Monster Truck Radio 10/10/11 – Ben Winslow & Ross Bonar

Monster Truck Radio With Host Jeff Richards
Date: Monday, October 10th, 2011
Guest #1: Ben Winslow, driver of Bounty Hunter
Guest #2: Ross Bonar, owner/operator of TheMonsterBlog.com [Read more…]

TMB TV: Highlights – Outlaw Monster Truck Spectacular – Rolla, MO 2011

Event: Outlaw Monster Truck Spectacular
Venue: Phelps County Fairgrounds
Location: Rolla, Missouri
Date: October 8th, 2011
Videographer: Ross Z. Bonar

Lineup: Bounty Hunter (Ben Winslow), Ground Pounder (Chris Ryan), Michigan Ice Monster (Chris Lagana), Viper (Rich Blackburne) [Read more…]

Monster Photos: Outlaw Monster Truck Spectacular – Rolla, MO 2011

Event: Outlaw Monster Truck Spectacular
Venue: Phelps County Fairgrounds
Location: Rolla, Missouri
Date: October 8th, 2011
Photographer: Danny Maass

Lineup: Bounty Hunter (Ben Winslow), Ground Pounder (Chris Ryan), Michigan Ice Monster (Chris Lagana), Viper (Rich Blackburne) [Read more…]

The Allen Report: Maverik Clash of the Titans – Rocky Mountain Raceway 2011

(Coverage By Christopher Allen, Photos By Jim Allen)

This year at the Maverik Clash of the Titans in West Valley City, Utah’s at the always impressive Rocky Mountain Raceways, all four members of Jimmy Creten’s team made the trip. Jimmy would drive Bounty, and his wife Dawn piloted Scarlet Bandit. Darren Migues took the helm of Red Baron on a brand new chassis appearing in public for only the second time. Finally, Ben “Bobo” Winslow drove Iron Outlaw. The opposition consisted of Daron Basl of El Matador with David Smith in King Krunch in tow, Dan Runte driving Summit Bigfoot #16 and Larry Swim driving Snake Bite #14. Rounding out the field was Roger Stidell in Captain USA and hometown hero Ron Doncombe in the Maverik Monster Trakker.

The raceway’s signature figure 8 racing made for some interesting and wild finishes. The four semi-finalists were both halves of Team Bigfoot and one half of 2Xtreme Racing, both husband and wife Creten. Number one qualifier Bigfoot stomped on Bounty Hunter in the first semi-final and Scarlet Bandit took down Snake Bite in the other. In the 2 lap finale, Dan schooled Dawn at the line and never looked back, taking his third straight racing title at RMR.

Racing was followed by the wheelie contest, in which Larry in Snake Bite held the lead most of the competition, but it came down to the racing and freestyle winners from last year. Dan and Bigfoot scored an excellent 9.6 out of 10.0 but Jimmy Creten put the competition in his back pocket with a score of 9.95. Dan and Jimmy were looking to defend those titles on Sunday.

On the second and final day, Bigfoot picked up where he left off, taking the number one spot in qualifying with teammate Snake Bite right behind him. These two would then march right through the bracket to meet in an all Team Bigfoot double lap final. With all eyes on the finish line, both drivers ran hard, but Dan and Bigfoot retained his Racing Title from last year.

Unlike the previous night, the drivers had two minutes of freestyle time. Darren Migues and Red Baron took an early lead, but Jimmy and Bounty Hunter were ready. A combination of huge air, high speed and a three wheeled cyclone ensured there was no taking away his freestyle championship he won a year ago.

In other action, Idaho Falls’ own Ron Barrows gave rides to all fans who wanted one in his Thumper ride truck. To find out where they are performing, check out www.rideamonster.com. Until next time, thank you for reading, enjoy the photos and cheer on!

All content copyright TheMonsterBlog.com 2011.

Monster Photos: Monster Truck Summer Throwdown – Monroe, MI 2011

Event: Monster Truck Summer Throwdown
Venue: Monroe County Fairgrounds
Location: Monroe, Michigan
Date: August 5th, 2011
Photographer: Paul M. Harry

Lineup: Amsoil Shock Therapy (Jon Zimmer), Avenger (Jim Koehler), Bounty Hunter (Ben Winslow), Brutus (Chris Bergeron), Excaliber (Kevin Koszala), High Maintenance (Jocelyn Perrin) [Read more…]

Monster Spectacular Tour Update – Red Baron Rocks Regina

(Ottawa, Ontario – By Doug De Nance) – The mystery man who drives the truck that reigns supreme in Canada supremely entertained Monster Spectacular fans in Regina when he not only tore off his mask, but tore up his truck during a most spectacular monster truck racing win.

During the VIP pre-show pit party, the Red Baron kept his red and white Luchador mask firmly in place, refusing to speak to the fans one on one or to them all on the microphone. When asked how he planned to win racing he simply held his arm up in an arc, demonstrating that he would make Red Baron fly over the cars. The incognito driver had more in common with the lucha libre wrestlers than just the mask. That heavily muscled arm he used to predict his racing win strained the seams of his black fire suit as the Canadian Champion signed autographs and had photos taken. But his personality remained an enigma to Monster Spectacular fans and officials alike.

