brothers team celebrate their 2007 title in Indy were Dodge Motorsports program managers Scott Richter and Chad Hignite. "The Hall Brothers have proved yet again that they are the absolute best team in Monster Truck Racing," said Richter. "The sixth Jamboree title in a row shows just how dominating this team has been. Dodge provides the legendary HEMI power and the Hall Brothers take care of the rest! Congratulations from everyone at Dodge!
     "I'm very proud to have won another Jamboree title," concluded Mark Hall. "We've been able to get wins on every kind of track they have thrown at us this year, and I really think that is a testament to how solid of a platform these Hemi-powered Rams are. With all of the positive changes that the Chrysler group has undergone this year, our team is really proud to deliver them two monster truck championships this year, and we look forward to doing the same in 2008."
     With the conclusion of the 4-Wheel Jamboree season in Indy, you can rest assured that the Dodge Raminator and Rammunition trucks will be a popular attraction at Dodge dealers nation-wide for quite some time. For more information on the Dodge Raminator and Rammunition monster trucks, including schedules, photos, news, and merchandise, be sure to visit www.raminator.com. (09/27/07)

Watch The Monster Truck Thunder Drags on TheMonsterBlog.com!!:  The Monster Blog continues our fall series of major event video coverage with this past weekend's Monster Truck Thunder Drags from Indianapolis, IN!!  Saturday and Sunday TheMonsterBlog.com was on hand as the Special Events Performance Series concluded the 2007 season with eight monster trucks competing in racing and freestyle competitions. You can now see all the action from the three shows in its entirety by clicking the link below!!  Thanks to the entire Special Events crew for their hospitality once again this weekend, and to all the drivers and teams for their hard work. We still have a giant photo gallery coming your way from the event, but in the meantime, sit back, click the link below, and enjoy the show!!  (09/26/07)

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE INDY MONSTER TRUCK THUNDER DRAGS!!

(VIDEO GALLERY)

MLMT Releases Current Point Standings!!:  The Major League of Monster Trucks has released the latest information on the 2007 Points Standings that will reach from Charlotte, North Carolina to Nashville, Tennessee. Through Charlotte, Fort Worth, and Las Vegas, Dan Runte is the official points leader in the Firestone Bigfoot Ford from St. Louis Missouri.

     The points standings are heating up, however, with David Smith in Nitro Fish trailing behind by only 34 points. Smith hit victory circle for the first time all season in his own backyard in Fort Worth, Texas on August 25th. Smith has been a solid contender for the ultra-consistant Dan Runte all season long in side by side Monster Truck Racing on the MLMT circuit. Smith's teammate in the Nitro Hornet, Daron Basl is sitting in third position only 108 points behind Runte, the points leader. Also tied with Basl, is the driver of Traxxas T-Maxx, Carl Van Horn from Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Carl Van Horn is going to be a hard charger for the Racing Championship as the season continues into October.
     There is plenty of time for all the teams competing on the MLMT circuit, with seven events left in the 2007 Season. October is basically, 'Championship Month' in the Major League of Monster Trucks, as the Champion will be crowned in Nashville, Tennessee the last weekend of October. Red Bluff, California on October 5th, 6th, and 7th will lead us into Sparta, Kentucky on October 13th, and then the final stages of the MLMT Season will be hosted in Memphis and Nashville the last weekends of October.
     For a full breakdown of how points are earned at an MLMT event, click here. For more info on upcoming Major League of Monster Trucks events, be sure to check out www.MLMT.com!!  (09/25/07)

Teaser Photos From Las Vegas!!:  TheMonsterBlog.com's Lauren & Lynette Bonar were on hand for all the action Friday night as the Major League of Monster Trucks rocked Vegas!!  They were kind enough to send over some teaser photos to help hold everyone over until we are able to get all of our coverage of the event posted. The Vegas event featured wild racing and intense freestyle before a crowd so large an additional section of seating had to be opened up prior to show time to accomadate all of the fans!!  We congratulate MLMT on another hugely successful event, and we are already looking forward to the next races on the tour. Thanks to everyone with MLMT for their hospitality this weekend, be sure to check out www.MLMT.com for more info on where you can see it live!!  Video highlights and much more coming soon!!  (09/24/07)

Click each thumbnail to view larger image!!

