Witness 2-time World Freestyle Champion, Jim Koehler driving the Avenger machine amongst the likes of Excaliber piloted by top driver, Jon Zimmer! Not to mention Michigan’s very own female driver, Jocelyn Perrin in her 1941 Willy’s pick-up named High Maintenance sporting the Soaring Eagle Casino’s “Certified Hot” body! Joining these mechanical beasts are Brutus, Razin Kane, Barbarian, Samson, West Virginia Mountaineer, and Nitemare!”

2-time World Finals Freestyle Champion Jim Koehler headlines Monster Truck Madness III in his famous Avenger.

Midwest Monster Truck Events officials have planned for the construction one of the longest and most exciting racing courses for this year’s event, a 500-foot straight-line drag that is all about raw horsepower, reaction time, and quick thinking. One bad bounce could end in a spectacular crash or mean a racing loss, keeping fans on the edge of their seats all evening as the drivers chase the title of the Monster Truck Madness III Racing Championship!

Freestyle will be an all-out demolition mission as the track promises all out wheelies, blistering fast cyclones, huge air, and all out thrills as the monsters will soar over school buses, annihilate motor homes, and pulverize cars!

Monster Truck Madness III also welcomes Megasauras, a 3-story tall, fire-breathing, car-eating, and transforming dinosaur looking to wreak havoc! Also new for 2012, catch the Griztek Sand Drag Showdown as 2000-horsepower, alcohol-spewing drag cars will reach speeds of over 70 miles per hour!

The Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort has declared High Maintenance and Jocelyn Perrin "certified hot" and ready for Monster Truck Madness III.

The show starts at 3pm on Saturday, July 7th but don’t miss out on the Pit Party where fans can get up-close and personal with their favorite monster trucks, meet the drivers, and take a ride on the Excaliber monster ride truck for only $5! The Pit Party lasts from 1pm to 2:30pm and is free to those with a valid ticket! Plus don’t forget to stock up on your favorite monster truck merchandise!

Don’t forget to book your weekend’s fun at Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort, the monsters will be on display Friday, July 6th in front of the main Casino entrance and stay with the drivers and crew by booking a hotel room for the weekend!

Kid’s tickets (14 and under) start at just $10! Tickets go on sale at 9am on May 5. Get your tickets at the Soaring Eagle Box Office, all StarTickets outlets, or by calling 1-800-585-3737! We’ll see you July 7th, it’s sure to be “Certified Hot!”

For more information on the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort, visit www.SoaringEagleCasino.com for further information!

Midwest Monster Truck Events is a Michigan-based company. Check out www.MidwestMonsterTruckEvents.com for more details including truck lineups and event details.

Film crews for “20/20″ joined the pro mini-monster team at Monster X Tour events in Daytona Beach, Florida and Porterville, California to get a behind the scenes look at Uncle Tod Motorsports and watch Kid KJ & The Lil’ Mighty Monsters in action.

The “Xtreme Parents” special report will tell the story of how 8-year-old Kaid Jaret Olson-Weston, better known as “Kid KJ”, became the first professional youth mini-monster truck driver and how his family’s support has taken him all over the USA, thrilling crowds and inspiring kids to chase their dreams.

Kid KJ & The Lil' Mighty Monsters will be featured on ABC's "20/20" on Friday, May 4th at 10:00PM Eastern.

Beginning in 2012, growing interest in Kid KJ and his professional 1/2 scale monster truck, the Monster Bear, has led Uncle Tod Motorsports to expand its team to three trucks. Sir Crush-A-Lot and the Demolition Diva have joined the team to create Kid KJ & The Lil’ Mighty Monsters.

Kid KJ is now joined behind the wheel by younger brother, 6-year-old Jake Olson-Weston, driver of Sir Crush-A-Lot, and girl drivers 9-year-old Morgan Matheny and 14-year-old Cassie Berry, who split seat time in the new Demolition Diva.

Kid KJ & The Lil' Mighty Monsters will be featured performers on the 2012 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals tour.

Kid KJ & The Lil’ Mighty Monsters have been a featured act on the entire Monster Nationals indoor tour in 2012, along with selected Monster X Tour events. At each event, the pro mini-monsters compete against one another in racing and freestyle competitions, just like the full size monster trucks.

The team now readies for a big outdoor season which will include being featured on the entire 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals tour and a return to the prestigious Monsters on the Beach event in Virginia Beach.

