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9/14/08

- 2Xtreme Racing Steals Headlines In Tijuana!!

- TheMonsterBlog.com Visits With Obsession Racing!!

9/13/08

- Tijuana Monster Trucks Showdown Tonight, Deal Breaker Announced As Eighth Truck!!

9/09/08

- Feld Entertainment Acquires Live Nation Motor Sports!!

- St. Louis Monster Truck Challenge
Photo Gallery!!

9/08/08

- Monster Trucks Showdown Returns to Tijuana, Mexico, Adds More Dates!!

9/06/08

- Devin Jones' Alter Ego Debuts In Springdale!!

9/05/08

- MTRA September Board of Directors Meeting Recap!!

- Obsession Racing Press Release!!

9/04/08

- MTRA Announces Safe Driver Insurance Fund!!

- Monster Truck Racing Super Series Returns to Springdale This Weekend!!

9/03/08

- TMB TV - Episode 7:
Monster Truck Summer Slam - Batesville!!

- Batesville, AR

Photo Gallery!!

9/01/08

- Labor Day Weekend Tournament of Destruction Recap!!

2Xtreme Racing Steals Headlines In Tijuana!!:  The Monster Trucks Showdown returned to Estadio Calimax in Tijuana, Mexico Saturday night and when the smoke cleared, it was 2Xtreme Racing taking home the trophies!!  The semi-finals of racing would see Bounty Hunter, Natural High, Obsession and Iron Outlaw fighting for a shot at the victory. In a hard-fought race, Rick Swanson managed to take down Kelvin Ramer in Natural High, marching toward his goal of defending his racing win in Tijuana from last year. In another good race, Jimmy Creten took out teammate Darren Migues in Iron Outlaw to recreate the match-up from last year's Tijuana racing finals. With the crowd on the edge of their seats, the trucks launched but Obsession lost power right off the start and Swanson could only watch as Creten and Bounty Hunter roared to the win.

Freestyle would see Bill Payne start things off in Deal Breaker with a strong run, cross-hitting stacks and catching some good air. Rod Wood in McGruff and Rick Swanson in Obsession both put forth solid efforts, while Gary Schott Jr. and Ronnie Sturges showed the Sturges Motorsports wheelie-prowess in Unnamed & Untamed and Nasty Boy. Kelvin Ramer in Natural High threw down some wheelies of his own in a solid effort with lots of momentum. But to cap off the evening, Bounty Hunter and Iron Outlaw roared to the track together, laying down a wild dual freestyle with donuts and big air to the delight of the packed house. Tons of coverage from the Tijuana Monster Trucks Showdown coming your way in the next couple weeks, stay tuned!!  Also check out www.MonsterTrucksShowdown.com for more information on the tour's upcoming October events in Monterrey and Hermosillo!!  (09/14/08)

TheMonsterBlog.com Visits Obsession Racing!!:  The Monster Blog's feature article LZ's Pit Report is back, featuring Staff Member Lauren Z. Bonar's visit to the home of Obsession Racing earlier this summer!!  The Monster Blog was welcomed to the home of Rick Swanson and his family, having the opportunity to tour the shop, get a sneek peak at a new truck being built and share stories. Check out the new feature article by clicking the link below and enjoy meeting the Obsession Racing family!!  Thanks to Lauren for a great article and to the Swanson's for their hospitality in sharing their world with TheMonsterBlog.com and all of our visitors!!  (09/14/08)

CLICK HERE TO VIEW LZ'S PIT REPORT: A VISIT WITH OBSESSION RACING!!

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Monster Trucks Showdown Returns to Tijuana This Weekend--UPDATE!!:  The Monster Trucks Showdown is coming back to Mexico for three stops, starting with a return to Tijuana this Saturday night!!  An eight truck field will compete in monster truck racing and freestyle competitions in front of what is expected to be a sold-out crowd at Estadio Calimax. Last year's winners in Tijuana are back as Rick Swanson returns in Obsession to defend his racing win and Jimmy Creten in Bounty Hunter returns to defends his freestyle victory. Kelvin Ramer in Natural High and Iron Outlaw are also back, while Unnamed & Untamed, Nasty Boy and McGruff will make their first appearances in Tijuana. One more truck is TBA. Head on over to MonsterTrucksShowdown.com for more info, and don't miss out on the chance to see the monsters go head-to-head in Tijuana!!