         

         

        

Indy Monster Truck Thunder Drags In The Books!!:  The Special Events Performance Series wrapped up the 2007 season with a great weekend of monster trucks in Indianapolis. Tail Gator and Raminator would meet in the finals Friday night, with Doug Noelke coming out on top after some mechanical problems for Mark Hall. Hall was on kill Saturday, first taking down Noelke in the afternoon final round, and then beating Rick Long in Bigfoot in the evening finals. However Sunday would see teammate Geremie Dishman in Rammunition beat Hall in the semi-finals, and then go on to take the big win over Tail Gator to close out the weekend. Jim Kohler in Avenger went big in freestyle all weekend long and kept the fans on the feet, who were also treated to some strong freestyles by all the competitors. Mark Hall is the 2007 Monster Truck Thunder Drags Champion, after turning in yet another dominant year on tour behind the wheel of Raminator. Congratulations to Hall Brothers Racing on the title win, and thanks to Special Events for another great year of monster trucks. TheMonsterBlog.com video and photo gallery from the weekend's events are on the way, stay tuned!!  (09/23/07)

- TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS UPDATE - Hall, Noelke Score Big Points!!:  The Monster Truck Thunder Drags in Indianapolis, IN this weekend served as one half of this week's T.O.C. competition. The points were split over the four racing competitions, as freestyle is not judged at Special Events shows. Mark Hall in Raminator was the top points winner for the weekend, with two wins, a runner-up and a semi-final appearance for a total of 30 points. Doug Noelke in Tail Gator scored big in his first T.O.C. event, earning 21.25 points based on three final rounds with one victory. Geremie Dishman in Rammunition also picked up a win and three semi-finals for a total of 16.25 points. Rick Long in Bigfoot earned 6.25 points for his weekend performances, while Chris Bergeron in Spike made one semi-final appearance for 1.25 points. Mark Hall moves into a tie for third overall with his strong Indy performance, while Doug Noelke and Geremie Dishman crack the top 10. Head over and check out our Tournament of Champions page for more information on the promotion and see all of the prizes the teams and fans are competing for with the overall competition just over halfway done!! (09/23/07)

Runte, Van Horn Take Wins In Vegas!!:  The Major League of Monster Trucks rocked the house in Las Vegas Friday night as twelve monster trucks competed at The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway!!  Dan Runte in Bigfoot and Dan Patrick in Samson met in the final round and after a great race, it was Bigfoot in victory lane!  Runte continues his incredible streak of strong performances this fall, and is now 4 for 4 in final round appearances at MLMT events, with wins in Texas and Vegas. Carl Van Horn in T-Maxx put on a great performance during freestyle, taking home yet another victory on the MLMT tour--he has now won three of the four freestyle competitions this fall!  Thanks to the MLMT staff for their hospitality this weekend and be watching for video coverage and tons of photos coming your way soon. The next stop for the Major League of Monster Trucks is in Red Bluff, CA in two weeks. Check out www.MLMT.com for more information, trust us, you won't want to miss it!!  (09/23/07)

- TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS UPDATE - Runte Maintains Top Spot!!:  In racing the best way to stay out front is to win, and Dan Runte did exactly that in Vegas Friday night!!  Runte's big racing win earned him another 25 points in the Tournament, while Carl Van Horn in Traxxas T-Maxx kept pace with Runte by winning freestyle and scoring another 25 points as well. Dan Patrick in Samson moved up the charts by scoring 15 points as the racing runner-up, while Daron Basl in Nitro Hornet and Jon Zimmer in Sudden Impact each picked up 5 points as the semi-finalists. Head over and check out our Tournament of Champions page for more information on the promotion, and remember, its not too late to get signed up to win great prizes!! (09/23/07)

Indy 4 Wheel Jamboree Nationals This Weekend!!:  TheMonsterBlog.com heads out to Indianapolis, IN this Saturday and Sunday as the Special Events Performance Series wraps up its 2007 season. The Monster Truck Thunder Drags headlines the weekend's events as Mark Hall in Raminator will officially be crowned champion for the 2007 season. Rick Long in Bigfoot and Doug Noelke in Big Dawg will be looking to spoil the party as they try to make their way to the winner's circle, while Geremie Dishman returns to the track where he clinched his first series title last year behind the wheel of Rammunition. Also competing will be Tail Gator, Nitemare, Avenger, and Spike. Come on out to the Indiana State Fairgrounds and check out one of the four shows this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Visit www.familyevents.com for more information, we'll see you there!!  (09/20/07)

