Green Mamba Jet Car Meltdown Footage

TMB spent this past weekend hanging out at the big All Star Motorsports Productions Mud Mania & Night of Fire Thrill Show at Golden Isles Speedway in Brunswick, Georgia. Featured at the event was the legendary Doug Rose and his Green Mamba jet car as he burnt a Chevy Suburban to the ground in an incredible display of raw fire-breathing power. TMB was able to capture this awesome exhibition and we present here footage of a true legend of motorsports thrilling a great crowd in Georgia. Special thanks to Bryan Wagner and the All Star crew for a great time this weekend!!

Firebird Raceway NAPA Monster Truck Nationals Coverage

TMB coverage has been a staple at Firebird International Raceway over the last 5 years and this year is no different as we present to you coverage from this past April’s NAPA Monster Truck Nationals!! Our awesome contributors Jim and Chris Allen were on hand to provide the great write-ups and amazing photos from each show. In addition, our own Lauren & Lynette Bonar attended the Saturday event to bring you more great video coverage from one of the southwest’s biggest events. So read on below to enjoy Christopher Allen’s great recap from the events:

“There once was a time in the monster truck racing sport when if you broke, you did not bother to try and fix it in time for the next round. Once that happened, you could just load your truck on the trailer and go on home. The fans would have known you with the dreaded words “out for the night”. Then came freestyle and this was less often the case. But, as we will see, the words “out for the night” are not in the dictionary of “Team Scream”, especially when they are competing at Firebird International Raceway in Chandler, Arizona for the annual NAPA Auto Parts Monster Truck Nationals.

The participants, along with Avenger and Brutus driven by Jim Koehler and Chris Bergeron, were Dan Runte and Bigfoot #16, Jimmy Creten and Bounty Hunter, Firebird regulars Travis Sturges filling in for Uncle Sam Sturges in Unnamed and Untamed, brother Ronnie driving Nasty Boy, and returning to Firebird were Mike Hawkins in Equalizer after a couple years away, along with teammate Isaiah Morales in Hot Tamale.

Following some 300 mph jet car action, exciting introductions and an Independence Day rivaling fireworks show, was the long jump competition. Hot Tamale was the opener and made a nice jump, slightly tagging the freestyle van stack just off the landing. Nasty Boy, more known for wheelies, didn’t quite make the distance. Then came Brutus. He just didn’t make it in the actual jump, but then tried to make up for it by attacking the tire pyramid, but when he did, disaster struck. To find out how, check out the video coverage and photos! Following Brutus’ clearing of the track, Unnamed & Untamed, Equalizer, Avenger and Bigfoot each tried and failed to beat Hot Tamale, but then came Bounty Hunter. He easily made the distance, then ran into the van stack but saved it to take the win.

Freestyle is often the “Main Event” of monster truck shows, and tonight was no different. Each driver put his truck’s major horsepower to the ground to out-perform the next guy. Mr. Runte is always a potential winner at Firebird and got a near-perfect score of 29. Then the shocker of the night came with the return of Brutus, having been fixed just in the nick of time. Showing no mercy, the other half of the loudest interviewees in the sport hit literally every obstacle the track threw at him. With a perfect score of 30, all Mr. Creten could do was tie. And that is exactly what he did.

The announcer then got word that since there cannot be co-winners in the race to get a highest total score for the weekend to become the year’s undisputed champion, it was decided that the showdown Firebird fans long deserved would occur the next day. With one wild, rabid dog in one corner and a hard to beat old west tracker in the other, Sunday might very well see the greatest throw-down in Firebird history.

The NAPA Monster Truck Nationals employs an interesting championship crowning system each year. The distance in the long jump is calculated with the scores in freestyle and whoever has the highest distance-score combination wins, and that driver has been Jimmy Creten and Bounty Hunter several times as of recent memory. But there was another driver, Chris Bergeron and Brutus, who also scored a perfect 30 on Saturday night, making this war arguably Jimmy’s greatest Firebird challenge yet.

Unique to Firebird Raceway is the challenge of having to watch out for swarms of bees around the facility. A slight bee attack delayed the show about half an hour, making the monster truck drivers’ job even harder, but they did not disappoint. Bounty Hunter made the first jump in the jump off contest look easy. Truck after truck came after him only to fall short. Then came a fired up Jim Kohler with Avenger that had two things on his mind: slowing down Brutus and beating Bounty Hunter. After he made the jump that looked almost identical to Jim Creten’s, the fans knew this was going to be close heading into the finale, the winner take all freestyle.