One man who was anything but a mystery was Jimmy Creten. The 2005 World Monster Truck Freestyle Champion had come in second in racing at the world finals a few months ago and was out to prove he should have been first. Tearing through racing bracket after racing bracket since, Jimmy was driving Bounty Hunter to win after racing win. When asked if he would win tonight, he was respectful to his fellow drivers, but confident he would make history repeat itself.

As is historically the case, Creten edged out a win in the Monster Truck Wheelie contest, but had his toughest challenge from Red Baron. The Canadian Champion, hit a fantastic” timber” wheelie, standing the 10,000 pound truck straight up on the wheelie bar jammed the brakes to cause the truck to stop at the 120’clock position and slowly fall back to earth. However, as Baron goosed the throttle the truck lurched into a bicycle onto the two passenger side wheels but he drove out easily to a stop.

 

Jimmy Creten took the wheelie contest win in the Bounty Hunter.

They say history repeats itself. In the finals, that was the case for the Red Baron, but not for Jimmy Creten. Red Baron had to race his way to the finals through the monster truck straight ahead drag racing brackets, beating Don Frankish in Maniac (in what may well be his final year after 21 years on the monster truck circuit), as well as Frankish’s team mate Nathan Weenk, back behind the wheel of Jurassic Attack after spending that last few years racing in the Canadian Nascar series (Weenk calls that style of racing a “traffic jam at 120 mph”). While Creten had a buy into the second round, he still had to defeat Barry Parkin and Western Renegade to get to the final.

With the two finalists at the line, the tension began to build. Creten backed off of the line and then roared the massive engine of Bounty Hunter to spin all four tires trying to warm up the rubber for some extra traction on the slippery cement surface of the Brandt Center. Not to be outdone, Red Barron did the same thing. Then Creten repeated the action and the Red Baron reciprocated. If Creten was trying to play a mind game, the Red Baron was giving as good as he was getting. Finally the track official staged the two trucks and the final race was about to go green.

The trucks looked like mirror images of each other, not only because they are Ford Expeditions, but because as they hit the cars, both trucks titled to the outside of the car stacks as they soared though the air. Both trucks landed on the outside two wheels virtually simultaneously at the end of the car stacks. But that is where the mirror image was shattered. Creten bounced back and forth, but somehow managed to stop with the rubber side down. Not so for the Red Baron. The truck rocked back and forth and then was headed straight for Maniac who was pitted on the floor. To avoid a head on crash, the Baron cranked the wheel catapulting the truck onto its side and then its roof. Sliding across the floor, the Baron slammed into Frankish’s front passenger side tire, caving in his front quarter panel in the process. The impact into Maniac stopped the upside down Red Baron dead in his tracks, slamming the Baron violently in his seat against the 5 point harness.

 

WILD ride for the Red Baron as Ben Winslow takes the racing victory.

A hush fell over the arena as fans waited to see if the Baron would emerge from the upside down truck. After what seemed an eternity, the Baron slowed inched his way out through the driver side window and stood woozily waving to the crowd. The roar of the crowd all but drowned out the announcement that the Red Baron had defeated Jimmy Creten. Once again Bounty Hunter had come in second, while the Red Baron stole the win and the hearts of the fans.

During the intermission VIP pit party fan after fan requested to see the Baron, but the mystery driver was busy in the pits seeing if he could resurrect the Red Baron truck for monster truck freestyle. While he was unable to do that, he did something extra special for the VIP fans at the post show pit party. He arrived on the scene sans mask, letting these fans see that Ben “Bo Bo” Winslow was the man behind the mystery that is the Red Baron.

Fans always receive something special at a Monster Spectacular show. They can have VIP treatment at the exclusive pit parties, they get to meet the man behind the mask of Red Baron and they are dazzled by motorsports entertainment like a motorcycle freestyle extravaganza featuring both sport bikes and FMX. What something special will you receive? Find out at the next Monster Spectacular show in your area. Check the schedule at www.MonsterSpectacular.com and then get your tickets now.

Video of the Week – 04/30/11

Week Ending: April 30th, 2011
Truck(s) Featured: Bounty Hunter (Jimmy Creten), Red Baron (Ben Winslow)
Video Type: Fan Video
Courtesy: www.YouTube.com

Description: Wild final round race between 2Xtreme Racing teammates Jimmy Creten and Ben Winslow gets wild, as Red Baron wins the race and flips onto its lid.

Monster Photos – Monster Jam – Indianapolis, IN 2011

Monster Jam made its annual visit to downtown Indianapolis last weekend as 14 trucks competed in racing and freestyle at the beautiful new palace that is Lucas Oil Stadium. Fittingly, it was Monster Jam driver Linsey Weenk who took the big racing win in Feld’s new Lucas Oil sponsored truck, the Crusader. Freestyle would see strong runs from several drivers but when defending Freestyle World Champion Charlie Pauken is on his game, there is no stopping the Grave Digger as Chuckie took the big win.

IMG_2381

TMB was out in force for the big event in Indy as Chris Parrish, Paul Harry and Michael Harry were all shooting photos. Check out the links below to see all of their great work and a big thanks to all the guys for their efforts!

