Team Bigfoot has taken back the World's Record for the longest outdoor jump made in a Monster Truck. PACE Motorsports hosted the event, which drew an estimated 66,322 people over the weekend. The winning leap took place the second weekend in March 1998 at the Cox Communications Air Show in Mesa, Arizona, where Dan Runte set a distance of 141' 10" in Bigfoot #14. The Previous recoed of 141' 1" was held by Fred Shafer and Bearfoot since November of 1996. Bigfoot, Monster Patrol, Snake Bite and Grave Digger were on hand to compete for the rexord. Bearfoot however was not in attendance at the event.
Microsoft's Monster Truck Madness II is Coming !!!
Rumor has it that not only will you have over 20 trucks to choose from, but more courses, action packed videos, excellent graphics and more are guaranteed. Watch for all of your favorite drivers to appear on Monster Truck Madness II in late May or early June of this year.
Gene Patterson back with Team Bigfoot
In January 1998 Gene Patterson came out of retirement and began working for Bigfoot 4x4, Inc again. Gene will be driving Bigfoot #9 this season and feels right at home in the truck. Over the past few years Gene hasn't stayed away from Monster Trucks entirely. He has helped as both a driver and crew member for Dan Patrick and Samson many times, and also drove Magnum Force for Don Vanloo on occasion. We wish him the best of luck.
1997 MTRA Awards Banquet a Huge Success
St. Louis, MO was the site of the 1997 Monster Truck Racing Association (MTRA) annual awards banquet again this year. Awards were given out for many achievements over the past year, and here are the winners:
MTRA Saftey Award - Dan Patrick (Samson)
MTRA Sportsmanship Award - John Seasock (Sudden Impact)
MTRA Sponsor of the Year - Firestone
MTRA Sponsor of the Year - USA
MTRA Most Improved Team of the Year - Monster Patrol (Paul Shafer and Tom Meents)
MTRA Wreck of the Year - Sky Hartley (Hollywood Hogan in Wildwood, New Jersey)
MTRA Driver of the Year - There was a tie between Eric Meagher (Bigfoot) and Tom Meents (Monster Patrol)
MTRA Truck of the Year - Bigfoot
An award for being one of the leaders of "The Advancement of Competitive Racing" was given to Fred Shafer (Bearfoot)
Team Bigfoot Wins Another Championship / Sponsorship
Eric Meagher drove Snakebite to another championship title for Team Bigfoot this past month. Meagher finished on top of the 1997 Special Events points series just ahead of team mate Dan Runte and Bigfoot. Runte had been last years champion, with Meagher finishing a close second but the tables were turned at hte final race in Indianapolis Indiana the last weekend in September. Team Bigfoot dominated the series with an incredible 20 out of 28 wins. Looking forward to the 1998 season, there's word that Firestone Tires has signed on as a sponsor for next year. One of the Bigfoot trucks will run a red body color advertising the Firestone Wilderness light truck tires.
Bearfoot Defends Indoor World's Record Distance Jump
Six of the baddest Monster Trucks in the country were in Pontiac Michigan on October 11, 1997 to try to take the title from Todd Frolik and Bearfoot. The drivers got 2 chances at a jump which was made up of a 75' approach leading to a dirt ramp with 2 cars. Bigfoot, Snakebite, Carolina Crusher, Nitemare, and Monster Patrol were no match for Bearfoot however. The current record distance of 113' set by Fred Shafer last year was not changed, but merely emphasized by Todd's jump of 90' which none of his competitors could beat. Bigfoot finished second with a distance of 86'.
Bearfoot Retires, Sells All to Monster Patrol
After 15 years on the Drag Racing circuit, and 18 years in the Monster Truck business, Fred Shafer is calling it quits. At 50 years of age, Fred is the oldest and most successful active Monster Truck racer in the country. As of October 1, 1997 the rights to Bearfoot 4x4, Inc. have been purchased by, and will be turned over to Paul Shafer (no relation) who owns the Monster Patrol out of Portage, Indiana. Paul currently campaigns two very successful trucks of his own, and shares driving chores with partner Tom Meents. Paul will keep the Bearfoot name with the truck, and has hired Todd Frolik to continue driving it. New graphics and color schemes are in the works for Bearfoot, so watch for that as well. Frolik, at 34 years of age has worked with Team Bearfoot since 1991, and despite recent driving negotiations with Jim Kramer, President of Bigfoot 4x4, Inc., has decided to stick with the Bearfoot truck and its new owner Paul Shafer. Paul will set up a temporary shop in Pontoon Beach, Illinois using the shop where Bearfoot originated from to give him a more central location in the US. Fred Shafer and his wife Kathy have built themselves a wonderful house in Florida, and will relocate there. Rumor has it though, that Fred is planning on keeping a watchful eye over the Monster Truck world, and may show up from time to time to help the next generation of teams and drivers in their quest for victory. Fred and Kathy, Thank You for the years of dedication, success, entertainment and friendship - you will be missed.