The first freestyle is always a challenge but the Bounty Hunter driver showed he did not fear anyone who followed, if his freestyle, which was worth a 28 point score, said anything. The remaining headliners, Avenger and Bigfoot must have been paying attention, because they showed no mercy, either. But when it was all said and done, Jimmy and Bounty Hunter, with three wins and one tie, overall never finishing out of the top two all weekend, was declared the undisputed monster truck champion of the 2010 NAPA Monster Truck Nationals.

Hopefully, Firebird Raceway fans went away with some new memories and even some new fans of the monster truck racing sport were made. The bee attack notwithstanding, another great show at the historic race track is in the books.” – Coverage By Chris Allen

Thanks again to Christopher for the great write-up of this year’s event. Now click the links below to see Jim Allen’s incredible photos from the event and also Lynette Bonar’s great video coverage. Thanks to all our TMB’ers for the great job out in Firebird this year.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW JIM ALLEN’S FIREBIRD RACEWAY PHOTO GALLERY

CLICK HERE TO VIEW LYNETTE BONAR’S FIREBIRD VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

TMB TV Episode 3.4 Featuring Monsters on the Beach

The second episode in our four straight weeks of TMB TV is now online as we present our first ever Monsters on the Beach coverage!! No doubt one of the most unique settings for monster truck racing in all the world, the action on beautiful Virginia Beach does not disappoint. Catch all the fun in the sand from 4 action-packed shows featuring big names like Stone Crusher, Gun Slinger, Crushstation and more battling it out in both side-by-side straight line drag racing and the fan favorite freestyle competition!

Monsters on the Beach was one easily one of the most fun shows TMB has ever been part of! A huge thanks goes out to George Carpenter, Mike West, Beach Street USA, and all the teams for making this such a one of a kind experience.

All the action is just a click away, we hope you enjoy and we’ll see you again next week for another all new episode of TMB TV.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH TMB TV EPISODE 3.4 FEATURING MONSTERS ON THE BEACH

Team Beast to Display at Prelude to the Dream

Team Beast will be making a very special appearance at the Gillette Fusion ProGlide Prelude to the Dream this Wednesday, June 9th at the historic Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio. The Lucas Oil Stabilizer truck & driver Bobby Holman will be on hand along with a mystery truck with a very special driver to help celebrate the evening’s festivities.

Wednesday night’s 6th Annual Prelude to the Dream is a charitable event that donates to four of the nation’s top children’s hospitals. The race is filled with top names from various motorsports including Eldora Speedway owner Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson from NASCAR, Tony Kanaan from Indycar, Ron Capps and Cruz Pegregon from the NHRA and motorcycle legends Travis Pastrana and Ricky Carmichael, along with many other stars.

The Prelude to the Dream is available for fans to view live from home through HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 7:00PM Eastern Wednesday night. Ordering information can be found at www.PreludetotheDream.org, while more event info can be found at www.EldoraSpeedway.com.

Wednesday’s special appearance by Team Beast will be to help promote “Monster Trucks at Eldora”, a special event being held Saturday, August 7th in conjunction with Outlaw Monster Trucks. Both Team Beast trucks are scheduled to compete, along with Amsoil Shock Therapy, Excaliber, Predator and Prowler. For more information on the Lucas Oil Stabilizer and Team Beast, fans are encouraged to check out their website at www.TeamBeast-Werx.com.

1st Annual Jesse “Twig” Barden Memorial Benefit To Be Held June 26th

(Mazeppa, MN) The first annual Jesse “Twig” Barden Memorial Benefit is being held Saturday, June 26th in Mazeppa, Minnesota at Leo’s Sports Bar. The event will include a Motorcycle & Classic Car Fun Run, Silent Auction, Dinner, Music, Door Prizes a display by the Xtreme Eagle monster truck and much more.

Jesse Robert “Twig” Barden, age 23, of Mazeppa, MN / Elizabeth City, NC, died in a jet ski accident on June 29, 2009 in North Carolina. Jesse enjoyed many things with family and friends, but ultimately he lived his dream by working in the world of Professional Monster Truck Racing. Starting from Track Crew at age 16 and working his way up to crew chief duties for Monster Jam’s Air Force Afterburner and driver Damon Bradshaw, Taz with Adam Anderson and Dennis Anderson’s Grave Digger in Europe, Jesse traveled the United States amd 18 European countries. Jesse earned several Monster Jam Awards, most recently, MVP & Crew Chief of the Year.