Major League of Monster Trucks Tonight In Vegas!!:  TheMonsterBlog.com continues our coverage of the 2007 Major League of Monster Trucks tour as the series heads to Sin City for a wild night of action-packed racing and freestyle excitement!!  Twelve trucks will compete on a racing track so intense, it can only be described as "Monster Cross"!!  And with heavy hitters like T-Maxx, Madusa, Barbarian, and King Krunch, you know freestyle will be a competition to remember. If you are anywhere near The Dirt Track @ Las Vegas Motor Speedway tonight, you know where you need to be!!  Head on over to www.MLMT.com for more information on the event, and be watching the Fan Forum for results from the event. We'll see you there!! (09/21/07)

Phoenix Monster Truck Thunder Drags Photo Gallery!!:  TheMonsterBlog.com photo gallery from the Monster Truck Thunder Drags at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ is now online!!  Over 200 photos of all the action from the Special Events stadium event can be seen by clicking the link below. This photo gallery is a little unique in that we have brought you the best shots from the show at two different angles, with photography work by Ross Z. Bonar and Lauren Z. Bonar. This weekend the Dodge Monster Truck Thunder Drags is in Indianapolis, IN for the season finale at the Indiana State Fairgrounds Friday, Saturday, & Sunday. For more info, check out www.familyevents.com. We'll see you there, enjoy the photos!! (09/20/07) 

CLICK HERE FOR THE MONSTER TRUCK THUNDER DRAGS PHOTO GALLERY!!

(BLOG PHOTO GALLERY)

David Smith Interview On MLMT.com!!:  David Smith, driver of the King Krunch monster truck, heads into this weekend’s Las Vegas event as the MLMT series’ most recent racing winner after a strong performance in Texas. TheMonsterBlog.com's Ross Z. Bonar sat down with David on behalf of MLMT to talk about his success in Texas and share his thoughts about running in the Major League of Monster Trucks. Click the link below to check out the interview, and make sure to read up on this weekend's Las Vegas event while you are over at the MLMT website. TheMonsterBlog.com's Lauren & Lynette Bonar will be on hand to cover all the action from Vegas Friday night, so be watching the site for updates!!  (09/20/07) 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MLMT.COM DAVID SMITH INTERVIEW!!

(MAJOR LEAGUE OF MONSTER TRUCKS)

CFP To Offer MTRA Member Bonuses In 2008!!: (Bridgeport, TX) Message from Ed Beckley, Checkerd Flag Productions: "Ok guys here is a start and something innovative that maybe other promoters will follow, and hopefully this may help get something started on "What does MTRA do for me?"
    The truck owner could get way more than it costs him to join MTRA if he books his truck with us. Let's try this for the '08 Winter Season and see how it works. I would hope we do not get into a bidding war with others that want to up this bonus but I guess if it happens it will be good for the MTRA...this is what I can commit to. Hope it helps and yes I will be in St Louis in December with MORE.
    To current MTRA MEMBERS each truck will recieve a $50 bonus per contracted weekend for the 2008 Winter National Series when they book with Checkered Flag Productions. Any new member or one that has been out for at least one full year that signs up and gets their truck inspected and pass MTRA certification from this day forward will recieve a $100 bonus per contracted weekend for 2008 Winter National Series. Now let's go Racing!  For more information on the Monster Truck Racing Association, please visit http://www.mtra.us. For more information on the Checkered Flag Productions 2008 Monster Truck Winter Nationals series, head on over to http://www.checkeredflagproductions.com. (09/19/07)

"BIGFOOT Presents: Meteor" DVD's Have Arrived!!: (Hazelwood, MO) "BIGFOOT Presents: Meteor and the Mighty Monster Trucks" DVDs are here!  There are 2 volumes available: "Start Your Engines" (Volume 1) and "Let's Go, Go, Go" (Volume 2). Each volume contains 6 episodes, plus bonus material, and runs approximately 66 minutes. Also, besides the new Take-Alongs BIGFOOT, Concrete Pete and Sarge; NOW AVAILABLE: Big Wheelie!  Head on over to the Bigfoot4x4.com Online Store and order yours today!  (09/19/07)

LEGEND To Appear At Ogden, UT Motor Madness Event!!:  LEGEND is hanging up the bunny. Big Stevo has agreed to bring LEGEND to the show as a late edition to an already excitement filled event. Big Stevo agreed to come out since a Legend of a driver is on hand-- Kreg Christensen. He felt it fitting to help honor one of the sport's most recognizable figures in the world by marking this event as LEGEND's official last sighting with that silly rabbit.