Click here to read ABC’s preview article and don’t miss this incredible exposure for the entire monster truck industry tomorrow night, Friday, May 4th at 10:00PM Eastern as Kid KJ & The Lil’ Mighty Monsters are featured on ABC’s “20/20″.

The success and popularity of Kid KJ & The Lil’ Mighty Monsters, along with the continuing growth of Uncle Tod Motorsports would not be possible without the support of incredible sponsor partners like E3 Spark Plugs, Royal Purple Synthetic Oil, Holley Performance Products, Hooker Harness, K&N Filters, Simpson Race Products and Auto Meter Competition Instruments.

For more information on Uncle Tod Motorsports and Kid KJ & The Lil’ Mighty Monsters, check them out online at www.KJMonsterTrucks.com and follow them on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/KidKJMonsterTruckRacingTeam.

Lineup: Avenger (Jim Koehler), Brutus (Chris Bergeron), Odyssey Batteries Bigfoot #15 (Rick Long), Tail Gator (Doug Noelke), Toxic (Travis Petri)

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1olS3iMtsw

TMB TV is brought to you by the fine folks with E3 Spark Plugs.

About E3 Spark Plugs

TMB TV in 2012 is presented by the fine folks with E3 Spark Plugs. Developed by researchers from leading engineering universities, E3′s patented Edge-to-Edge electrode design delivers maximum performance with increased efficiency. E3 Spark Plugs feature New DiamondFIRE technology resulting in:
- More Power & Performance
- Improved Fuel Economy
- Reduced Emissions
- Longer Engine Life
For more information, visit them online at www.E3SparkPlugs.com.

All Content Copyright TheMonsterBlog.com 2012.

Firebird International Raceway in Chandler, Arizona has something for just about any racing fan. Throughout the year, the track hosts the opening and closing races for off-road racing, one round of hydroplane racing, the second race of the year in NHRA pro drag racing and every April, one of the biggest monster truck shows the Grand Canyon State has to offer: the NAPA Auto Parts Monster Truck Nationals. This year’s competitors were: Jim Koehler in Avenger and Chris Bergeron in Brutus from Team Scream, Jimmy Creten driving Bounty Hunter was back to defend his crown from the past several years along with Ben Winslow in Iron Outlaw from 2Xtreme Racing, and rounding out the field were Dan Runte in Summit Bigfoot #18 and home state favorite Sam Sturges in Unnamed & Untamed.

Saturday night saw the wheelie, donut and freestyle contest each with a total score of 30 for each contest, with whoever getting the closest to an overall perfect score of 90 taking the trophy. Sam and Unnamed & Untamed nearly repeated his incredible move from this show 5 years ago, but did not end up on all fours, suffering a hard rollover. Sam was okay. As it had been the past two years, all eyes were on Team Scream and 2Xtreme Racing. Both Brutus and Avenger gave applause worthy runs and they also impressed the judges. But Bounty Hunter got the highest scores of all three competitions, two of which were perfect 30’s and the freestyle attempt, which included a jump over Iron Outlaw, gave the Tonganoxie, Kansas based team the Saturday night victory with a nearly perfect score of 86.

Sunday saw only two of those same competitions as the wheelie contest was cancelled thus bringing a perfect combined score down to 60. Bounty Hunter was off to a great start in the donut contest when his motor blew. This eliminated any chances of a Sunday donut win. Bigfoot had problems of his own, breaking a rear axle part called the third member bringing the end of his day a little sooner. The win went to Brutus, despite great efforts from teammate Avenger. When the points race was won and the smoke plume cleared Chris had combined his donut efforts with a wicked freestyle to execute an almost perfect 56 point effort, claiming the Sunday win. Still, Bounty Hunter’s combined winning number from the night before was the higher of the two, ensuring that the new Firebird champion was the same as the old champion, Jimmy Creten and Bounty Hunter.

Also in the show was Robosaurus, a 40 foot tall, 60,000 pound car eating, fire breathing transforming dinosaur that thrilled kids and adults alike with his car eating, breaking and burning. Jelly Belly Ed Jones also performed with his wheel standing stage coach and bags of Jelly Bellies. He went 100+ mph in the quarter mile all on his back wheels. Finally, Ronnie Sturges, Sam’s nephew, drove the “Boogie Monster” ride truck all afternoon on both days.

For us at The Allen Report, we’re now off to Springfield, Missouri for our first ever 4 Wheel Jamboree; where it all began for monster trucks just under 40 years ago. In the meantime, thank you for reading and a special thanks to a great sponsor of Firebird Raceway, Loud Pedal Motorsports, for their hospitality under the blazing Arizona sun. Enjoy the photos and cheer on!

