TheMonsterBlog.com - We Know Monster Trucks!
The Worldwide Leader in Monster Truck Coverage for over 15 years!
Week Ending: October 8th, 2011
Truck(s) Featured: King Krunch (David Smith)
Video Type: Fan Video
Courtesy: www.YouTube.com
Description: Strong freestyle effort from David Smith in King Krunch on the final day of the 2011 Coors Monster Truck Fall Nationals in Turlock, California.
(Article By Ross Z. Bonar) – Another edition of the TMB Leaderboard for 2011 is out following the completion of the month of September. Based on all of the information gathered through the TMB Results Tracker, we are able to statistically see who some of the top performing drivers have been in 2011. A total of 238 drivers have competed in monster truck events through the month of September with an incredible 182 different drivers scoring a competition win. See below for the top 5 drivers in each of our statistical categories:
Jimmy Creten's annual ascent to the top of the standings is nearly complete after September. Creten now leads in Total Racing Wins, Total Freestyle Wins, Total Racing/Freestyle Wins Combined and Best Combined Racing/Freestyle win percentage.
1) Jimmy Creten – Bounty Hunter – 27
2) Gary Porter – Grave Digger – 24
3) Rick Long – E3 Spark Plugs Bigfoot #15 – 21
4) Carl Van Horn – Grave Digger – 18
5) Pablo Huffaker – Grave Digger – 17
1) Rick Long – E3 Spark Plugs Bigfoot #15 – 72%
2) Gary Porter – Grave Digger – 56%
3) Donald Epidendio – Titan – 54%
4) Jimmy Creten Bounty Hunter – 53%
5) Dan Runte – Summit Bigfoot #16 – 50%
(A driver must have competed in 25 racing competitions to be listed in this category)
1) Jimmy Creten – Bounty Hunter – 36.5
2) Pablo Huffaker – Grave Digger – 34
— Bill Payne – Rock Star – 34
4) Mac Plecker – Ballistic – 26
5) Gary Porter – Grave Digger – 25.5
1) Larry Quick – Ghost Ryder – 86%
2) Randy Brown – Grave Digger – 70%
3) Adam Anderson – Grave Digger The Legend – 68%
4) Jimmy Creten – Bounty Hunter – 64%
5) Pablo Huffaker – Grave Digger – 60%
(A driver must have competed in 25 freestyle competitions to be listed in this category)
1) Jimmy Creten – Bounty Hunter – 63.5
2) Pablo Huffaker – Grave Digger – 51
3) Gary Porter – Grave Digger – 49.5
4) Bill Payne – Rock Star – 46
5) Mac Plecker – Ballistic – 41
1) Jimmy Creten – Bounty Hunter – 59%
2) Gary Porter – Grave Digger – 57%
3) Adam Anderson – Grave Digger The Legend – 54%
4) Rick Long – E3 Spark Plugs Bigfoot #15 – 52%
5) Carl Van Horn – Grave Digger – 50%
(A driver must have competed in a combination of 50 racing and/or freestyle competitions to be listed in this category)
1) Carl Van Horn – Grave Digger – 28
2) Pablo Huffaker – Grave Digger – 27
— Bill Payne – Rock Star – 27
4) Mac Plecker – Ballistic – 25
5) Gary Porter – Grave Digger – 22
1) Tom Meents – Maximum Destruction – 17
2) Dennis Anderson – Grave Digger – 10
— Jimmy Creten – Bounty Hunter – 10
4) Linsey Weenk – Lucas Oil Crusader – 8
5) Jim Koehler – Avenger – 7
Tom Meents has amassed a jaw dropping 17 wins in fields of 10+ trucks in 2011, easily one of the most eye-popping stats of the year.
Monster Jam World Finals Racing Champion: Tom Meents, Maximum Destruction
Monster Jam World Finals Freestyle Champion: Jim Koehler, Avenger
Monster Nationals Racing Champion: Rick Long, E3 Spark Plugs Bigfoot #15
Monster Nationals Freestyle Champion: Bobby Holman, Lucas Oil Stabilizer
Monster Truck Thunder Drags Champion: Dan Runte, E3 Spark Plugs Bigfoot #16
Monster Truck Winter Nationals Champion: Devin Jones, Barbarian
Monster Nation Champion: Doug Noelke, Tail Gator
AMP Tour Racing Champion: Rich Blackburne, Viper
AMP Tour Freestyle Champion: Larry Quick, Ghost Ryder
Dan Runte's 2011 Monster Truck Thunder Drags title, combined with his 5th best Racing Win Percentage and sweep of racing at the Maverik Clash of the Titans have made the veteran a major contender for Racing Driver of the Year.
Stay tuned for more updates to the TMB Leaderboard each month through the end of the year. The TMB staff will soon begin pouring over stats in search of this year’s standout drivers as we prepare to announce the nominees for the 2011 TMB Industry Awards.