     This will be the last time the truck will be seen at a show displaying the DIXIE THUMPER name and sneaker wearing rabbit. Soon after it will display the LEGEND name alone! Big Stevo will be on hand. He has been recovering from serious health problems and is slowly getting back to good health. He is excited to put the "southern hare" to rest and see LEGEND completed. Want a sneak peek at part of the truck?

     If you want to see a great show, come on out to the Ogden Stadium Sept. 29th!!  (09/19/07)

WGAS Extreme Sports Spectacular In Globe, AZ!!:  WGAS Motorsports returned to the Gila County Fair in Globe, AZ this weekend for two days of the Extreme Sports Spectacular featuring the Sturges Motorsports monster trucks, tough trucks, and freestyle motocross!!  Monster Blog Staff Member Lauren Z. Bonar was on hand for the weekend's events as Sam & Ronnie Sturges put on some great freestyle performances in Unnamed & Untamed and Nasty Boy Friday and Saturday night. More photos to come, thanks to WGAS Motorsports and the Sturges family for another fun weekend on the road!!  (09/16/07)

Checkered Flag Productions Press Release!!: (Bridgeport, TX)  Hello Race fans, this is Ed Beckley here, the President of Checkered Flag Productions and I have some SAD, SAD news to report. For over 30 years now the Swims family has battled weather, the economy, and more, but one thing that was for sure was that their races at Dixie Speedway in Woodstock, GA would go on as long as they could get the key in the gate. Today was like a bomb being dropped in the CFP Office with announcement of the cancellation of the Dixie Monster Truck Fall Nationals scheduled for September 21st and 22nd. The track operations and special promotions led by Mike Swims, the son of owner Mickey Swims, has been put on hold while Mike literally fights for his life. All events for the next several weeks have been postponed or canceled all together until 2008. For the last several years Mike has fought a rare cancer with the best medicine the doctors can provide. He has been in and out of hospitals and the family suggests a higher power has been involved. “We have to continue to pray for Mike, there are people all over the United States that are praying for him and we feel that God is listening" said his emotional father Mickey Swims.
     The CFP Crew, all the Monster Truck drivers and owners, and also the special attraction FMX riders that were booked for this event are in complete agreement that Mike's health is more important than the events that were slated for next weekend. We are sure the fans will back the decision, and while they will be disappointed we know those people from Northern Georgia have been following Mike's illness the last couple of years and will stand behind this decision.
     The Swims family has been my friends since I jumped my motorcycle over cars at their track back in 1979 and Mike and I were especially close. This is a sad day and for it to be on 9/11 this will make the date event harder to forget. We at CFP only ask that GOD show us that he can and will heal MIKE SWIMS and help relieve all the pressure on the entire SWIMS FAMILY. We also ask and pray that GOD please take care of the DIXIE SPEEDWAY FAMILY that is hurting so badly at this time. Get WELL MIKE SWIMS!  We are thinking about you, bud. (09/16/07)

Motor Madness Coming To Ogden Stadium!!:  KCM Live Events and Rebel Racing are bringing the monsters back to Ogden Stadium!!  Saturday, September 29th at 7PM, fans in Ogden, UT will be treated to a night of Motor Madness featuring Dragon Slayer, Kaptain Insano, Maverik Monster Trakker, Arachnaphobia, Shattered, and Airborne Ranger. The event will also feature Tuff Trucks, PeeWee Motocross, and Mini Figure-Eight Racing. Adult tickets are only $10, children's tickets only $5, and they are available now at all area Mini-Marts. Bring the whole family and come enjoy a night of monster truck fun at Ogden Stadium!!  For more information, visit www.TeamKCM.net and click here to view an event flyer!! (09/13/07)

