4 WHEEL JAMBOREE DAY 2
MAY 1ST, 2005 - OZARK EMPIRE FAIRGROUNDS
Welcome to Day 2 of the Springfield, MO 4 Wheel Jamboree!! This coverage has been a long time coming, even since we posted the coverage of Day 1 of this event, but here it is, another coverage from The Monster Blog!!
Picking up where we left off in the Day 1 coverage, my wife and I had spent Saturday evening running around town, going out to eat, walking around the mall, and just havin' a good ol' time on our weekend away. We woke up early on Sunday morning and decided to head down for the Fairgrounds as soon as the gates opened for the event, well before the first Monster Truck action was scheduled to start.
PULLING COMPETITION
As much as I have always enjoyed filler events at a Monster Truck show, that decision would turn out to be a mistake. We were treated to several hours of pulling competition. It wouldn't have been so bad if they had been the cool modified trucks specifically built for pulling, but there were only a few of those. What there were were scores of regular Joe's who brought their diesel powered trucks down to the Fairgrounds to compete, and the line of pullers felt like it would never end, lol.
Making matters worse, my wife and I were absolutely freezing to death, sitting there in the stands watching the pulling contest. The temperature itself was not particularly cold, but there was a strong wind blowing all day that was extremely cold. It probably wouldn't have been so noticeable if we were up and walking around, but having already seen everything to see as far as the Show'N'Shine went, we were huddled up on the cold aluminum bleachers, waiting for Monster Trucks.
MUD BOGGING COMPETITION
I was a little more excited to see some of the Mud Bogging competition, but unfortunately, it would be much the same as the pulling competition. Too few of the really cool modified vehicles built for mud bogging, and too many guys with 4WD wanting to try out their vehicle in the pit. Fun if you're competing, not quite as entertaining to watch.
BURNOUT COMPETITION
The next companion event, however, was a lot of fun to watch. I didn't take many pictures, but the Burnout competition was very entertaining, watching a number of competitors take their turns at making the biggest smoke cloud they could. A number of the competitors had the right idea as they old, used tires in the back, but there were a few who came out with the beautiful, brand-new deep cut tread tires. It kind of made you cringe watching them tear up those beautiful new tires, but hey, anything to win right??
TOUGH TRUCK COMPETITION
The next companion event, however, was a lot of fun to watch. I didn't take many pictures, but the Burnout competition was very entertaining, watching a number of competitors take their turns at making the biggest smoke cloud they could.
THE LINEUP OF MONSTER TRUCKS
AVENGER
Not quite the day that the former World Finals champion was looking for yesterday, having little luck in racing and not taking the Freestyle victory. Jim Kohler and the Avenger team would be looking to "avenge" their lackluster Saturday with a couple of big wins before heading back home to Michigan.
BIG DAWG
After a day that saw a 2nd round loss and a solid Freestyle run, Doug Noelke was looking to make the big impression on Sunday, and make sure that the fans went left the event thinking about the Big Dawg.
BIGFOOT 30TH ANNIVERSARY
When Bigfoot is at an event, they are expected to win. With all of their history and being the original Monster Truck team, Bigfoot always comes to an event as one of the favorites. After being taken out yesterday by their corporate rival, Mark Hall in the Raminator, it would be up to Dave Harkey and the Bigfoot team to try and leave Springfield with a victory for their home state fans.
GOD, GUTS, & GLORY
Got our first close up pictures of the God, Guts, & Glory truck today, as yesterday, it was parked over on the end of the fairgrounds being worked on. They were still working on the truck this morning, as they were really having a rough weekend. The hope would be to be able to participate in both the Racing & Freestyle portions of the show today.
RAMINATOR
Yesterday the Raminator suffered breakage in the Final Round and was unable to particate in Freestyle. They were still thrashing to fix the problem Sunday morning, hoping to be able to get the truck together in time.
RAMMUNITION
After the big win for Geremie Dishman in the Rammunition truck yesterday against the boss, Mark Hall, Geremie would be looking for a repeat win here on Sunday.
Finally, after a long wait, it was time for some Monster Truck action!!
INTRODUCTIONS
All 6 trucks were able to make the call for Introductions, which was a good sign for what would hopefully be an fun-filled, action-packed afternoon of Monster Truck competition!!
Well, that's enough of the pre-race stuff, it's time to get this show on the road!! |