Photos By Chris Parrish

Photos By Paul M. Harry

Photos By Michael Harry

Monster Photos – Monster Jam – Indianapolis, IN 2011

Event: Monster Jam
Venue: Lucas Oil Stadium
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Date: January 29th, 2011
Photographer: Michael Harry

Lineup: Air Force Afterburner (Damon Bradshaw), Bad Habit (Joe Sylvester), Black Stallion (Mike Vaters), Bounty Hunter (Jimmy Creten), Dragon’s Breath (Becky McDonough), Grave Digger (Charlie Pauken), Ground Pounder (Chris Ryan), Iron Outlaw (Ben Winslow), Iron Warrior (Trey Meyers), Lucas Oil Crusader (Linsey Weenk), Maximum Destruction (Tom Meents), Michigan Ice Monster (Chris Lagana), Rap Attack (Dave Rappach), Superman (Chad Fortune) [Read more…]

Monster Photos – Monster Jam – Indianapolis, IN 2011

Event: Monster Jam
Venue: Lucas Oil Stadium
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Date: January 29th, 2011
Photographer: Paul M. Harry

Lineup: Air Force Afterburner (Damon Bradshaw), Bad Habit (Joe Sylvester), Black Stallion (Mike Vaters), Bounty Hunter (Jimmy Creten), Dragon’s Breath (Becky McDonough), Grave Digger (Charlie Pauken), Ground Pounder (Chris Ryan), Iron Outlaw (Ben Winslow), Iron Warrior (Trey Meyers), Lucas Oil Crusader (Linsey Weenk), Maximum Destruction (Tom Meents), Michigan Ice Monster (Chris Lagana), Rap Attack (Dave Rappach), Superman (Chad Fortune) [Read more…]

Monster Photos – Monster Jam – Indianapolis, IN 2011

Event: Monster Jam
Venue: Lucas Oil Stadium
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Date: January 29th, 2011
Photographer: Chris Parrish

Lineup: Air Force Afterburner (Damon Bradshaw), Bad Habit (Joe Sylvester), Black Stallion (Mike Vaters), Bounty Hunter (Jimmy Creten), Dragon’s Breath (Becky McDonough), Grave Digger (Charlie Pauken), Ground Pounder (Chris Ryan), Iron Outlaw (Ben Winslow), Iron Warrior (Trey Meyers), Lucas Oil Crusader (Linsey Weenk), Maximum Destruction (Tom Meents), Michigan Ice Monster (Chris Lagana), Rap Attack (Dave Rappach), Superman (Chad Fortune) [Read more…]

TMB TV: Highlights – Monster X Tour – Cincinnati, OH 2011

Event: Monster X Tour
Venue: US Bank Arena
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Date: January 7th-8th, 2011
Videographer: Colby Marshall

Lineup: Bearfoot (Chris Guzman), Black Knight (“Hillbilly”), Bounty Hunter (Ben Winslow), Crushstation (Greg Winchenbach), El Bandito (Brian Kiehne), Ghost Ryder (Larry Quick) [Read more…]

Monster Photos – Monster X Tour – Cincinnati, OH 2011

Event: Monster X Tour
Venue: US Bank Arena
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Date: January 7th-8th, 2011
Photographer: Ross Z. Bonar

Lineup: Bearfoot (Chris Guzman), Black Knight (“Hillbilly”), Bounty Hunter (Ben Winslow), Crushstation (Greg Winchenbach), El Bandito (Brian Kiehne), Ghost Ryder (Larry Quick) [Read more…]

TMB TV Episode 3.10 – Pontiac, MI

Event: Monster Truck Fall Shootout
Venue: Pontiac Silverdome
Location: Pontiac, Michigan
Date: November 13th, 2010
Host: Ross Z. Bonar
Videographers: Colby Marshall, Kaedon Berry, Chris Parrish

Lineup: Airborne Ranger (Joe Cypher), Bar’s Leaks Eliminator (Greg Adams), Big Dawg (Dale Gerding), Bounty Hunter (Ben Winslow), Raminator (Mark Hall), Rammunition (Mat Dishman), Rislone Defender (Zach Adams), Shell Camino (Shelley Kujat), Tail Gator (Doug Noelke), Virginia Giant (Diehl Wilson), War Wagon (Andy Hoffman) [Read more…]

Monster Truck Fall Shootout – Pontiac, MI – 11/13/10

Event:  Monster Truck Fall Shootout
Venue:  Pontiac Silverdome
Location:  Pontiac, Michigan
Date:  November 13th, 2010
Photographer:  Paul M. Harry

Lineup: Airborne Ranger (Joe Cypher), Bar’s Leaks Eliminator (Greg Adams), Big Dawg (Dale Gerding), Bounty Hunter (Ben Winslow), Raminator (Mark Hall), Rammunition (Mat Dishman), Rislone Defender (Zach Adams), Shell Camino (Shelley Kujat), Tail Gator (Doug Noelke), Virginia Giant (Diehl Wilson), War Wagon (Andy Hoffman) [Read more…]