Sudden Impact Racing Press Release!!: (New Orleans, LA) Sudden Impact Racing, owners and operators of several professional monster trucks, based in Louisiana, wants to issue an official warning and statement regarding the black marketing look alike Sudden Impact Racing monster truck tire to the monster truck racing community.
     As you all know the Sudden Impact tires arrived from China to the Jefferson, Louisiana shop in June of 2007. The shipment contained 42 tires, 4 of them were purchased by Flame Motorsports, 16 by Sudden Impact Racing, and 22 by Live Nation Motorsports. It has recently come to our attention that a tire dealer is trying to sell look-alike tires to monster truck racing teams. After extensive research, we have come up with the information pertaining to the tires. The tires being knocked off are NOT official Sudden Impact Racing tires; they are tires that were proposed to us. During testing in China and inspecting them, they met a 90% failure rate and were rejected by Sudden Impact Racing.
     The official Sudden Impact Tire is certified by a certificate of authentication and meets the proper requirements to be sold and used on a monster truck. The tire numbers and records are recorded and turned in to every promoter regarding the Official certified and approved Sudden Impact Racing Tire, not the knock off tires.
     We are in the process of legal work with the black-market tire manufacturer, and our tire manufacturer. Sudden Impact Racing would like to warn teams using the black-market tire that it is dangerous and unsafe at any extent.
     For more information on Sudden Impact Racing and Sudden Impact Racing Tires, please contact the office at (504) 733-0237 or visit www.SuddenImpact.com. (09/12/07)

Watch The Monster Trucks Showdown on TheMonsterBlog.com!!: Yesterday we brought you this past weekend's Monster Truck Thunder Drags from Phoenix in its entirety, and today we have uploaded our video coverage from the September 1st Monster Trucks Showdown in Tijuana, Mexico!!  Ten monster trucks competed in front of a standing room only crowd at Estadio Calimax, and now you can see all the action by clicking the link below!!  A special thanks to our good friend Justin Feaser for doing a great job with the footage, and to Pro3 Entertainment for allowing us to cover their event. We'll see you in Mexicali in '08!! (09/11/07)

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE TIJUANA MONSTER TRUCKS SHOWDOWN!!

(VIDEO GALLERY)

MLMT Brings Something Major and New to the World of Monster Trucks!!:  Twelve of the world’s greatest monster trucks will compete in wheel to wheel racing and freestyle on the longest and most innovative track in the history of the sport Friday, September 21st at The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway!!
     The Major League of Monster Trucks track will utilize almost ten times the amount of dirt as a typical monster truck event and features a crossover where trucks will have to jump over each other during the race. Most monster truck events have just one turn and one or two jumps during the race…the track at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway has multiple turns and five jumps per heat. This monster truck race track is so challenging that the officials jokingly call it Monster Cross. The race will be so wild, you will think you’re already watching freestyle, which will be featured at the end of the night.
     In addition to monster trucks, a Freestyle Motocross Competition will also be featured. Plus, Nascar Craftsman Truck Series championship points leader Ron Hornaday will be honored as Grand Marshal of the event.
     The monster truck line-up includes such names as: Bigfoot, Madusa, Samson, Sudden Impact, T Maxx and El Matador. There will be a Pit Party from 6-7pm where fans can see the monsters, meet the drivers and take photos with their favorite monster truck. All tickets purchased in advance will receive a free pit pass.
     Tickets are available at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Box Office, online at www.lvms.com  and at all Ticketmaster outlets including www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at 702-474-4000. Kids tickets are just $10 dollars in advance. Discounted Family 4-packs are also available. Family 4-packs include discounted tickets for 2 adults and 2 children plus 4 pit passes. Free pit passes will be included with all tickets purchased through Thursday, September 20th. Free tickets to Saturday Night’s Nascar Craftsman Truck series will be included with the first five thousand tickets purchased. For more information on the Major League of Monster Trucks, head on over to www.MLMT.com!!  (09/11/07)

BIGFOOT #17 Wins EMTRC Championship!!:  In 2007 the BIGFOOT #17 team achieved something no team has ever been able to before. BIGFOOT #17 has just become the first European Monster Truck Racing Team to retain the EMTRC title.
     In 2006 the BIGFOOT #17 team enjoyed another first. When they became the first team ever in Europe to regain a title, having won in 2003, placed second in 2004 and joint third in 2005. The 2007 season was a stellar year; just take a look at the numbers!! Six Racing Rounds – Five Final Round Appearances – Four Event Wins – One Second Place – One DNF: Quite a year!!
     Owner and driver Nigel Morris said “This has been a huge team effort, I have to mention Paul Parsons my crew chief in particular, because he is always with me working hard and doing the jobs I don’t have time to. Thank you Paul. The rest of the team have all been important working very hard in their own departments. I would also like to thank the BIGFOOT #17 team sponsors each of whom contribute immeasurably to our racing efforts”.