In honor of his life, in remembrance of his achievements, and with the hope to carrying on his vision, we invite you to be a part of our efforts in raising money for the “Jesse Barden Mechanic Scholarship Fund”, and the Make a Wish Foundation. Registration is $20 per person. This includes ride, which covers 120-150 miles ending back at Leo’s, memorial wrist band, dinner, door prizes, music, silent auction, Xtreme Eagle monster truck display & more!

For schedule updates and further information, please visit www.OurJesseBarden.Com. This is a “Rain or Shine” event. Those participating in fun run: Registration begins at 11:00 at Leo’s- return to Leo’s by 5:30. Silent Auction runs from 11am to 6pm. Food served from 5:30-7:00pm and music following.

If you wish to make a donation, please contact Joanne Barden at 507-250-2471, or through email at Joanne@ourjessebarden.com. Contact can also be made to Jesse’s sister, Charise Mehrkens at 507-250-1071, or by email at CnMehrkens@gmail.com. We are also accepting donations for the silent auction. More information can be found on www.OurJesseBarden.com.

Springdale, Akansas Monster X Tour Recap & Teasers

TMB was on hand to capture all the action from Danny Torgeson’s Monster X Tour’s first stop in Springdale, Arkansas in 2010. The weather was hot and the action was hotter as the legendary Bigfoot piloted by Dan Runte took on all of Team Scream including Avenger, Brutus, Spike, and Wrecking Crew in nightly wheelie, long jump, racing, and freestyle contests.

Night one started off strong as Chris Bergeron sent the snout of Brutus skyward, snagging the wheelie contest win. In the long jump competition, however, Mr. Excitement Jim Koehler lined up to the metal ramps and lofted Avenger up to grab the win. The racing set up was a tricky, Chicago style format over car-van-car stacks and the finals would come down to Bigfoot and Avenger. Showing his true knack for racing, Runte ousted the hard-charging Koehler for the Friday racing win. Freestyle would round out the night in Springdale as Koehler in Avenger would edge out both Runte in Bigfoot and teammate Chris Bergeron in Brutus.

The final show of the weekend was filled with more of the same great action. The wheelie contest would be taken by Runte in Bigfoot as he danced the rear tires of the truck all the way up and over the double van stack. The long jump competition would go to Steve Koehler in Wrecking Crew, as he just edged out Avenger and Bigfoot. Racing would get interesting as the finals, just as on Friday night, were set between Avenger and Bigfoot. Koehler snagged an impressive lead off the line and continued to hold on until the final turn when Avenger’s rear steer froze, ultimately preventing him from turning and allowing Runte and Bigfoot to power to the win. The final freestyle of the weekend was full of big air shots and donuts from Brutus and Bigfoot, but it wouldn’t be enough to top Jim Koehler’s momentum and wild cyclones in Avenger.

TMB was in full force in Springdale, so be on the lookout for a full photo gallery from Ross Z. Bonar as well as another edition of TMB-TV with footage from Colby Marshall and Kaedon Berry in the coming weeks. Thanks goes out to Danny Torgerson and the Monster X Tour crew for their hospitality, keep checking back for more coverage.

Hall Brothers Monster Truck Bodies For Sale

(Champaign, IL) Hall Brothers Racing has the new 2010/11 RAM HD body for sale. Both stock hood and extended hood versions are available. Headlight, taillight and grille decals are also available. In addition, several previous model used body parts are available, including cabs, hoods, bedsides, tailgates and bumpers.

Please contact Hall Brothers for a complete listing and pricing either by phone at (217) 643-6375 or through email at hallbrothersracing@earthlink.net.

TMB TV Episode 3.3 Featuring Springfield, MO 4-Wheel Jamboree

TMB TV is back as we begin an incredible 4 straight weeks of new episodes!! What better way to start it off than with the 2010 edition of the Springfield, Missouri 4 Wheel Jamboree. Watch some of the top trucks in the industry including Bigfoot, Raminator, and Avenger battle it out on the concrete in intense, side by side racing and freestyle competitions as they all vie for the early points lead in the 2010 Monster Truck Thunder Drags series. See new bodies from Team Bigfoot including the amazing “Retro-Foot” and Ms. Bigfoot and great new schemes for Raminator and Rammunition.