     Pro3 Entertainment has expanded last year's wildly successful Monster Trucks Showdown tour to include October stops in Monterrey on the 4th and Hermosillo on the 18th. More info on these events to come, stay tuned. TheMonsterBlog.com's Lauren Z. Bonar is expected to be on hand for all three of this year's Monster Trucks Showdown events, and we are proud to welcome Pro3 Entertainment as our newest sponsor. Keep checking back for more info on, and coverage from the 2008 Monster Trucks Showdown tour!!  (09/08/08)

UPDATE - Deal Breaker Joins Lineup!!  It has been announced that Bill Payne and the Deal Breaker monster truck have been added to the Tijuana Monster Trucks Showdown lineup, filling out the eight truck field. The event will be happening later tonight, stay tuned for results and check out www.MonsterTrucksShowdown.com for more information!!  (09/13/08)

Feld Entertainment Acquires Live Nation Motor Sports!!:  (Aurora, IL) Feld Entertainment, Inc., today announced the completion of its acquisition of Live Nation Motor Sports, Inc., a division of Live Nation, Inc. (NYSE: LYV). As a result of the acquisition, Live Nation Motor Sports will be immediately renamed Feld Entertainment Motor Sports.
     Feld Entertainment Motor Sports will continue operations in Aurora, Illinois, and will maintain its current management, tour schedules, promotional partnerships and performance structure. As the newest addition to Feld Entertainment, Feld Entertainment Motor Sports will continue to produce Monster Jam Series, Monster Energy AMA Supercross, FIM Championship and other high-energy motor sports events, including the AMA Arenacross Series; Freestyle Motocross; and International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) sanctioned events, including Knoll Gas Nitro Jam, Thunder Jam and Street Warriorz.
     "Today marks the single biggest expansion of Feld Entertainment in over 40 years," according to Kenneth Feld, Chairman and CEO of Feld Entertainment. "With the addition of Motor Sports, Feld Entertainment can now offer families everywhere an even wider range of live family entertainment options. The edge-of-the-seat excitement of all the Motor Sports events appeals to families in the US and around the world. We plan to take Monster Jam and all the Motor Sports spectaculars to more domestic and international markets than ever before."
     With productions of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®, Disney On Ice, Disney Live! and Doodlebops Live!, Feld Entertainment is the world's largest producer of live touring entertainment events. Live Nation Motor Sports, now Feld Entertainment Motor Sports, is the premier producer and promoter of specialized motor sports with more than 600 performances a year. The acquisition of Motor Sports expands Feld Entertainment's family spectaculars to reach more than 30 million people in 55 countries with over 5,000 performances globally each year.
     For the acquisition of Live Nation Motor Sports, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. acted as financial advisor, and Fulbright & Jaworski, L.L.P. served as outside legal counsel to Feld Entertainment. In addition, Bank of America, N.A. led a group of seven banks to provide financing to Feld Entertainment in connection with the transaction.

About Feld Entertainment, Inc. - Feld Entertainment is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live entertainment experiences that lift the human spirit and create indelible memories, with 30 million people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment's productions have appeared in more than 55 countries on six continents and include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®, Disney On Ice, Disney Live!, Doodlebops Live! and now Feld Entertainment Motor Sports. More information about Feld Entertainment, Inc. is available online at www.FeldEntertainment.com. (09/09/08)

St. Louis Monster Truck Challenge Hall of Fame Race Photo Gallery!!:  It's been a long wait, but TheMonsterBlog.com's huge photo gallery from the July 26th Monster Truck Challenge Hall of Fame Race at Gateway International Raceway is finally online!!  See over 350 photos from Staff Members Ross and Lauren Bonar by clicking the link below.  From Dan Runte's big hometown racing victory to Jimmy Creten's wild winning freestyle run, it's all there--check it out now and enjoy!!  (09/09/08)

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MONSTER BLOG'S ST. LOUIS MTC PHOTO GALLERY!!