Photo Courtesy www.bigfoot4x4.com

     Following a successful 2006 season and the disaster of the televised rollover late last year, the complete rebuild and the new look paintwork gave the team new impetus and a fresh outlook going into 2007. This was enhanced by the hard work and dedication of the BIGFOOT #17 team, their supporters and sponsors. This was translated in the early rounds into instant success, with Nigel piloting BIGFOOT #17 to two straight racing wins. Round three saw Nigel miss the racing win but securing an important second place to maintain the title lead for the return to the UK based racing rounds.
     Once back on UK soil Nigel and the team were all looking forward to the Hop Farm event, as traditionally this venue is good for the BIGFOOT®#17 team. Sadly for 2007 this was not to be the case with the loss of not one but two planetary gear sets during the first run in qualifying, putting Nigel and BIGFFOT® out of action for the day.
     Day two saw a rebuilt BIGFOOT® and an incredibly determined Nigel at the wheel. The previous days DNF had cost him the EMTRC series lead, and he wanted it back. And get it back he did with a fine racing final win over Tony Dixon, to retake the series lead going into the final round at The Norfolk Arena.
     With just ten points between first and second in the EMTRC series the air of tension was palpable in the Arena. Tension that Nigel promptly laid to rest when he beat the only truck that could take the title from him in the first round of racing. From there Nigel was just enjoying the evening, but still taking a win in every race including the final round of the evening to Claim the 2007 EMTRC title.
     Team BIGFOOT #17 would once again to publicly thank all of our sponsors and supporters for their help in 2007. Nigel and Lisa would also like to extend a personal thanks to Bob & Marilyn Chandler for believing in us a long time ago, and to the entire BIGFOOT® organisation for their help and support since 2002. For more information on BIGFOOT #17, head on over to www.bigfoot4x4.co.uk!! (09/11/07)

Checkered Flag Productions Press Release!!: (Bridgeport, TX) Checkered Flag Productions, producer of the Monster Trucks Winter National Series, Arenacross Racing, Tuff Trucks, Quad Racing, Truck N Tractor Pulls, and Mud Bogs events, announced today the appointment of Becky Koons as its new Production Manager/Arenacross Manager. Ms. Koons, who recently served as BooKoo Arenacross Office Manager for the Mike Kidd Entertainment Group, is no stranger to the motor sports market, with over 15 years of industry experience. Becky also worked for Clear Channel Entertainment for a number of years so her experience will be invaluable.
     "We are extremely pleased to have Becky join the Bad Boys of Racing here at Checkered Flag Productions," said Ed Beckley, President of Checkered Flag Productions. "Her background in the Arenacross arena is extensive, as is her knowledge of motorcycle racing and she will advance well with Monster Trucks, Mud Bogs and Hot Rod Pullers", said Beckley.
     Becky will be contracting Monster Trucks, the FMX Motocross riders and stunt shows. She can be reached at production@checkeredflagproductions.com or by phone at 940-683-4742 Monday thru Friday from 9am to 6pm. (09/11/07)

Watch The Monster Truck Thunder Drags on TheMonsterBlog.com!!:  The Monster Blog continues to bring you the big shows!  Saturday night the Special Events Performance Series Monster Truck Thunder Drags rocked University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ as nine monster trucks competed in racing and freestyle competitions. You can now see all the action from the event in its entirety by clicking the link below!!  Thanks to the entire Special Events crew for their hospitality this weekend, and to all the drivers and teams for their hard work. We still have a giant photo gallery coming your way from the event, but in the meantime, sit back, click the link below, and enjoy the show!!  (09/08/07)

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE PHOENIX MONSTER TRUCK THUNDER DRAGS!!

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Bigfoot, Maniac Take Wins In Phoenix!!:  The Monster Truck Thunder Drags rolled into the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ this weekend as nine monster trucks took part in racing and freestyle competitions. The racing finals came down to a rematch of the Charlotte final round from a couple of weeks ago, as veteran and champion drivers Dan Runte in Bigfoot and Mark Hall in Raminator went head-to-head on the J-style racing course. As the two drivers powered off the line, Raminator lost a little bit of traction while Bigfoot made a flawless run. Hall turned all the Hemi horsepower loose off the corner in an attempt to catch up, but Runte crossed the line a couple of truck lengths ahead for the big win!!