Thanks to everyone with the Family Events crew for their hospitality, as well as thanks to TMB’s Rajeana Bonar for the great footage. All the action of TMB TV Season 3, Episode 3 is only a click away!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW TMB TV EPISODE 3.3 FEATURING THE SPRINGFIELD, MO 4-WHEEL JAMBOREE

Monster Photos: O’Reilly Outlaw Nationals – Miami, OK 2013

Event Information

Event: O’Reilly Outlaw Nationals
Venue: Ottawa County Fairgrounds
Location: Miami, Oklahoma
Date: May 21st-22nd, 2010
Photographer: Ross Z. Bonar

Truck Lineup

Bad News Travels Fast (Bruce Haney), Barbarian (Devin Jones), Bearfoot (Mac Plecker), Cult Energy Activator (Sean Duhon), Equalizer (Mike Hawkins), Ground Pounder (Ben Winslow), Hot Tamale (Isaiah Morales)
[Read more…]

Monster Photos: 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals – Lima, OH 2010

Event Information

Event: 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals
Venue: Allen County Fairgrounds
Location: Lima, Ohio
Date: May 14th-16th, 2013
Photographer: Paul M. Harry

Truck Lineup

Airdog Diesel (Dave Radzierez), Avenger (Rich Hilgendorf), General Tire (Chris Bergeron), Holman’s Beast (Bobby Holman), Mrs. Bigfoot #11 (Amber Walker), Raminator (Mark Hall), Rammunition (Mat Dishman), Retro Bigfoot #16 (Dan Runte), Tail Gator (Doug Noelke)
[Read more…]

Monster Photos: Monsters on the Beach – Virginia Beach, VA 2010

Event Information

Event: Monsters on the Beach
Venue: Virginia Beach Boardwalk
Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Date: May 7th-9th, 2010
Photographer: Ross Z. Bonar

Truck Lineup

Bad Habit (Joe Sylvester), Crushstation (Greg Winchenbach), Grave Digger (Randy Brown), Gun Slinger (Scott Hartsock), Mopar Magic (Chris Baker), Stone Crusher (Steve Sims), Virginia Giant (Diehl Wilson)
[Read more…]

Monster Photos: 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals – Springfield, MO 2010

Event Information

Event: 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals
Venue: Missouri Events & Entertainment Center
Location: Springfield, Missouri
Date: May 1st-2nd, 2013
Photographer: Ross Z. Bonar

Truck Lineup

Avenger (Jim Koehler), General Tire (Chris Bergeron), Ms. Bigfoot #11 (Amber Walker), Raminator (Mark Hall), Rammunition (Geremie Dishman), Retro Bigfoot #16 (Dan Runte)
[Read more…]

Monster Photos: RPM Fest – LaPorte, IN 2009

Event: RPM Fest
Venue: LaPorte County Fairgrounds
Location: LaPorte, Indiana
Date: May 29th-31st, 2009
Photographer: Ross Z. Bonar

Lineup: Amsoil Shock Therapy (Jon Zimmer), Bar’s Leaks Eliminator (Greg Adams), Bounty Hunter (Jimmy Creten), Cult Energy Activator (Sean Duhon), Excaliber (Kristy Edge), Geter Done (Mitch Tulachka), Havoc (Butch Tulachka), Hushpower Diesel (Dave Radzierez), Predator (Allen Pezo), Prowler (Lenny Kuilder), Rislone Defender (Zach Adams), Sudden Impact (Ben Winslow), Summit Bigfoot #16 (Dan Runte), War Wizard (Randy Moore) [Read more…]

Monster Photos: Monstergeddon – Odessa, MO 2008

Event Information

Event: Monstergeddon
Venue: I-70 Speedway
Location: Odessa, Missouri
Date: August 23rd, 2008
Photographer: Ross Z. Bonar

Truck Lineup

Barbarian (Devin Jones), Big Dawg (Dale Gerding), Brute Force (John White), Monster Patrol (DJ Hickman), Ozz Monster (David Brown), Tail Gator (Doug Noelke) [Read more…]

Monster Photos: MEGA Monster Truck Tour – Sedalia, MO 2008

Event Information

Event: MEGA Monster Truck Tour
Venue: Missouri State Fairgrounds
Location: Sedalia, Missouri
Date: June 28th, 2008
Photographer: Ross Z. Bonar

Truck Lineup

Bearfoot (Doug Charles), Bounty Hunter (Jimmy Creten), El Matador (Daron Basl), King Krunch (David Smith), Viper (Rich Blackburne) [Read more…]