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MONSTER TRUCKS SHOWDOWN

ESTADIO NIDO DE LAS AGUILAS - MEXICALI, MEXICO - 05/05/07

By Lauren Z. Bonar - (continued)

MONSTER TRUCK RACING

The first round of racing would see some drivers continue to struggle with the course, while others began to get their timing down. Rick Swanson in Obsession took the first race over Ronnie Sturges in Nasty Boy, while Sam Sturges grabbed the next win over Doug Charles in Monster Patrol. James Tigue II served notice that he was serious about racing, getting giant air over the tabletop while defeating Kelvin Ramer in Natural High. Mechanical issues cropped up for Frankenstein and Rich Inman, as well as for Wayne Tigue and Amsoil Shock Therapy, as they were both unable to complete their runs giving wins to Frank Schettini's Big Dummy and Larry Swim in Carolina Crusher.

Round two of racing would see Rick Swanson's Obsession going head-to-head with Sam Sturges in Unnamed. Both drivers had done well with the course the first time, but Rick was perfect on this run and headed to the Semi-Finals. The first really close race of the evening featured James in Bearfoot taking a win over Frank in Big Dummy by inches. This was a great race that really got the crowd into the action. Larry Swim appeared to struggle with the Carolina Crusher truck and lost to the fast loser from the first round, Kelvin Ramer in Natural High. After this round, the fast loser into the Semi's would be Big Dummy.

The Semi-Finals started off with what was sure to be a great match-up. James in Bearfoot versus Rick in Obsession. Rick grabbed the early lead the first time over the cars, and James, sensing he was behind, nailed the throttle over the tabletop getting some unbelievable air. On the landing the front tie rod broke, ending James' run, but the crowd was all fired up as there was no doubt the drivers were going all out for the win. Rick would advance to the championship round. Frank Schettini ran an absolutely perfect pass to defeat Natural High and would meet his good friend Rick Swanson in the finale.

Two trucks for the big win, both of whom had already laid down some good passes in earlier rounds--it was sure to be a great race. Rick got the jump off the starting line, but Frank was ahead in the first turn. Coming into the last turn, it was Frank with the slight edge, but he bobbled ever so slightly, while Rick made a perfect corner. The final turn proved to be the difference as Obsession crossed the line first and Rick Swanson was the night's big winner!! Both drivers did some celebratory donuts for the crowd and Rick was crowned the racing victor of the evening. Be sure to check out the video from this event in our Videos section for some great footage by Justin Feezer of all the racing action.

MONSTER TRUCK FREESTYLE

After some ATV freestyle, it was time for monster truck freestyle!! Rich Inman was to lead off the event but was still having some steering issues in Frankenstein and was broke after only one hit. Ronnie Sturges really got the crowd going with a great performance second out in Nasty Boy. Nasty Boy was carrying the Mexican flag while doing some awesome wheelies and getting some big air over the various obstaacles. After Ronnie had finished his freestyle, he took the Mexican Flag off Nasty Boy, ran it up into the stands and gave it to a little boy. Just after that, an usher came and took the flag away from the boy! I don't know what his problem was, but the whole crowd of over 20,000 was booing that usher. Doug Charles in Monster Patrol had a very long, very good freestyle going out third. See below for photos of these first three runs:

FRANKENSTEIN