(Photos By Ross Z. Bonar, Chris Parrish and Danny Maass)
(Champaign, Illinois – Hall Brothers Racing PR) – Multi-time Monster Truck Racing Champion Mark Hall, driver of the RAMINATOR monster truck, recently competed in the Dodge Viper Celebrity Challenge event held in Salt Lake City, Utah. The event will be broadcast Sunday, October 9th at 3PM Eastern time on Versus TV.
Mark Hall is one of monster truck racing's most accomplished drivers and he recently had the chance to try out his skills against some of the Dodge Motorsports team's best from every discipline.
Mark competed against fellow Dodge Motorsports drivers in equally prepared 640 horsepower Dodge Viper ACRx cars on the 2.44 mile road course at Miller Motorsports Park. NASCAR drivers Kurt Busch, Brad Keselowski and Robby Gordon were in the race, along with racing icon Roger Penske. Formula Drift and off road racer Sam Hubinette and NHRA Pro-Stock racer Allen Johnson also competed, as did motocross stars Ivan Tedesco and Carey Hart. Indy 500 winner Sam Hornish, JR and others were also in the field.
Mark Hall pilots a Dodge Viper around Miller Motorsports Park.
Road racer Cindi Lux helped give Mark some instructions prior to the race.
“I had a great time”, said Hall. “Hanging out with all these great champion drivers, what a fantastic experience! I hope we can do it again sometime!”
The event raised more than $18,000 for various charities.
For more information on Hall Brothers Racing, visit their website at www.Raminator.com. Don’t forget to tune in October 9th at 3PM on Versus to see it for yourself!
Monster Truck Radio With Host Jeff Richards
Date: Monday, October 3rd, 2011
Guest #1: Spanky Spangler, legendary stuntman
Guest #2: Brian “Spanky Jr.” Spangler, famous stuntman [Read more…]
Disney XD – Dan Evans
El Toro Loco – Bari Musawwir
Grave Digger – Charlie Pauken
Iron Man – Lee O’Donnell
Madusa – Debra Miceli
Maximum Destruction – Neil Elliott
Mohawk Warrior – George Balhan
Monster Mutt Rottweiler – Charles Benns
Spiderman – Frank Krmel
Traxxas E-Maxx – Linsey Weenk
Iron Man – Lee O’Donnell
Maximum Destruction – Neil Elliott
El Matador – Daron Basl
El Toro Loco – Chuck Werner
Grave Digger – Pablo Huffaker
King Krunch – David Smith
Maximum Destruction – Tom Meents
M2D Camo Thunder – Andrew Peckhum
Obsessed – Rick Swanson
Obsession – Jim Lenhertz
The Patriot – Dan Rodoni
TMNT – Aaron Basl
El Matador – Daron Basl
Grave Digger – Pablo Huffaker
Grave Digger – Pablo Huffaker
Maximum Destruction – Tom Meents
M2D Camo Thunder – Andrew Peckhum
Grave Digger – Pablo Huffaker
Avenger – Jim Koehler
Brutus – Rich Hilgendorf
Grave Digger – Gary Porter
Gun Slinger – Scott Hartsock
Mopar Magic – Morgan Kane (Fri/Sat) & Brian Wright (Sun)
Spiderman – Whit Tarlton
Stone Crusher – Steve Sims
Avenger – Jim Koehler
Tie – Avenger – Jim Koehler
Tie – Grave Digger – Gary Porter
Grave Digger – Gary Porter
Brutus – Rich Hilgendorf
Mopar Magic – Morgan Kane
Stone Crusher – Steve Sims
Grave Digger – Gary Porter
Avenger – Jim Koehler
Black Stallion – Mike Vaters
E3 Spark Plugs Bigfoot #14 – Larry Swim
Grave Digger – Randy Brown
Higher Education – Jimmy Tracey
Iron Warrior – Trey Meyers
TMNT – Joey Parnell
Triple XXX – R.B. Moler
E3 Spark Plugs Bigfoot #14 – Larry Swim
Grave Digger – Randy Brown
E3 Spark Plugs Bigfoot #14 – Larry Swim
Bad Habit – Joe Sylvester
Ballistic – Mac Plecker
Barbarian – Devin Jones
Razin Kane – JR McNeal
Strait Jacket – Kevin King
Viper – Rich Blackburne
Wildfire – Kyle Carrington
Razin Kane – JR McNeal
Ballistic – Mac Plecker
Bad Habit – Joe Sylvester
Razin Kane – JR McNeal
Strait Jacket – Kevin King
Bad Habit – Joe Sylvester
California Kid – Ed Miller
Fired Up – Chris Tjernagel
Rock Star – Bill Payne
Time Flys – Kelvin Ramer
Fired Up – Chris Tjernagel
Rock Star – Bill Payne
Rock Star – Bill Payne
Rock Star – Bill Payne
Rock Star – Bill Payne
Rock Star – Bill Payne
Amsoil Shock Therapy – Jon Zimmer
Excaliber – Kevin Koszala
Monkey’N Around – Steven Hill
Outtacontrol – Orville Hill
Amsoil Shock Therapy – Jon Zimmer
Monkey’N Around – Steven Hill
Amsoil Shock Therapy – Jon Zimmer
Black Knight – Brian Kenney
Lone Eagle – Dale Mitchell
Pouncer – Eric Wylie
Predator – Allen Pezo
Predator – Lenny Kuilder
War Wizard – Randy Moore
