Looking for a driver & truck to follow through the event, I was introduced to the perfect person.  Romie Marquart is his name, driving tough trucks fast and hard is his game.  Romie is the driver of "The Booger" tough truck.  Not only did this gentleman, quite the character by the way, put on a show, but he loved every minute of it.  The way that he overcame the difficulties presented him during the evening was amazing.

Romie competed in his 1978 Chevy pickup which was originally owned by his father.  As Romie explained, the truck was his father's, and then was sold, changing hands through several different owners, before Romie purchased it. To quote Romie, “Now I can beat the heck out of it & dad can’t say nothing.”  We both broke out in laughter at that remark.

In the first heat, Romie had to make a hard left after several jumps and the right front wheel popped.  Exploded is a better word, but Romie finished the heat with only one good front tire, having a load of fun doing it.  No concern about the tire or wheel or the truck, just out there putting on a great show for the fans.  As Romie says, “You have to put on a good show for the fans, that’s why we're here.”  So fans, if Romie is in the competition, not only do you get a great show, but you get excellent customer service, what a concept!!

Walking back to the pits after his run, I see Romie running with two gallon jugs for water, as he has also busted a radiator hose.  I ask Romie if he has a spare tire and he tells me, “I will drive it on three tires and one wheel if I have to.”  I started laughing, however, I had no idea how serious he was.  Arriving at the pit a few moments later, the hose is reconnected & water is being added, however the radiator fan is froze up.  This would be a concern for most people, as this problem can cause overheating.  Romie explained to me that this is not a concern for him.

During a very short period of time, Romie acquired a tire off a Dooley Truck that was parked nearby.  The good keeps on coming with the bad as the tire is quite a bit larger than the ones currently on the truck.  With this larger tire, the truck won’t turn without hitting the fenders on each side of the tire.  As dumb as I am, I think this poses another problem, until I hear Romie ask, “Where is my sledge hammer?“  Then Romie starts to beat the heck out of both fenders for tire clearance.  While he continues to take swing after swing at the fenders, I am standing back laughing my you know what off, thinking if only his dad could be here to see this.  Mission accomplished, and team Romie is ready for another heat.

If there was any justice, one would think that after all the very hard and very quick work it took to get this 1978 Chevy pickup back on the track, Romie would go on to victory and tuff truck glory.  However, the big tire was to be heard from again.  During this heat Romie was doing awesome, making the smaller jumps and turns with the oversized tire on the right front.  Now comes the big jump on the back side of the track!!  Romie got great air, but the right front hit the ground before the left, and in doing so, the right front took all the force of the hit, tearing up the steering linkage and leaving parts hanging and dragging.  This truck is now done for the evening.

But, does Romie get mad or act disappointed?  No way, not Romie.  He gets on top of the truck with his arms in the air and the crowd roars in appreciation of the spectacular show this man has put on for them tonight.

What some fans do not realize is the work and dedication it took for him to get as far as he did, all for their entertainment.  I would like to thank Romie and his team for the new, profound respect I have for tough truck drivers, and I hope this article brings some recognition to all that compete in these events. Thank you again, Team Romie.

  See Romie Marquart & The Booger in Tough Truck Action!!