All content copyright TheMonsterBlog.com 2012.

Check out www.MonsterTruckRadio.com for more information on the program and be sure to tune in live every week to join in on the fun!

• Moline, Illinois – iwireless Center – 04/27-28/12

  Truck/Driver Lineup:
  

  Captain America – Chad Fortune
  El Toro Loco – Chuck Werner
  Grave Digger – Gary Porter
  Grinder – Frank Krmel
  Iron Man – Scott Buetow
  Maximum Destruction – Tom Meents
  Mohawk Warrior – George Balhan
  Monster Mutt – Whit Tarlton

  Friday Night – Wheelie Contest:

  Maximum Destruction – Tom Meents

  Friday Night – Racing:

  Monster Mutt – Whit Tarlton

  Friday Night – Donut Contest:

  Maximum Destruction – Tom Meents

  Friday Night – Freestyle:

  Maximum Destruction – Tom Meents

  Saturday Night – Wheelie Contest:

  Maximum Destruction – Tom Meents

  Saturday Night – Racing:

  Maximum Destruction – Tom Meents

  Saturday Night – Donut Contest:

  Maximum Destruction – Tom Meents

  Saturday Night – Freestyle:

  Maximum Destruction – Tom Meents

TOUGHEST MONSTER TRUCK TOUR – MTX Event Production/Thunderbird Entertainment

• Erie, Pennsylvania – Erie Civic Center – 04/27-28/12

  Truck/Driver Lineup:
  

  Avenger – Jim Koehler
  Brutus – Chris Bergeron
  E3 Spark Plugs Bigfoot #15 – Rick Long
  Tail Gator – Doug Noelke
  Toxic – Travis Petri

  Friday Night – Wheelie Contest:

  Avenger – Jim Koehler

  Friday Night – Racing:

  E3 Spark Plugs Bigfoot #15 – Rick Long

  Friday Night – Freestyle:

  Avenger – Jim Koehler

  Saturday Night – Wheelie Contest:

  Brutus – Chris Bergeron

  Saturday Night – Racing:

  E3 Spark Plugs Bigfoot #15 – Rick Long

  Saturday Night – Freestyle:

  Tail Gator – Doug Noelke

MONSTER X TOUR – Monster Truck Entertainment

• Porterville, California – Rocky Hills Speedway – 04/27-28/12

  Truck/Driver Lineup:
  

  Bucked Up – Bill Payne
  California Kid – BJ Johnson
  MotorcycleSuperstore.com – Ed Miller
  The General – Eddie Yowman
  Rock Star – Bill Payne

  Friday Night – Wheelie Contest:

  The General – Eddie Yowman

  Friday Night – Racing:

  MotorcycleSuperstore.com – Ed Miller

  Friday Night – Freestyle:

  Rock Star – Bill Payne

  Saturday Night – Wheelie Contest:

  California Kid – BJ Johnson

  Saturday Night – Racing:

  California Kid – BJ Johnson

  Saturday Night – Freestyle:

  Rock Star – Bill Payne

• Augusta, Georgia – James Brown Arena – 04/27-28/12

  Truck/Driver Lineup:
  

  Ballistic – Mac Plecker
  Daredevil – Corey Schlichler
  Ghost Ryder – Larry Quick
  Stinger – Zane Rettew

  Friday Night – Wheelie Contest:

  Ghost Ryder – Larry Quick

  Friday Night – Racing:

  Ghost Ryder – Larry Quick

  Friday Night – Freestyle:

  Ghost Ryder – Larry Quick

  Saturday Night – Wheelie Contest:

  Ghost Ryder – Larry Quick

  Saturday Night – Racing:

  Ballistic – Mac Plecker

  Saturday Night – Freestyle:

  Ghost Ryder – Larry Quick

MONSTER TRUCK THUNDER SLAM – AMP Live Events

• Glens Falls, New York – Glens Falls Civic Center – 04/27-28/12

  Truck/Driver Lineup:
  

  Crushstation – Greg Winchenbach
  Triple XXX – Jon Zimmer
  Viper – Rich Blackburne
  West Virginia Mountaineer – R.B. Moler

  Friday Night – Wheelie Contest:

  Triple XXX – Jon Zimmer

  Friday Night – Racing:

  Crushstation – Greg Winchenbach

  Friday Night – Freestyle:

  Triple XXX – Jon Zimmer

  Saturday Night – Wheelie Contest:

  Triple XXX – Jon Zimmer

  Saturday Night – Racing:

  Triple XXX – Jon Zimmer

  Saturday Night – Freestyle:

  Triple XXX – Jon Zimmer

MONSTER TRUCK RACING SUPER SERIES – Monster Events Inc.