War Wizard – Randy Moore
Predator – Allen Pezo
War Wizard – Randy Moore
Lone Eagle – Dale Mitchell
Predator – Allen Pezo
Predator – Lenny Kuilder
Bounty Hunter – Darren Migues
Nite Stalker – Dalton Van Skyhawk
Outlaw Clydesdale – Bennett Clark
Stinger – Zane Rettew
Stinger – Zane Rettew
Outlaw Clydesdale – Bennett Clark
Bounty Hunter – Darren Migues
Bounty Hunter – Darren Migues
Nite Stalker – Dalton Van Skyhawk
Outlaw Clydesdale – Bennett Clark
Stinger – Zane Rettew
Stinger – Zane Rettew
Bounty Hunter – Darren Migues
Bounty Hunter – Darren Migues
Bounty Hunter – Ben Winslow
Ground Pounder – Chris Ryan
Michigan Ice Monster – Chris Lagana
Shell Camino – Shelley Kujat
Bounty Hunter – Ben Winslow
Michigan Ice Monster – Chris Lagana
Bounty Hunter – Ben Winslow
Bounty Hunter – Ben Winslow
Ground Pounder – Chris Ryan
Michigan Ice Monster – Chris Lagana
Shell Camino – Shelley Kujat
Bounty Hunter – Ben Winslow
Michigan Ice Monster – Chris Lagana
Bounty Hunter – Ben Winslow
Bounty Hunter – Ben Winslow
Ground Pounder – Chris Ryan
Shell Camino – Shelley Kujat
Shell Camino – Shelley Kujat
Bounty Hunter – Ben Winslow
Bounty Hunter – Ben Winslow
Week Ending: October 1st, 2011
Truck(s) Featured: Triple XXX (R.B. Moler)
Video Type: Fan Video
Courtesy: www.YouTube.com
Description: Wheelie contest winning effort from R.B. Moler in Triple XXX at the big Vaters Motorsports showdown in South Boston, Virginia.
(St. Louis, MO – BIGFOOT PR) – BIGFOOT 4×4, Inc. proudly announced this week their latest marketing partnership in the form of a two-year agreement with Mason City, IA-based Varied Industries Corporation (Vi-COR®), manufacturer of world-class fermentation products for animal feeds. This sponsorship stands as yet another ground-breaking achievement by Team BIGFOOT in their quest to introduce non-automotive related sponsors to the monster truck industry.
The crown jewel of this new sponsorship will be the “Vi-COR® The Power of V®” branded BIGFOOT® monster truck, which features Vi-COR and BIGFOOT logos atop a black and white “dairy cow” themed paint scheme that will be sure to turn heads and attract attention, along with a corresponding tractor-trailer transporter. The Vi-COR/Celmanax BIGFOOT will make its public debut October 4th through the 8th in Madison, WI as part of the Vi-COR display at the World Dairy Expo. The truck will then go on to make its competition debut in Redmond, OR as part of the E3 Spark Plugs Monster Nationals non-points-invitational event at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds arena.
The awesome looking new Vi-COR Bigfoot is unveiled at the Bigfoot 4x4 shop in Hazelwood, Missouri.
“We are extremely excited about this new partnership with Vi-COR,” said BIGFOOT VP of Sponsorships & Business Development, Bob Trent. “We feel that Vi-COR’s history of innovation and quality, and their use of extensive research to achieve successful results, aligns perfectly with those same values for which BIGFOOT has been known for over 35 years!”
Vi-COR President, Mark Holt, was equally enthusiastic about this new venture for the two companies: “Much like Vi-COR, the BIGFOOT operation started off small and through hard work, dedication, and innovation has become truly a global influence in their field. Our customers and many of BIGFOOT’s fans are the same people, and we feel that working with BIGFOOT is the perfect way to help convey to our customers that using Vi-COR’s Celmanax is the perfect way to flatten their feeding costs!” Fans can expect to see the Vi-COR/Celmanax BIGFOOT at 20 or more events each year as part of the two-year agreement, along with a full merchandise campaign to support the new truck. The Vi-COR/Celmanax BIGFOOT is slated to compete in the 2012 Monster Nationals points championship alongside the defending series champ and team truck, the Monster Nationals E3 Spark Plugs BIGFOOT, and is sure to be a hit with fans.
Great Vi-COR branding on not only the truck, but also on the hauler.
For more information on Vi-COR and Celmanax and to learn more about their world-class lineup of fermentation products for dairy, beef, swine, and poultry, as well as their Milk to the Max® program and user testimonials, visit them online at www.vi-cor.com.