Freestyle would see solid performances from everyone in the lineup, but the top runs would come from Don Frankish in Maniac and Geremie Dishman in Rammunition. No winner was declared at the end of the show from what we could tell, but a check with Special Events officials after the event found that Maniac was indeed named the official winner. We had a great time out in Phoenix, and a big thanks to the Special Events staff for their hospitality this weekend. See below for a few teaser photos from the event and be watching for tons more photos and full video coverage coming your way soon!!  (09/09/07)

- TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS UPDATE - Runte Regains The Lead!!:  The Monster Truck Thunder Drags in Phoenix, AZ was Week 5's featured event in the Tournament of Champions and Dan Runte in Bigfoot has regained the lead after picking up the big racing win!!  Maniac was given the freestyle nod from Special Events, and that win combined with a Semi-Final showing in racing has vaulted Don Frankish all the way to 5th overall!! Mark Hall received 15 points for his runner-up in racing bumping him back to 4th, while Geremie Dishman scored 5 points for a Semi Final appearance in his first T.O.C. event. The T.O.C. takes a week off next weekend, but comes back in full force with three events in Week 7!!  Head over and check out our Tournament of Champions page for more information on the promotion, and remember, its not too late to get signed up!! (09/03/07)

Monster Truck Thunder Drags In Phoenix This Weekend!!:  The 2007 Special Events Performance Series is bringing the Monster Truck Thunder Drags to the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ this weekend!!  The event is going to be huge, featuring nine monster trucks including Bigfoot, Raminator, Jurassic Attack, Maniac, Rammunition, Predator, Prowler, Obsession, and the Pro Comp Tires Big Dummy. Bigfoot #1 will also be on display and Bob Chandler will be on hand to meet and greet fans as well. The event will also feature Tough Truck Challenge racing, Quadmania, and "Hot Rod" Bobby Cox the motorsports clown. The Monster Blog will be on hand so you won't miss out on any of the action, but the best place to be for the event is in the stands--get your tickets here now!!  For those of you who won't be able to make it, be sure to watch the Fan Forum for updates this weekend, and coverage that will start coming your way as soon as we get home Sunday night!!  (09/07/07)

Teaser Photos From Tijuana!!:  Round Two of the Monster Trucks Showdown in Tijuana was another huge success as the event went off before another standing room only crowd Saturday night in Mexico. Staff Member Lauren Z. Bonar was in attendance and has sent in some teaser photos from the show which can be seen below. A special thanks to our good friend Justin Feaser for helping out with the video once again, all of this coverage will be coming your way on TheMonsterBlog.com in the next couple weeks. Check out the teasers and watch for more of our coverage from the Tijuana Monster Trucks Showdown!!  (09/05/07)

Click each thumbnail to view larger image!!

         

         

         

Labor Day Weekend Tournament of Destruction!!:  The Tournament of Destruction returned to the Tuscon Rodeo Grounds this past weekend, celebrating Labor Day Weekend with monster truck action. Monster Blog Staff Member Lauren Z. Bonar stopped in Tucson on his way home from Tijuana and checked out the Sunday event. Charles Benns in Pit Bull picked up the win in straight line racing, while Ronnie Sturges in Nasty Boy was victorious in "The Chase" racing. Sturges and Murph McCrorey in McGruff would tie for the freestyle win to close out the evening. Thanks to Dale Penn and the T.O.D. crew for their hospitality and to the Sturges team for their help as well. More from this event coming soon!!  (09/05/07)

Maverik Clash of the Titans Coverage!!:  The Maverik Clash of the Titans at Rocky Mountain Raceway in Salt Lake City, UT is annually one of the sport's bigger events and our full coverage of the 2007 event is now online!!  You've watched the event here on the site, now see all the action in over 150 photos and get the behind the scenes stories from the entire weekend by clicking the link below. Thanks to Lauren Z. Bonar for the great photos and stories, be sure to stop by the Fan Forum and let us know what you think. Enjoy!!  (09/04/07)

CLICK HERE TO VIEW COVERAGE OF THE 2007 MAVERIK CLASH OF THE TITANS!!

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MLMT Fall Lineups Announced!!:  After two successful weeks in Charlotte and Texas, the Major League of Monster Trucks has a couple of weeks off in preparation for the season's big finish. Events in Las Vegas, Red Bluff, Kentucky, Memphis, and Nashville are coming up and MLMT has announced the truck lineups!!  See below for trucks scheduled to compete at the upcoming events, and visit www.MLMT.com for more information on the series!!  (09/03/07)