• Fort Smith, Arkansas – Kay Rodgers Park – 04/27-28/12

  Truck/Driver Lineup:
  

  Bar’s Leaks Eliminator – Greg Adams
  Barbarian – Devin Jones
  Ground Pounder – Chris Whatley
  Rislone Defender – Zach Adams
  Sudden Impact – Gary Stepp

  Friday Night – Wheelie Contest:

  Barbarian – Devin Jones

  Friday Night – Straight Line Racing:

  Ground Pounder – Chris Whatley

  Friday Night – Chicago-Style Racing:

  Barbarian – Devin Jones

  Friday Night – Freestyle:

  Barbarian – Devin Jones

  Saturday Night – Wheelie Contest:

  Barbarian – Devin Jones

  Saturday Night – Straight Line Racing:

  Ground Pounder – Chris Whatley

  Saturday Night – Chicago-Style Racing:

  Barbarian – Devin Jones

  Saturday Night – Freestyle:

  Barbarian – Devin Jones

MONSTER TRUCK MADNESS – Dixieland Dirt Track

• Cottonwood, Alabama – Dixieland Dirt Track – 04/27-28/12

  Truck/Driver Lineup:
  

  Bad News Travels Fast – Brandon Derrow
  Fly-N-Hi – Mike Moon Jr.
  Full Boar – Ed Eckert
  Gun Slinger – Scott Hartsock
  Reptoid – Jim Jack

  Friday Night – Wheelie Contest:

  Gun Slinger – Scott Hartsock

  Friday Night – Racing:

  Gun Slinger – Scott Hartsock

  Friday Night – Freestyle:

  Gun Slinger – Scott Hartsock

  Saturday Night – Wheelie Contest:

  Gun Slinger – Scott Hartsock

  Saturday Night – Racing:

  Gun Slinger – Scott Hartsock

  Saturday Night – Freestyle:

  Gun Slinger – Scott Hartsock

MONSTER SPECTACULAR – Chris Arel Motorsports

• Regina, Saskatchewan – Brandt Centre – 04/28/12

  Truck/Driver Lineup:
  

  Bounty Hunter – Darren Migues
  Forumula 1-noni Iron Horse – Rob French
  Red Baron – Matt Brokaw
  Western Renegade – Barry Parkin
  Wildfire – Chris Rogers

  Saturday Night – Wheelie Contest:

  Forumula 1-noni Iron Horse – Rob French

  Saturday Night – Racing:

  Red Baron – Matt Brokaw

  Saturday Night – Freestyle:

  Bounty Hunter – Darren Migues

OUTLAW MONSTER TRUCK SPECTACULAR – Outlaw Monster Trucks

• Kerrville, Texas – Hill County Youth Center – 04/27-28/12

  Truck/Driver Lineup:
  

  Desperado – Drew Haygood
  Malicious – Gabriel Montoya
  Monkey’N Around – Steven Hill
  Outtacontrol – Orville Hill

  Saturday Afternoon – Freestyle:

  Monkey’N Around – Steven Hill

  Saturday Night – Freestyle:

  Monkey’N Around – Steven Hill

Description: Walking Tall, a brand new truck built on a Concussion Motorsports chassis by Dennis Anderson, made its debut at Dragon Motorsports Park in Millers Tavern, Virginia. Owner Maxie Broaddus, a former puller, broke his new ride in by pulling the sled down the track in spectacular fashion.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4J9X1PbxWc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTEekx7lbi8

TMB TV is brought to you by the fine folks with E3 Spark Plugs.

About E3 Spark Plugs

TMB TV in 2012 is presented by the fine folks with E3 Spark Plugs. Developed by researchers from leading engineering universities, E3′s patented Edge-to-Edge electrode design delivers maximum performance with increased efficiency. E3 Spark Plugs feature New DiamondFIRE technology resulting in:
- More Power & Performance
- Improved Fuel Economy
- Reduced Emissions
- Longer Engine Life
For more information, visit them online at www.E3SparkPlugs.com.

All Content Copyright TheMonsterBlog.com 2012.

Over the course of the 2012 season, more than 20 different teams, trucks, and drivers battled for the right to qualify for the annual Monster Truck Grand Nationals in Pocatello. Part of the field in Pocatello is traditionally reserved for teams that have run the bulk of the 12+ week tour, while the other part of the field is an “invitation only” arrangement, in which trucks that competed well on the tour earlier in the season but did not compete the entire tour are invited to compete for the event win, but not the title itself. So, with a field stacked full of championship contenders and high-powered spoilers, Swim and the BIGFOOT Team had their work cut out for them.