Varied Industries Corporation (Vi-COR®) is a manufacturer of world class fermentation products for animal feeds. Vi-COR is an established global company with 48 years of fermentation research and development located in Mason City, Iowa, USA.
In 1999, Mark Holt, President of Vi-COR, introduced A-Max® yeast culture products for dairy. By applying modern techniques in microbiology and the use of natural enzymes, Celmanax® was developed. This three-in-one product of yeast culture, beta glucans and MOS is a beneficial product for dairy cows. This highly researched product delivers high quality cost effective results to the end user! Vi-COR is a biotechnology company delivering innovative solutions for improved animal health and increased milk production. Today, Vi-COR has expanded into over 50 countries delivering results around the globe.
The power of V® for animal health and nutrition!
(Aurora, Illinois – Monster Jam PR – September 29, 2011) – Feld Motor Sports® announced today that Monster Jam®, the world’s largest and most popular touring monster truck property, which performs in front of four million spectators annually, has signed seven new companies to its rapidly expanding Monster Jam licensing program. The addition of these new licensees expands the Monster Jam brand into more retail aisles, and adds to the growing list of more than 50 licensees.
The Monster Jam logo will continue to be more recognized as Feld Motorsports expands their extensive licensing program.
Monster Jam’s new licensing partnerships include:
· Aquarius: Boys’ accessories including belts, wallets, small leather goods, gift sets, cold weather and cut and sewn hats
· Bakery Crafts: Cake and cupcake toppers including Pop Tops® and plaques, cake kits, candles, Bakery Bites®, and edible cake decorations
· Playhut: Indoor and outdoor play tents, play structures, play environments, 3D playmats, soft storage bins and slumber products
· Raymond Geddes: Writing instruments, back-to-school paper products to include notebooks, folders, memos and notepads
· Tara Toy: Design N’ Play giant activity sets and board games
· Walter Foster Publishing: Activity books to include drawing lessons, bound-in drawing pad, puzzles, word games, cut outs and stickers
· XMG: Smart phone gaming applications, internet gaming applications for a global audience
Monster Jam is continuing its relationship with four long-standing licensees, signing key renewals with current partners:
· American Greetings: Greeting cards, party goods, party favors, party decorations, gift packaging and stickers
· Bentex Group, Extreme Concepts, and Dreamwave: Boys’ swimwear and sleepwear, boys’ t-shirts and tops and bottoms, separates and sets, men’s loungewear and sleepwear
· Bioworld: Men’s and boys’ t-shirts and headwear
· Square One Brands: Gift and novelty tin signs and license plate holders
“Monster Jam is one of the most exciting family-based live events in the world combined with a passionate and enthusiastic television fan base. The announcement of eight new licensing agreements and the resigning of strong long-term licensing partners continues to solidify the Monster Jam brand in key retail categories,” said Mark Abernethy, Sr. Director of Brand Marketing, Feld Motor Sports.
Fans can also experience the thrill of Monster Jam live events at home through broadcasts on SPEED and CBS, with over 600 hours of coverage.
Feld Motor Sports®, Inc. is the world leader in specialized arena and stadium-based motor sports entertainment. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. productions include Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam®, Monster Energy Supercross, AMA Arenacross Series, Nuclear Cowboyz®, and IHRA® Nitro Jam®. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a division of Feld Entertainment, the world’s largest producer of live family entertainment. For more information on Feld Entertainment, visit www.feldentertainment.com.
Monster Truck Radio With Host Jeff Richards
Date: Monday, September 26th, 2011
Guest #1: Greg Winchenbach, owner/driver of Crushstation
Guest #2: Randy Moore, owner of War Wizard Racing [Read more…]
Disney XD – Dan Evans
El Toro Loco – Bari Musawwir
Grave Digger – Charlie Pauken
Iron Man – Lee O’Donnell
Madusa – Debra Miceli
Maximum Destruction – Tom Meents
Mohawk Warrior – George Balhan
Monster Mutt Rottweiler – Charles Benns
Spiderman – Frank Krmel
Swamp Thing – Tony Dixon
Thor – Peter Nyman
Traxxas E-Maxx – Linsey Weenk
Iron Man – Lee O’Donnell
Maximum Destruction – Tom Meents
Maximum Destruction – Tom Meents
Maximum Destruction – Tom Meents
Maximum Destruction – Tom Meents
Grave Digger – Charlie Pauken
Avenger – Jim Koehler
Bounty Hunter – Darren Migues
Brutus – Chris Bergeron
Gun Slinger – Scott Hartsock
Razin Kane – JR McNeal