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Devin Jones' Alter Ego Debuts In Springdale!!:  The new identity from Kaboom Motorsports debuted in spectacular fashion Friday night in Springdale, AR, with driver Devin Jones piloting Alter Ego to a big freestyle win!!  The sharp looking new design joins the well known Barbarian name in Devin Jones' Kaboom Motorsports camp and is already a hit with the fans. Last night in Springdale, John Killenger drove Excaliber to the straight line racing win while teammate Jon Zimmer won Chicago-style racing in Amsoil Shock Therapy. Freestyle was all Alter Ego though, as Devin put together an excellent run with huge slap wheelies. The Monster Truck Racing Super Series is back in action at Parsons Stadium tonight, thanks to Special Contributor Kaedon Berry for the first shots of Alter Ego and be watching for his video footage from the event in the coming weeks!! (09/06/08)

MTRA September Board of Directors Meeting Recap!!: (By Director George Eisenhart) The MTRA Board of Directors had a conference call that was filled with new ideas and suggestions set out to lead the monster truck safety organization into the future. Many suggestions were talked about for weeks on the Monster Mayhem discussion board and then taken to the Board of Directors which is outlined below:
     The www.MTRA.us website is going to be an important part of the communication process with the membership base. It was unanimously approved immediately that the 2009 Board of Directors would be nominated using the same process as we did last year for the annual awards (email nominations and voting in advance of the banquet). Obviously the wider monster truck community was unaware that it currently states in MTRA By-Laws, Section 6, “at all meetings of the members, any member shall be entitled to vote by proxy with the exception of Associate members. Such proxy shall be in writing, but need not be sealed, witnessed or acknowledged, and shall be filed with the Secretary at or before the meeting. So whether you’re in St. Louis for the annual meeting or not, the members CAN vote. Associate members would vote only on awards and NOT rules or directors.
     It was proposed with positive feedback by the Directors that rules be discussed with the entire membership through the MTRA website and voted on as safety issues come up rather than waiting for the Annual Meeting.
     It was proposed with positive feedback that the MTRA create a mission statement or charter that fully explains its purpose relating to spectators, promoters and of course monster truck owner/drivers. Changes in the name of the MTRA and logo would more reflect its mission, more specifically the word “racing” be removed.
     It was proposed with mixed feedback (the Board requested further information so that they can better understand the reasons and effects of such changes) to re-structure the Board of Directors to create (A), more support by volunteers to research safety issues and (B), create different facets of the MTRA so that all voices could be heard. The proposed changes include an “electoral college” of sorts with the MTRA being broken down into four segments – The General Membership (GM), Administrative Board (AB), Safety Board (SB) made up of one elected officer and 5 appointed members, and finally a Promoter Board (PB). The GM would represent 55 electoral votes and the other three facets (AB, SB, PB) would each account for 15 electoral votes EACH.
     It was also proposed with mixed feedback that, “for a limited time” our membership be open to ALL monster truck owners for a nominal registration fee, kind of a one-time only offer to reintroduce the MTRA to a larger membership base. For the Truck Owners and Promoters that remain in the membership the MTRA will use its general funds to create a sales brochure that will be sent to all race tracks, fairgrounds, fairs and festivals introducing itself, its CERTIFIED trucks and promoters as being an industry leading safety organization that supports its publicized promoters and certified truck owner members. There are many details that need to be worked out BUT the Board in part was open to further discussion on the subject.
     Finally, the tech school was brought up and ideas were discussed to revamp the whole process including selecting a small dedicated group of members to be official MTRA tech inspectors and have the MTRA pay their reasonable travel expenses to go to events to tech trucks, request that all promoter members send a representative of their company to be schooled in the tech process and more.
     In general the conference call went well and was positive. The Board members fully understand both past and present MTRA members are looking for change. Some changes will be instant and some will take time but the current Board of Directors is optimistic it can make a difference for the good of the industry.
     Watch the www.MonsterMayhem.org discussion board where George Eisenhart will start another thread to answer questions and try to keep people posted on the progress the current board is making. There is another conference call already scheduled in a couple of weeks and many of the board members are planning to get together in Indianapolis to further discuss the direction of the MTRA. For more information on the Monster Truck Racing Association, please visit www.MTRA.us!!  (09/05/08)