The evening’s race track, featuring a tight 180-degree U-turn, favored the smaller wheelbase trucks in attendance, and, it is worth noting, the bulk of the trucks in the field were considered to be long-wheelbase machines, including Swim’s BIGFOOT #16. This did not stop Swim from marching through the brackets far enough to clinch the 2012 Winter Nationals racing title and the large trophy that goes with it. Although Swim did not capture a win in the final round of eliminations, his string of victories in each event leading up to the Grand Nationals all but secured his place as season champion. Swim would wrap up the night with a stellar freestyle despite the fact that most of the freestyle obstacles had already been smashed into oblivion. And, perhaps most impressive of all, Swim drove #16 off the track under its own power without any significant damage, a feat most drivers that night failed to accomplish!

Larry Swim picked up his third Monster Truck Winter Nationals in four years after a great performance in Pocatello!

“This is what we race for. This is why we try to make every pass count every weekend,” said Swim in a post-race interview. “This is why every guy back in our shop works his tail off every week, why our fleet maintenance guys make sure my hauler covers every mile to every show, and why myself and my pit crew check every inch of this truck over before every run. Everything counts. That’s why we get to head back to St. Louis with this trophy and the bragging rights that go with it. It was a team effort getting to this point, and so this trophy is for our team!”

By winning his third career championship in Pocatello, Swim helped raise Team BIGFOOT’s championship count to a mind-boggling 32, a feat completely unmatched in the monster truck industry. This title also marks the first time a driver other than Dan Runte has piloted the team’s BIGFOOT #16 truck to a championship, as Swim (in his first year driving #16) is the only other driver on the team to have piloted the truck for a complete racing season.

Swim elaborated some on that fact: “Dan and the guys at the shop have had their hands full getting Dan’s new truck (BIGFOOT #18) dialed in, on top of helping to keep the rest of the fleet fixed up and running. So I am very grateful to Dan and the guys in the shop for helping me with the transition from #14 into #16. I think a lot of fans might just assume the rest of us drivers are left to fend for ourselves when a new truck like #18 comes into the mix, but that’s definitely not the case. Every truck receives equal attention, and, because of that, it is possible for three of our trucks to win three different championships this winter!”

Swim added “I just want to say ‘thanks’ to all the fans, all of my team, my wonderful wife Susan, and my kids. I couldn’t have done it without any of them. They’re awesome!”

BIGFOOT #16 and Swim will now catch a very brief breather before heading into the outdoor season, which for him will consist of a variety of event types including races, freestyle exhibitions, and sponsor appearances for Firestone and Summit Racing Equipment, among others. To follow Larry and his teammates, log on to the team’s online home at www.Bigfoot4x4.com to view a complete online schedule. You can also check-out news updates, photos, videos, and an all-new online store!

Believe it or not, some promoters put together automotive entertainment shows without monster trucks. Arizona’s own Grand Canyon State Promotions has done demo derby shows and freestyle motocross shows, but never monster trucks. That is, until now. On April 15th, the last day of the 2012 Maricopa County Fair, the young promoter ventured into monster trucks. The lineup included: Travis Sturges in 1/2 Pint, brother Ronnie in Nasty Boy and their Uncle Sam in Unnamed & Untamed. There was also Murphy McCorey driving El Perro Loco and New Mexico’s own Jack Koberna in Tuff Enuff.

Both shows saw Chicago style racing. To open the afternoon show, Nasty Boy defeated 1/2 Pint in Round 1. Due to a lack of available fast loser, the 1940 Willys got a bye into the finals. El Perro Loco, who had had a bye run the round before, faced Tuff Enuff for the right to face Nasty Boy in the finals. The 30 year veteran Jack Koberna crossed the line first, but lost due to failing to get both front tires up the ramp on the final jump. In the finale, it was neck and neck until the crazy dog’s tail washed out on him, giving Nasty Boy the win. Freestyle saw great runs from all. Sadly, Tuff Enuff was finished for the weekend only two jumps in due to a blown motor. After several tries at a cheer off, it was Sturges walking away with the win, Sam and Unnamed, that is.