Spike – Rich Hilgendorf
Wrecking Crew – Steve Koehler
Avenger – Jim Koehler
Brutus – Chris Bergeron
Brutus – Chris Bergeron
Avenger – Jim Koehler
Gun Slinger – Scott Hartsock
Avenger – Jim Koehler
Bounty Hunter – Ben Winslow
Illuminator – Jay Snyder
Screamin Demon – Dave Waple
Summit Bigfoot #14 – Larry Swim
Summit Bigfoot #14 – Larry Swim
Bounty Hunter – Ben Winslow
Summit Bigfoot #14 – Larry Swim
Black Stallion – Mike Vaters
Bounty Hunter – Ben Winslow
Crushstation – Greg Winchenbach
Higher Education – Jimmy Tracey
Crushstation – Greg Winchenbach
Black Stallion – Mike Vaters
Bounty Hunter – Ben Winslow
California Kid – Ed Miller
Captain USA – Travis Groth
Double Trouble – Tyler Groth
Osiris – Derek Ritter
Rock Star – Bill Payne
Rock Star – Bill Payne
Captain USA – Travis Groth
California Kid – Ed Miller
Rock Star – Bill Payne
Rock Star – Bill Payne
Rock Star – Bill Payne
Bounty Hunter – Jimmy Creten
Iron Outlaw – Ronnie Sturges
Nasty Boy – Ronnie Sturges
Unnamed & Untamed – Sam Sturges
Bounty Hunter – Jimmy Creten
Bounty Hunter – Jimmy Creten
Bounty Hunter – Jimmy Creten
Bounty Hunter – Jimmy Creten
Bounty Hunter – Jimmy Creten
Bounty Hunter – Jimmy Creten
El Perro Loco – Rod Wood
Terminator – Gary Schott
Tuff Enuff – Jack Koberna
Tuff Enuff – Jack Koberna
El Perro Loco – Rod Wood
Terminator – Gary Schott
El Perro Loco – Rod Wood
Week Ending: September 24th, 2011
Truck(s) Featured: Hurricane Force (Steven Thompson), Storm Damage (Tim Mente)
Video Type: Fan Video
Courtesy: www.YouTube.com
Description: Wild race between Natural Disaster Racing teammates Tim Mente in Storm Damage and Steven Thompson in Hurricane Force. Thompson goes for a wild ride after the finish!
Event: Speed Motorsports Tour
Venue: SEMO District Fairgrounds
Location: Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Date: September 12th, 2011
Videographer: Danny Maass
Lineup: Nite Stalker (Dalton Van Skyhawk), Pouncer (Allen Pezo), Stinger (Zane Rettew) [Read more…]
Monster Truck Radio With Host Jeff Richards
Date: Monday, September 19th, 2011
Guest #1: Jeff Cook, President of the International Monster Truck Museum & Hall of Fame
Guest #2: Ross Bonar, owner/operator of TheMonsterBlog.com [Read more…]
E3 Spark Plugs announced the winner of their 2011 BIGFOOT 4×4 Sweepstakes on September 2nd and that lucky fan got an incredible experience at this weekend’s 30th Anniversary 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals in Indianapolis, Indiana. After entries for the contest closed on August 19th, E3 company president Todd Arey drew registration number 28,562 which belonged to Ken Brady of Port Angeles, Washington.
Ken had the opportunity to ride along with professional BIGFOOT driver Dan Runte in the E3 Spark Plugs sponsored Bigfoot #8, and he and a guest were VIP’s for the weekend at the 2011 4-Wheel Jamboree in Indianapolis, Indiana September 16th-18th. Not only was Ken a part of the crew for the racing portion of the show, but also got to meet Bob Chandler, inventor and owner of BIGFOOT, and Stacey David, producer & host of Stacey David’s GearZ, and dine with them during lunch.
Dan Runte catches air in Bigfoot #8 with E3 Bigfoot 4x4 Sweepstakes winner Ken Brady along for the ride.
When contacted by Steve Joiner, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Ken said, “I’m really excited about winning this contest. When I have the time, I visit a site called SweepstakesToday.com. I saw the E3-BIGFOOT promotion and thought, now there’s a grand prize I’d like to win. How many people can say they’ve taken a ride in BIGFOOT?”
Runte even took on the big stack with Ken Brady along for the ride!
A retired military man, Ken drove and fired tanks for a number of years, with fifty tons of crushing power at his disposal. That experience helped give him the fortitude he needed for his bone -jarring BIGFOOT ride.
“I knew the chances were remote but I entered anyway,” continued Ken prior to the event. “I like monster trucks and I like having new adventures so that was my motivation to enter. I’ve received a lot of congratulations at work and was told to take plenty of pictures and videos. I’m looking forward to having a fantastic experience, and would like to thank E3 Spark Plugs for providing this opportunity. My daughter will be joining me, and she is as excited as I am.”
Runte managed to spin Bigfoot #8 into one of the fastest cyclones we saw all weekend long at the Jamboree - talked about a wild ride for Ken!
As part of the Grand Prize package Ken received round-trip airfare to and from Indianapolis, Indiana, two day hotel accommodations, and transportation to & from the airport and the Jamboree.
E3 Bigfoot 4x4 Sweepstakes Winner Ken Brady gives the thumbs up with Dan Runte after a great ride along experience in Bigfoot #8.