Obsession Racing Press Release!!:  (Menifee, CA) The month of August has been very busy for Obsession Racing. The first weekend started with the filming of a new Maytag commercial. The truck went through a lot of changes to look like a Maytag-owned truck. This commercial will be airing sometime in the near future. We will let you know when we have more details.
     The 8th and 9th of August we were in Grass Valley California for the WGAS Motorsports event. It was two nights of freestyle. The first night was monster trucks and tough trucks. The track was set up mostly for the tough trucks to race on making it challenging for the monster trucks to freestyle. We were one of five trucks to perform. Rick is known more for his racing ability than freestyling. It was a great honor to have John Borba (the President of WGAS Motorsports) tell us that on Friday night, without a doubt, we won freestyle and put on a great performance. Saturday night was another night of non-stop hard hitting, big air freestyle, leaving the crowd wanting more. Rick wanted to give a special thanks to Ron and Debbie Fisher for all of their help and hospitality.

     From Grass Valley Rick headed to Grants Pass, Oregon to be at one of his favorite shows. This year I (Jill Swanson) was able to attend the show and flew into Oregon on Wednesday night. I got to see why Rick said it was a show that I must come to. It is a really fun event that is promoted by California trucks and stuff. We have to give a special thanks to Randy and Sherry Smallwood for treating us so great. We got to go on a jet boat ride following a great dinner. It was an experience we will always remember. This show is a tough truck competition and the monster trucks are brought in for a freestyle exhibition to close the show. This was our second year at this event and we kept our tradition as being the first truck to ever jump stacked cars for the show.
     On August 22nd Rick did the event for WHR Motorsports in Monroe, Washington. This is a one night event. Rick had some troubles with our small back-up motor, but worked all night long and was able to fire it a half hour before the show. Having doubts on how it would perform, Rick attacked the big S course and laid down second fastest qualifying time and didn’t look back until he was in the finals. Rick always looks forward to get back to the challenge of racing where his talents and abilities shine through.
     For more information on Rick Swanson and the Obsession monster truck, head on over to www.ObsessionRacing.com!!  (09/05//08)

MTRA Announces Safe Driver Insurance Fund!!: (By Director George Eisenhart) The Monster Truck Racing Association is proud to announce the Safe Driver Insurance Fund, a new benefit for MTRA Certified Trucks for the unfortunate time when an Owner/Driver feels performing or competing with their monster trucks at an event would create an immediate or unavoidable dangerous situation to the public, race officials or other participants.
     Donations from sponsors, promoters, members and the MTRA will accumulate in the Insurance Fund over time. If the Owner/Driver of a certified truck feels that performing or competing at any level with their truck would result in immediate danger of bodily injury to the public, race officials or other participants they are qualified to access this fund. Owner/Driver is expected to first adjust his or her driving style to account for the close proximity of people to the performing/competition area. If Owner/Driver still feels bodily injury could occur than they are encouraged to withdraw their certified truck from the event and petition the MTRA.
     Note: If the truck participates in any way the Insurance Fund is not available to draw on, therefore, any monies not paid by the Promoter because of performance are outside the scope of this fund and cannot be reimbursed. Many Promoters’ use non-certified trucks and the MTRA will not reimburse a driver that decides to leave an event because of a condition of another truck.
     To access the Safe Driver Insurance Fund the Owner/Driver must immediately contact a board member to inform them of the decision not to run and then petition in writing the MTRA Board of Directors for reimbursement of their verifiable expenses that incurred as a result of the trip (fuel, tolls NOT meals, hotels or any cost of your crew). Expense receipts, pictures, witness testimonies, maps with dimensions if possible would all be required to achieve 100% board approval for payment.
     All monies available in the Insurance Fund will be kept separate of the MTRA general account. The MTRA is only obligated to reimburse an Owner/Driver up to what’s available in the fund and no more. For more information on the Monster Truck Racing Association, check out www.MTRA.us!! (09/04/08)

