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MONSTER JAM TIM'S TOYOTA CENTER - PRESCOTT VALLEY, AZ - 3/2/07 By Lauren & Lynette Bonar
Arriving in Prescott
Valley at the new Tim’s Toyota Center was a new experience for both Lynn
and I. We had covered two other events in Prescott Valley, but had no idea
this new indoor event center existed. Going inside to check in, we meet
Robbie; this lady has checked us in before and is always friendly while
following all guidelines. While getting us checked in, she introduced us
to Marc Brafman who helped us getting our credentials. Marc said he had
been working for Live Nation a short time, but sure was enjoying it.
One of the first things we spotted was the Monster Jam souvenir stand. Steven Guzman, Mark Rubalcava and Rudy Guzman SR had a fine display of items. This was the first time I had seen the new World Finals Monster Jam pennant. Let me correct myself, flags. Growing up a baseball fan and going to the games, I was taught they are called pennants, but in the Monster Truck world, they are called flags!
THE TRUCK LINEUP
ARACHNAPHOBIA - SCOTT ANDERSON
EL MATADOR - DARON BASL
GRAVE DIGGER - ALEX BLACKWELL
KING KRUNCH - DAVID SMITH
SAFE AUTO MINIMIZER - MARC MACDONALD
SHATTERED - MATT POWERS
INTRODUCTIONS
Wait another minute! Does that say Alex Blackwell in Grave Digger? Yes, Rod Schmidt who was scheduled to drive Grave Digger was snowed in at his residence in Iowa. Alex Blackwell was in Tucson scheduled to drive Bull Dozer. Live Nation found a ride for Alex up to Prescott Valley to take Rod Schmidt’s place in Grave Digger. I did not get to speak with Alex very long after the show as he and the other drivers had to go up to the autograph table, but he had a big smile on his face and done a great job.
WHEELIE CONTEST
Daron Basl in El Matador was
first up in the wheelie contest and the fan judges scored him with a 22. These
fans were given a talking to by the announcer, letting them know this was not a
popularity contest. He must have scared them, as they scored four drivers with a
22.
RACING COMPETITION
I must remind everyone the
pictures for racing are not really great because of the angles. As you all know
the ideal spot is to get an angle with the trucks crossing the finish line, but
this could not happen because of the private suites.
Semi-Finals begin with Alex
Blackwell in Grave Digger versus Daron Basl in El Matador who was the fastest
loser in round one. This time Daron Basl in El Matador got the nose down over
the finish line taking the victory and moves on to the finals.
Daron Basl in El Matador the fastest loser in round one has made his way to the finals versus Marc McDonald in the Safe Auto Minimizer. This was a very close race and as stated previously we did not get the start/finish line shots. Marc McDonald takes the victory with what looked to be a very generous call. The race was close, but I believe El Matador may have been the victim of a bad call.
WHEELIE CONTEST
In the donut contest all
drivers did put on a very impressive performance. David Smith brought King
Krunch back out, but you could tell he was having problems. Even though, he put
the King up on two wheels a couple times scoring a Fan Judged 21.
FREESTYLE COMPETITION
David Smith was not able to
make it out with King Krunch as he had broken an axle. All other drivers and
trucks made it out for freestyle. As always I will let the pictures do the
talking and tell the story. Marc McDonald driving the Safe Auto Minimizer has
his self quite a night will win the freestyle with a Fan Score of 28. ARACHNAPHOBIA
SHATTERED
EL MATADOR
SAFE AUTO MINIMIZER
GRAVE DIGGER
FINAL WORDS
Congratulations to all
drivers for putting on a very good show! Thank you to the security crew at
Tim’s Toyota Center. Most of all a very big thank you to Live Nation for all
their hospitality. Lynn & I both would really love to see another Monster Jam
event in Prescott Valley next year. Until next time, thanks for reading and be
sure to stop by the Fan Forum and let us know what you thought!
- Lauren & Lynette Bonar ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
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