TMB TV was on hand for Ken’s ride in Bigfoot and Dan Runte definitely gave him an experience he will never forget. Runte took on several of the freestyle stacks including the van mountain and even spun some of the fastest cyclones seen all weekend at the Jamboree! Check out the video below to see all the fun and be sure keeping watching TheMonsterBlog.com to see if E3 repeats the contest for 2012.
TheMonsterBlog.com would also to thank E3 Spark Plugs for all their support in sponsoring the site and our TMB TV video series in 2011 and we look forward to continuing to work with them in the future. For more information on E3 Spark Plugs, vist them online at www.E3SparkPlugs.com.
(Article By Ross Z. Bonar w/info from E3 Press Release, Photos By Danny Maass, Video By Ross Z. Bonar)
(By Ross Z. Bonar) The weekend marked the 30th Anniversary of the 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, Indiana and how better to celebrate than with an incredible battle for the 2011 Monster Truck Thunder Drags season championship. Hall Brothers Racing entered the weekend looking to extend their decade of domination in this series to an unheard of eleventh year in a row, but 2011 would be their biggest challenge yet as legendary BIGFOOT driver Dan Runte entered the weekend 80 points ahead of Mark Hall and Raminator.
In addition to the monster truck championship battle, Jamboree fans would be treated to the usual great lineup of entertainment, from show’n’shine trucks to mud bogs, tough trucks and everything in between. For the 30th Anniversary event, Family Events pulled out all the stops, bringing in 12 race trucks, the young star Kid KJ and the incredibly popular Megasaurus car-eating dinosaur. The monster truck lineup included: E3 Spark Plugs Bigfoot #16, Raminator, Rammunition, Avenger, General Tire, Lucas Oil Stabilizer, Heavy Hitter, Star Marshal, Stomper, Black Knight, Airdog Diesel and Chalkboard Chuck.
A great 12 truck lineup was assembled to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals in Indianapolis, Indiana.
A slight damper was cast on the weekend’s festivities however as Family Events was forced to make some layout changes due to the ongoing investigation into the Indiana State Fair stage collapse. The main grandstand was still closed and unavailable, so Family Events transported in temporary bleachers to accommodate the great crowds on hand for the event.
The collapsed stage remains as the investigation continues into the cause of the terrible tragedy prior to the Sugarland concert at last month's Indiana State Fair.
Those layout changes fortunately did not stop Head Track Official Lee Collins from putting together a wild S-course racing layout that featured a unique rhythm section not often seen in monster truck racing. This would be sure to present an interesting challenge for the drivers and another exciting twist in the title bout.
With four shows scheduled for the weekend, three of those including side by side racing, the points picture could change in a heartbeat. See below for the standings entering the weeekned:
Point Standings – Entering the Weekend
1st – Bigfoot – 1480
2nd – Raminator – 1400
3rd – Rammunition – 1240
4th – General Tire – 1120
5th – Lucas Oil Stabilizer – 880
6th – Avenger – 880
7th – Star Marshal – 800
8th – Chalkboard Chuck – 640
9th – Crushstation – 600
10th – Samson – 440
11th – Black Knight – 240
Also presented here is the Family Events point scale:
How Points Are Awarded
1st – 200 points
2nd – 160 points
Semi-Finals – 120 points
1st Round – 80 points
Action kicked off Friday night with a freestyle-only warm-up to the weekend’s competition and all the trucks put on a great show for the fans in attendance.
The real action got started Saturday afternoon as the trucks took to the S-course for some intense side by side racing. The focus was on the championship contenders in round one as Mark Hall in Raminator made quick work of Bobby Holman in Lucas Oil Stabilizer while Dan Runte in Bigfoot dodged the powerful punch of the Heavy Hitter, taking out the impressive rookie Derick Anson in a close race. Mat Dishman looked strong in Rammunition as he took down Bryan Wright in Black Knight while Dave Radzierez cruised to victory in the Star Marshal when Chris Bergeron in General Tire was unable to make the call.
The semi-final round began with Raminator taking on Star Marshal for a trip to the finals and Mark Hall laid down a solid pass to defeat Razeriez. That win put the pressure on Runte as he had to race Mat Dishman in Rammunition. The two waged a great battle but Dishman used the big momentum off the outside lane coming to the line to edge out Runte and knock out Bigfoot. This would effectively close the point gap to 40 as Hall moved on to the finals.
In the all Hall Brothers Racing finale, Hall would have the chance to tie it all up by taking down his teammate. But in monster truck racing, there aren’t any team orders and Dishman would pull out all the stops to try and beat the boss. In another great battle, Dishman used the outside lane once again to carry incredible speed coming to the line, leaving Raminator in the dust and taking his third win of the 2011 General Tire Monster Truck Thunder Drags season. The race would be a missed opportunity for Hall as he exited the first race of the weekend still 40 points behind Runte.
A Hall Brothers Racing showdown in the finals of the Saturday afternoon race would see Mat Dishman in Rammunition in victory lane.