The evening show saw Nasty Boy chain El Perro Loco to advance into the finals again, this time facing teammate 1/2 Pint in a rematch from the afternoon. This time around, Travis put Nasty Boy in the naughty corner with a win to close racing for the weekend. But the night’s action was far from over. Having been plagued by ignition problems all day, Sam still impressed his home state fans with wheelies and fine air. But 1/2 Pint had the biggest air of the day on several of the big jumps on the floor, long wheelies and plenty of speed. All of those moves were more than enough to become the only double winner of the weekend. It was truly an amazing weekend for the home state team; as every member of the team took home at least one trophy. With a nearly full crowd, a good field of competitors and a well built track, the future looks promising for Grand Canyon State Promotions.

Throughout the weekend, there had been an exhibition showcasing tough trucks racing special off road vehicles called tom cars, all supplied by a local Ford dealer. And the Boogie Monster ride truck gave rides to all who wanted one before and after every performance. Next stop for us at “The Allen Report” is Firebird International Raceway where some of the biggest names who play the game will throw down to see which one of them can freestyle best on the unforgiving drag strip. Until then, thank you for reading, thanks to everyone at Grand Canyon State Promotions for their hospitality, enjoy the photos and cheer on!

All content copyright TheMonsterBlog.com 2012.

Lineup: Avenger (Jim Koehler), Bounty Hunter (JR McNeal), Ice Cream Man (Scott Sweat), Tail Gator (Doug Noelke), Toxic (Travis Petri), Wrecking Crew (Steve Koehler)

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All content copyright TheMonsterBlog.com 2012.

Piloting his trusty E3 Spark Plugs BIGFOOT #15, Long delivered knock-out racing performances for virtually the entire indoor racing season, rarely yielding in his quest for victory, even to teammate Darron Schnell in the Vi-Cor/Celmanax BIGFOOT #11. Schnell, in his rookie year of Monster Nationals indoor competition, finished the season in second place in side-by-side racing. Long’s points total of 1150 was followed by Schnell’s 875 and veteran Bobby Holman, in the Lucas Oil Stabilizer, rounding out the top three with 800 points.

Rick Long will finish his full time driving career in style, winning his third straight Monster Nationals Racing Championship.

The Monster Nationals tour began in the mid-1990′s and from the get-go has primarily served as the premiere non-dirt indoor racing league for the monster truck industry. As many venues prefer not to have thousands of cubic yards of dirt brought into their facility, the Monster Nationals tour has thrived in its niche as a non-dirt series. What this means in essence is that the trucks and drivers do not have the luxury of a dirt starting line, dirt ramps to launch off of, or dirt pads on which to land. This translates to some pretty wild racing passes, punctuated with big air launches and exciting landings in the shut-down area, all of which requires a monster truck driver to develop an entirely different skill set than required by a dirt event! And, just for the sake of variety, the series organizers will from time to time include one or more dirt events at some point in the season, just to shake things up a bit for the drivers and crew.

Long, who now stands poised to retire from his full-time driving role at BIGFOOT, was quick to point out that his third successful run at the Monster Nationals racing crown was a team effort first and foremost: “It really was all about operating like a team, from the shop to the shows. Having Darron [Schnell] and his truck running with me all winter was really great. We were able to help each other out in the pits, bouncing ideas off each other and such. That’s a big part of why both BIGFOOT trucks ended up in the finals so many times!”

Long went on to explain that “Every truck on the Monster Nationals tour runs very hard, so in turn we have to run our trucks hard to beat them. And, of course, that makes it hard on Bryan [Bertoletti], John [Peterson], and Chris [Ludwig] in the shop as those guys have to help us get these trucks repaired and back on the road in just a day or two each week between events. Even Nick [Dvorchak] in our paint and body shop had his hands full with us this year, so they all deserve a lot of credit, because, without them, we wouldn’t run or look great at each of the events.”

Speculation about Long’s actual date of retirement from full-time driving has run rampant in the past several weeks, although by all accounts Long’s final event behind the wheel of BIGFOOT #15 may be at the Toughest Monster Truck Tour invitational in Erie, PA April 27th and 28th. Although Rick’s fans will be sorry to see him step out of the seat, they should expect to see him on the road occasionally, filling in for his teammates, and possibly even training new drivers! However, regardless of where his career takes him from here, Long can definitely enjoy the fact that he stepped down on top as a four-time champion behind the wheel of the world’s most famous monster truck, BIGFOOT.

For more information on Team BIGFOOT, visit them online at www.Bigfoot4x4.com.

“With VP Racing Fuels, it’s all about winning, and that’s what we plan on doing here at Mountaineer Motorsports,” said Jon Zimmer who recently took home both freestyle wins in Binghamton, New York in his first weekend behind the wheel of the XXX State of Destruction truck.