MLMT Moves Las Vegas Debut To The Dirt Track!!: (Las Vegas, NV) Las Vegas Motor Speedway announced today that the Major League of Monster Truck’s debut event slated for Friday September 21st at 8:00PM has been moved from The Strip to the Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway to better facilitate the power and speed of the MLMT racing series. Additionally, NASCAR Craftsman Truck racing series regular Ron Hornaday, currently in second place in the series, will fulfill the duties as the Grand Marshall for the event.
     The decision to move the monster truck racing event to the Dirt Track was motivated by the design of a bigger and faster track to showcase these mechanical marvels.
     “We are excited about this move to the Dirt Track,” said MLMT President Joe Froome. “The Dirt Track will let us run a longer, faster and more challenging course that will test the top monster truck drivers in the world skills. With this track in expect the trucks to reach over 85 miles per hour on the course.”
     The 12 truck field will feature the father of all monster truck racing, Bigfoot and former two-time world champion Madusa. In addition to the monster truck racing, there will be a Freestyle Motocross exhibition and the Thunder Trucks will mix it up in the dirt in side-by-side racing.
     The event kicks off with a special pit party from 5:30pm to 7:00pm where fans can meet all of the drivers and get their pictures with the trucks. The first 5,000 fans to come to the Major League of Monster Truck’s event on Friday night September 21st will also receive a free ticket to the Saturday night Craftsman Truck Smith’s Las Vegas 350 race at LVMS. The racing competition starts at 8:00PM at the LVMS Dirt Track.
     Tickets are available at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway box office or by phone 800-644-4444 or on-line at lvms.com. Tickets purchased in advance are priced at $20 for adults and $10 for children 3 to 12, two and under are free. On the day of the event the tickets are priced at $25 for Adults and $15 for children with two and under free.
     Las Vegas Motor Speedway is the third stop on the seven city tour that the Major League of Monster Trucks has embarked on in 2007 which has included such tracks as Texas Motor Speedway’s Dirt Track, Lowe’s Motor Speedway’s Dirt Track, Kentucky Speedway, Memphis Motorsports Park and the Nashville Superspeedway. For more information on the Major League of Monster Trucks go to www.mlmt.com. (09/03/07)

Monsters Featured At Elko Speedway!!:  The monster trucks returned to Elko Speedway last Saturday night as Tail Gator and Scarlet Bandit performed in freestyle exhibition as part of one of the track's well known Eve of Destruction events. Doug Noelke and Dawn Creten put on a great show for the fans, and our good friend Josh Kirscher was kind enough to send over a few photos. Monster trucks are back at Elko this weekend for another Eve of Destruction, and it will be Mark Schroeder in The Felon and Jim Bendzick in Rolling Thunder doing the honors. Thanks to Josh for the photos, more info at www.ElkoSpeedway.com!!  (09/03/07)

Obsession, Bounty Hunter Take Wins In Tijuana!!:  The Monster Trucks Showdown was a big hit in Tijuana tonight as ten trucks took to the track at Estadio Calimax!!  Rick Swanson in Obsession looked to repeat his sweep of the Mexicali event earlier this year and started off on the right track, defeating Russell Steely in Iron Outlaw to face off against Jimmy Creten in Bounty Hunter in the final round of racing. The two staged a great race and when it was over, Swanson took the win in Obsession!!  A freestyle win would make the Mexico sweep complete, but it wasn't to be as Kreg Christensen in Dragon Slayer and Creten in Bounty Hunter laid down great runs with Bounty Hunter getting the victory!!

     From all accounts, the Tijuana Monster Trucks Showdown was a great event, and Monster Blog Staff Member Lauren Z. Bonar was on hand for all of the action so we will be bringing you coverage in the coming weeks. A special thanks to the Natural High Monster Truck Racing team, Gary Schott, and Pro3 Entertainment for helping make our presence at this event possible. More coming soon!!  (09/01/07)

- TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS UPDATE - Creten Takes Top Spot!!:  The Monster Trucks Showdown in Tijuana was the featured event in Week Four of the Tournament of Champions and the strong performance of Bounty Hunter has vaulted Jimmy Creten into the lead!!  Creten took runner-up in racing and the freestyle victory earning 40 points, giving him a total of 77.5 overall to second place Dan Runte's 62.5. Rick Swanson climbed the charts to 5th overall after earning 25 points for his racing victory, while Russ Steely & Iron Outlaw and Mikael Christensen & Kaptain Insano each picked up 5 points as the two semi-finalists. In the Fan Competition, H-D Monster Racing and West Coast Racing are tied for the lead with 152.5 points a piece as the Tournament of Champions is nearly a third of the way complete. Head over to our Tournament of Champions page for more information on the promotion, and remember, its not too late to get signed up!! (09/03/07)

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