Here is a look at the racing bracket results and points after race #1:
Round One
Raminator def. Lucas Oil Stabilizer
Star Marshal def. General Tire (General Tire unable to make call)
Bigfoot def. Heavy Hitter
Rammunition def. Black Knight
Semi-Finals
Raminator def. Star Marshal
Rammunition def. Bigfoot
Final Round
Rammunition def. Raminator
Unofficial Point Standings – After Saturday Afternoon Race
1st – Bigfoot – 1600
2nd – Raminator – 1560
3rd – Rammunition – 1440
4th – General Tire – 1200
5th – Lucas Oil Stabilizer – 960
6th – Star Marshal – 920
7th – Avenger – 880
8th – Chalkboard Chuck – 640
9th – Crushstation – 600
10th – Samson – 440
11th – Black Knight – 320
12th – Heavy Hitter – 80
Kid KJ impressed all weekend as he continues to improve, pulling off some great moves in his mini monster truck, the Monster Bear.
After a great freestyle display from all the trucks to close out the afternoon event, the teams would go to work on the trucks with one race under their belts and a better idea of the adjustments needed to improve on the setups for the evening race. The focus in round one would continue to be on Bigfoot and Raminator with the gap close to just 40 points.
Rich Hilgendorf leads the way in freestyle Saturday afternoon with a great performance from the Avenger.
Round one racing would see Dan Runte in Bigfoot make quick work of Joe Nichter in Stomper while Mark Hall in Raminator would receive a bye run when Rich Hilgendorf in Avenger was unable to make the call due to rear steering issues. Derick Anson in Heavy Hitter made Mat Dishman sweat in their match-up as he was pulling away when the truck swung wide in the final turn, making contact with and knocking over the giant O’Reilly’s inflatable to the delight of the crowd. Dishman would go on to win. “Hillbilly” would be back behind the wheel of the Black Knight and was very solid in his win over Bobby Holman in Chalkboard Chuck.
The semi-finals would see what might have been one of the most important races of the weekend as the two championship contenders went head to head. If Runte could win it, he would move back to 80 points ahead of Hall, while if Raminator won, the points race would be all tied up. Both trucks charged off the line, but Runte made great time through the rhythm section, entering the final turn very close on the inside. With a perfect turn, Runte was able to put the power down and leave Raminator behind, taking a huge win to move on to the finals. In the other semi-final match-up, “Hillbilly” in Black Knight made Mat Dishman work for it but lost it in the final turn as Rammunition powered by for the victory.
With an 80 point lead going into the final round, Runte could effectively wrap up the championship with a win in the finals. If he could carry a 120 point lead into the final race, he would need only to start and even if Hall won the Sunday event, the points would result in a tie for the championship. The tiebreaker would be # of race wins on the season and that would go to Runte and Bigfoot with 5 wins.
Not being exactly aware of the math, Dan Runte did know that a win in the finals would be huge and had Bigfoot on kill, ready to try and take down Mat Dishman and Rammunition. Dishman had looked great all weekend in the outside lane coming to the finish and that is the lane he had for the finals. The trucks stayed near even to the final turn where Runte whipped Bigfoot around in a perfect turn allowing him to get the power down as Dishman came charging hard on the outside. At the line, it was Runte taking the win by about a truck length but Rammunition came flying by in the air leaving the trucks side by side as they landed.
Dan Runte in Bigfoot takes a decisive final round victory Saturday night in Indy, while Mat Dishman charges hard toward the shutdown area.
Both trucks took hard landings but Bigfoot landed sideways, breaking a sway bar and sending the truck towards Rammunition. Runte gave a great effort to gather up Bigfoot but it would be to no avail as the trucks made contact, sending both out of control. There was no saving Bigfoot as Runte went for a hard rollover onto the cab and then back onto the wheels. Dishman continued on trying to save the truck but finally the tires caught in the dirt sending Rammunition over hard onto the cage.
Bigfoot and Rammunition make contact in the shutdown area which would send both trucks out of control and over onto their lid.
Track officials and crew members and drivers ran to the trucks as thankfully both drivers emerged slightly shaken up but otherwise unscathed from the hard crash. Officials made a quick review to ensure the call was correct, and yes it was Bigfoot by a truck length at the finish line taking the win and all but wrapping up the championship.
After a lengthy cleanup on the track and darkness consuming the Indiana State Fairgrounds, the decision was made by track officials to cancel freestyle in the interest of safety. With the layout changes due to the closing of the main grandstand, the big lights atop the grandstand were unavailable leaving much of the track in near complete darkness.