The Monster Truck Racing Super Series Returns to Springdale, AR!!:  (Battlefield, MO) Auto Master presents the O’Reilly Monster Truck Racing Super Series as it roars into Parsons Stadium in Springdale, AR for one wild, heart-stopping weekend, this Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM both nights!!  Witness top monster trucks including Amsoil Shock Therapy, Excaliber, Monster Patrol, Ozz Monsters, and Devin Jones' new Alter Ego  in head to head, no holds barred, side by side, wheel to wheel & Chicago-style racing competition. Plus see the monsters in the wildest freestyle competition ever. Also see a wild monster truck wheelie contest!! Kids of all ages can also ride in a real monster truck, Sergeant Smash!!

     Plus, you’ll see the Tuff Trux – Pro Stadium Trucks direct from TV as they fly over the obstacle course in all out motorized mayhem. Wild & crazy action you have to see to believe!!
Come to the free Pit Party – Friday and Saturday from 6-7 p.m. Meet the drivers, get autographs and see these monster machines up close. (valid event ticket required) You’ve seen this motorized mayhem on TV…now experience it live. Let your senses experience the madness. Be a part of the wildest weekend of the year – monsters & tuff trux. Free posters for kids – the first 250 kids each night gets a free monster truck poster.
     Kids' tickets are only 5 Bucks!! Get your tickets early and save $5 per kids ticket. Regular price is $10. Don’t wait, get your tickets now!!  Tickets are just $18 for adults & $5 for kids. All tickets higher at the gate. On sale now at all O’Reilly Auto Parts stores, Parsons Stadium Rodeo Office or charge by phone 479-927-4530 or 877-927-6336. For more information, visit www.ParsonsStadium.com!! (09/04/08)

TMB TV Episode #7 - Monster Truck Summer Slam - Batesville!!:  TheMonsterBlog.com's major event coverage series is back with TMB TV Episode #7, featuring this past weekend's Monster Truck Summer Slam from Batesville Speedway in Batesville, AR!!  The event featured a stellar seven-truck lineup including Bigfoot, Amsoil Shock Therapy, Predator, Barbarian, Bad News Travels Fast, Excaliber and Shell Camino. The trucks competed on a tough course that saw them racing over school buses. TheMonsterBlog.com's Ross Z. Bonar returns to hosting TMB TV with Shane Skinner back behind the camera after several great performances from Staff Member Kyle Doyle and Special Contributor Colby Marshall. Click the link below to watch the new episode and enjoy!!  (09/03/08)

WATCH TMB TV EPISODE #7: MONSTER TRUCK SUMMER SLAM - BATESVILLE!!

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Batesville, AR Monster Truck Summer Slam Photo Gallery!!:  In addition to the TMB TV episode from the Checkered Flag Productions Monster Truck Summer Slam, Staff Member Ross Z. Bonar's huge photo gallery from the event is now posted as well!!  Check out the 250+ photos by clicking the link below!!  (09/03/08)

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ROSS Z. BONAR'S BATESVILLE, AR PHOTO GALLERY!!

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Labor Day Weekend Tournament of Destruction Recap!!:  The final Tucson Tournament of Destruction of 2008 was held this weekend at the Tucson Rodeo Grounds, and it was a wet and wild weekend!!  The large amount of rainfall experienced this weekend is very rare for the Tucson, AZ area, so fans got to see a different style of monster truck action than they are used to--monsters in the mud. Saturday night was all Sturges Motorsports as Sam Sturges took both racing wins and the freestyle competition with a great wheelie. Sunday the competition stepped up their game as young Murphy McCrorey drove McGruff to the straight line racing win and Jack Koberna piloted Tuff Enuff to the freestyle victory with a great set of muddy donuts. Chicago-style racing was not run Sunday due to the poor track conditions. It was another weekend of monster truck fun in Tucson courtesy of Dale Penn and the great folks with M80 Promotions. Watch for more photos and video from the event coming soon, and a big thanks to M80 for their hospitality!!  (09/01/08)

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