Mountaineer Motorsports has had a big week, welcoming Jon Zimmer, Excaliber and VP Racing Fuels to the team.

“VP Racing Fuels’ M5 methanol is designed for a faster combustion speed which ultimately means more power and performance. Our trucks are designed and built to win and take abuse, and with VP Racing Fuels running through the motors, I know that our trucks can take anything that RB Moler and I can dish out to them,” continued Zimmer.

West Virginia Mountaineer driver, RB Moler, is extremely happy to welcome VP Racing Fuels and said, “We’re going to be a team to watch for turning a lot of heads. We have a good group of guys and are looking forward to really Makin’ Power with VP Racing Fuels!”

Learn more about VP Racing Fuels at www.VPRacingFuels.com! Also for more about Mountaineer Motorsports and the Excaliber and West Virginia Mountaineer monster trucks, visit www.MountaineerMotorsports.com and “like” them on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/MountaineerMotorsports!

• Montreal, Quebec – Olympic Stadium – 04/21/12

  Truck/Driver Lineup:
  

  Bad Habit – Joe Sylvester
  Black Stallion – Mike Vaters
  Bounty Hunter – JR McNeal
  Crushstation – Greg Winchenbach
  Firestone Bigfoot #15 – Rick Long
  Higher Education – Jimmy Tracey
  Hurricane Force – Steven Thompson
  Ice Cream Man – Scott Sweat
  Iron Warrior – Trey Meyers
  Raminator – Mark Hall
  Rammunition – Mat Dishman
  Storm Damage – Tim Mente

  Saturday Night – Wheelie Contest:

  Bounty Hunter – JR McNeal

  Saturday Night – Racing:

  Bounty Hunter – JR McNeal

  Saturday Night – Freestyle:

  Black Stallion – Mike Vaters

MONSTER TRUCK GRAND NATIONALS – Checkered Flag Productions

• Pocatello, Idaho – ISU Holt Arena – 04/21/12

  Truck/Driver Lineup:
  

  Bar’s Leaks Eliminator – Greg Adams
  Bigfoot Bad Boy #16 – Larry Swim
  Bounty Hunter – Darren Migues
  California Kid – BJ Johnson
  Daredevil – Corey Schlichler
  Formula 1-noni Iron Horse – Rob French
  Ghost Ryder – Larry Quick
  Rislone Defender – Zach Adams
  Rock Star – Bill Payne
  Wildfire – Chris Rogers

  Saturday Night – Wheelie Contest:

  Rock Star – Bill Payne

  Saturday Night – Racing:

  Rock Star – Bill Payne

  Saturday Night – Freestyle:

  Rock Star – Bill Payne

MONSTER TRUCK SHOW – WGAS Motorsports

• Puyallup, Washington – Puyallup Spring Fair – 04/20/12

  Truck/Driver Lineup:
  

  Bounty Hunter – Darren Migues
  Captain USA – Travis Groth
  Destroyer – Roger Stidell
  Double Trouble – Tyler Groth
  Fired Up – Chris Tjernagel
  Play’n 4 Keeps – Tony Canedo
  Red Baron – Matt Brokaw
  Time Flys – Kelvin Ramer

  Friday Night – Racing:

  Destroyer – Roger Stidell

  Friday Night – Freestyle:

  Tie – Bounty Hunter – Darren Migues
  Tie – Play’n 4 Keeps – Tony Canedo

MONSTER JAM – Feld Entertainment

• Ocala, Florida – Bubba Raceway Park – 04/20-22/12

  Truck/Driver Lineup:
  

  Grave Digger – Chad Tingler
  Grinder – Frank Krmel
  Gun Slinger – Scott Hartsock
  Mohawk Warrior – George Balhan
  Monster Mutt Dalmation – Candace Jolly
  Stone Crusher – Morgan Kane

  Friday Night – Wheelie Contest:

  Mohawk Warrior – George Balhan

  Friday Night – Racing:

  Mohawk Warrior – George Balhan

  Friday Night – Donut Contest:

  Grave Digger – Chad Tingler

  Friday Night – Freestyle:

  Grave Digger – Chad Tingler

  Saturday Afternoon – Wheelie Contest:

  Mohawk Warrior – George Balhan

  Saturday Afternoon – Racing:

  Grinder – Frank Krmel

  Saturday Afternoon – Donut Contest:

  Monster Mutt Dalmation – Candace Jolly

  Saturday Afternoon – Freestyle:

  Grave Digger – Chad Tingler

  Saturday Night – Wheelie Contest:

  Grave Digger – Chad Tingler

  Saturday Night – Racing:

  Grave Digger – Chad Tingler

  Saturday Night – Donut Contest:

  Monster Mutt Dalmation – Candace Jolly

  Saturday Night – Freestyle:

  Grinder – Frank Krmel

  Sunday Afternoon – Wheelie Contest:

  Grave Digger – Chad Tingler

  Sunday Afternoon – Racing:

  Grave Digger – Chad Tingler

  Sunday Afternoon – Donut Contest:

  Mohawk Warrior – George Balhan

  Sunday Afternoon – Freestyle:

  Stone Crusher – Morgan Kane

• Fresno, California – Fresno Fairgrounds – 04/20-22/12

  Truck/Driver Lineup:
  

  El Toro Loco – Aaron Basl
  Grave Digger – Pablo Huffaker
  Lucas Oil Crusader – Linsey Weenk
  Obsessed – Rick Swanson
  Shocker – Pat Gerber
  Wolverine – Alex Blackwell

  Friday Night – Wheelie Contest:

  Lucas Oil Crusader – Linsey Weenk

  Friday Night – Racing:

  Lucas Oil Crusader – Linsey Weenk

  Friday Night – Freestyle:

  Wolverine – Alex Blackwell

  Saturday Night – Wheelie Contest:

  Lucas Oil Crusader – Linsey Weenk

  Saturday Night – Racing:

  Lucas Oil Crusader – Linsey Weenk

  Saturday Night – Freestyle:

  Grave Digger – Pablo Huffaker

  Sunday Afternoon – Wheelie Contest:

  Lucas Oil Crusader – Linsey Weenk

  Sunday Afternoon – Racing:

  Lucas Oil Crusader – Linsey Weenk

  Sunday Afternoon – Freestyle:

  Grave Digger – Pablo Huffaker

NAPA MONSTER TRUCK NATIONALS – Firebird International Raceway

• Chandler, Arizona – Firebird International Raceway – 04/21-22/12

  Truck/Driver Lineup:
  

  Avenger – Jim Koehler
  Bounty Hunter – Jimmy Creten
  Brutus – Chris Bergeron
  Iron Outlaw – Ben Winslow
  Summit Bigfoot #18 – Dan Runte
  Unnamed & Untamed – Sam Sturges

  Saturday Night – Wheelie Contest:

  Bounty Hunter – Jimmy Creten

  Saturday Night – Donut Contest:

  Bounty Hunter – Jimmy Creten

  Saturday Night – Freestyle:

  Bounty Hunter – Jimmy Creten

  Sunday Afternoon – Wheelie/Donut Contest:

  Brutus – Chris Bergeron

  Sunday Afternoon – Freestyle:

  Brutus – Chris Bergeron

MONSTER TRUCK THUNDER SLAM – AMP Live Events

• Binghampton, New York – Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena – 04/20-21/12

  Truck/Driver Lineup:
  

  Thrasher – Pat Summa
  Toxic – Travis Petri
  Triple XXX – Jon Zimmer
  Viper – Rich Blackburne
  West Virginia Mountaineer – R.B. Moler

  Friday Night – Wheelie Contest:

  Toxic – Travis Petri

  Friday Night – Racing:

  Toxic – Travis Petri

  Friday Night – Freestyle:

  Triple XXX – Jon Zimmer

  Saturday Night – Wheelie Contest:

  Triple XXX – Jon Zimmer

  Saturday Night – Racing:

  Toxic – Travis Petri

  Saturday Night – Freestyle:

  Triple XXX – Jon Zimmer

LONE STAR MONSTER TRUCK TOUR – Lone Star Promotions

• Graham, Texas – Young County Expo Center – 04/20-21/12

  Truck/Driver Lineup:
  

  Desperado – Drew Haygood
  Monkey’N Around – Steven Hill
  Outlaw – Michael Harper
  Outtacontrol – Orville Hill
  Strait Jacket – Kevin King

  Friday Night – Wheelie Contest:

  Monkey’N Around – Steven Hill

  Friday Night – Racing:

  Monkey’N Around – Steven Hill

  Friday Night – Freestyle:

  Monkey’N Around – Steven Hill

  Saturday Night – Wheelie Contest:

  Desperado – Drew Haygood

  Saturday Night – Racing:

  Outlaw – Michael Harper

  Saturday Night – Freestyle:

  Outlaw – Michael Harper