Here are the full results and resulting point standings after race #2:
Round One
Bigfoot def. Stomper
Raminator def. Avenger (Avenger unable to make call)
Rammunition def. Heavy Hitter
Black Knight def. Chalkboard Chuck
Semi-Finals
Bigfoot def. Raminator
Rammunition def. Black Knight
Final Round
Bigfoot def. Rammunition
Unofficial Point Standings – After Saturday Night Race
1st – Bigfoot – 1800
2nd – Raminator – 1680
3rd – Rammunition – 1600
4th – General Tire – 1200
5th – Lucas Oil Stabilizer – 960
6th – Avenger – 960
7th – Star Marshal – 920
8th – Chalkboard Chuck – 720
9th – Crushstation – 600
Tie – 10th – Samson – 440
Tie – 10th – Black Knight – 440
13th – Heavy Hitter – 160
14th – Stomper – 80
To clinch the championship title, Runte and the Bigfoot team would at least have to make an appearance in round one in the final race on Sunday. As the team checked over the truck, they found several spots in the chassis that would need welding and immediately sent out calls to team drivers Larry Swim and Darron Schnell to be on standby to bring Bigfoot #14 and Bigfoot #11 from their display events to Indianapolis for Runte to compete in on Sunday. After further review of the damage, the team decided to make the repairs to #16 and working through the night and into the morning, the truck was ready to race on Sunday.
The very first race would see the championship decided without question or need for a tiebreaker as Dan Runte and Bigfoot cruised to an easy victory over Joe Nichter in Stomper. With the teams not 100% of the points math in the pits, all Mark Hall knew was that he needed to win and hope for the best, and he began that quest by marching to victory over Rich Hilgendorf in Avenger. Derick Anson in Heavy Hitter continued to impress as he defeated Mat Dishman in Rammunition, while Bobby Holman scored his first round win of the weekend, driving Chalkboard Chuck to the victory over Black Knight.
Even though the championship math had already been decided, this was still not certain in the pits setting up a huge match-up between Bigfoot and Raminator in the semi-finals. In what was probably the closest race of the entire weekend, Dan Runte edged Mark Hall by less than a tire length to erase any doubt as he moved on to the finals and was officially announced by Family Events to the crowd as the 2011 General Tire Monster Truck Thunder Drags Champion. Derick Anson cruised to the win over Chalkboard Chuck and was looking to really make an impression with a win in the finals.
Dan Runte defeats Mark Hall in the closest race of the weekend in the Sunday semi-finals.
The championship battle started close going into Indy, but Dan Runte like the legend and champion he is, never faltered and now entered the final round with the opportunity to celebrate the title with yet another win on the season. Anson was looking to spoil the Bigfoot party and gave a great effort, giving Runte all he could handle. As they came out of the final turn, Runte began to pull away and took the big win. Bigfoot cruised by the stands as they crowd saluted Dan Runte as the Sunday racing victor and the 2011 General Tire Monster Truck Thunder Drags champion.
Dan Runte takes the final win of the weekend on Sunday, taking down the impressive Derick Anson in Heavy Hitter.
Freestyle would see great efforts from all the trucks and drivers as they closed out a great 30th Anniversary of the 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
Chris Bergeron lets it all hang out in the General Tire machine in the Sunday freestyle finale.
Here are the bracket results from the final race and the unofficial final season point standings:
Round One
Bigfoot def. Stomper
Raminator def. Avenger
Heavy Hitter def. Rammunition
Chalkboard Chuck def. Black Knight
Semi-Finals
Bigfoot def. Raminator
Heavy Hitter def. Chalkboard Chuck
Final Round
Bigfoot def. Heavy Hitter
Unofficial Point Standings – After Sunday Afternoon Race
1st – Bigfoot – 2000
2nd – Raminator – 1800
3rd – Rammunition – 1680
4th – General Tire – 1200
5th – Lucas Oil Stabilizer – 960
6th – Avenger – 740
7th – Star Marshal – 920
8th – Chalkboard Chuck – 840
9th – Crushstation – 600
Tie – 10th – Samson – 440
Tie – 10th – Black Knight – 520
13th – Heavy Hitter – 320
14th – Stomper – 160
All of us at TheMonsterBlog.com would like to send a big congratulations to Dan Runte and all of Team BIGFOOT on their 2011 General Tire Monster Truck Thunder Drags title. We would also like to salute Hall Brothers Racing on their incredible 10 year streak of winning that championship. Although the streak may have ended, there is no denying that their decade of domination is one of the greatest feats in monster truck history.
Stay tuned for an incredible amount of TMB coverage coming your way from the 30th Indianapolis 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals. You’ll see photo galleries from Danny Maass and Paul Harry, a highlight video from Colby Marshall and full event coverage in two episodes of Chris Parrish’s ActionTracks. Be sure to check out the TMB Facebook for more teaser photos from the weekend’s action.
A big thanks to everyone with Family Events for their hospitality this weekend and to all the teams and drivers for their great efforts this season, and also a big tip of the hat to new head track official Lee Collins on really taking some of the racing at the Jamborees to the next level this year with some great track designs including the unique S-track this weekend in Indy.
After such an incredible season of General Tire Monster Truck Thunder Drags racing, we’re already counting down to Springfield, Missouri in 2012 where the chase for another championship will begin anew!
(Article by Ross Z. Bonar, Photos By Danny Maass & Bob Chandler, Video Footage By Ross Z. Bonar & Michael Harry)
All content copyright TheMonsterBlog.com 2005-2025.