Bearfoot Photo in Wall Street Journal
Did anyone happen to see the huge full page photo insert of Fred Shafer's Bearfoot in the August 14th edition of the Wall Street Journal? The picture was part of an ad for ReliaStar Financial Inventments and Insurance. They were trying to convey the message that they may not be able to explain everything, but they could explain investments and insurance. The really cool part about the ad was that I took the picture!!! You can see the original photograph here which was taken back in 1994, and compare it to the advertisement shown here. Special thanks to all that helped this ad happen, and keep an eye out because you never know where a Monster will turn up next.
European Monster Truck Tour CANCELLED
The"American Monster Truck Thunder World Tour" that was scheduled to travel to such countries as England, Belgium, Germany and Holland from August to October 1997 has been abruptly cancelled after only its first show. SRO Entertainment Group, Inc. and Great Southern Shows, Inc. - the two American promotors that arranged the tour stated the reason behind the immidiate cancellation was due to extremely low fan attendance. (Tickets in England sold for about $27.00 US dollars each). The Monster Trucks and teams were allegedly left stranded in Europe since the American promotors did not pay anyone for their brief performance. American Motorsports International - an English promotion company also involved in the arrangement of the tour has since shipped the trucks and crews back to the US at a cost of about $60,000.00 US dollars. American Motorsports International is not liable, are not to be held responsible, and had no prior knowledge or decision about the cancellation of these shows.
Monster Trucks Invade Europe
Beginning in mid August the "American Monster Truck Thunder World Tour" will take Europe by Storm. Some of the best Monster Trucks from the United States such as Carolina Crusher, Extreme Overkill, Undertaker, Ground Pounder, Rap Attack and more will be competing in several cities overseas. Other acts include Vorian the transforming robot and the world's only car crushing Harley Davidson Motorcycle. The tour will last from August 17, 1997 through October 26, 1997. Performances include 4 shows in England, 3 in Germany, 1 in Belgium and 1 in Holland.
TNN's Motor Madness Will Air More Shows in 1998
TNN Motorsports has signed up to film another season of Motor Madness for TNN. Following a very successful 1997 season, USA Motorsports has broadened their event schedule in preparation for 1998 based on the popularity of Motor Madness. There will be more live prime time broadcasts than in 1997, and lots more Monster Truck action. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.
Meents, Shafer, Runte and Fisher Big Winners at the US Truck Fest
The US Truck Fest in Charlotte North Carolina hosted by PACE Motorsports was a huge success. Spectators and trucks from all over the United States and Canada attended the first of its kind event. Even Andrew Fielder, a long time Monster Truck fan traveled all the way from England to see the races. He really had a great time, and went home with some pretty amaizing stories to tell. Friday nights competition had Tom Meents take Monster Patrol to a win in the final round of the 10 truck Championship class against Dennis Anderson's Grave Digger. Eric Meagher got a little caried away wityh his freestyle show and flipped Snake Bite on the Speedways concrete start finish line. Meagher's mistake did irrepairable damage to the truck and sent him home early. The Championship truck class consisted of Dennis Anderson's Grave Digger, Fred Shafer's Bearfoot, Gary Porter's Carolina Crusher, Alan Pezo's Predator, Kirk Dabney's Extreme Overkill, Tom Meents and Monster Patrol, Tony Farrel and the Wild Thang, Pam Vaters and Boogey Van, Eric Meagher and Snake Bite, and Dan Runte and Bigfoot. Saturday was Fred Shafer's day as he defeated Monster Patrol in the final round pairings. Having a vast amount of victories under his belt including three world championships, Fred said he was still very proud to win an event at such a grand and historic racing venue. Sunday afternoons final race of the weekend put Dan Runte in Bigfoot 14 ahead of Tom Meents and Monster Patrol in the finals. Tom Meents was declared the grand champion since he had managed to race into the final round all three days. There was a 19 truck Challenge series class which also ran all weekend, with the champion being Bob Fisher from Pennsauken, New Jersey in his Liquidator Ford. Bob ran so well, he was moved up to the Championship class to race when Snake Bite went home. The Challenge Series trucks were Liquidator, War Wagon, Avenger, Black Stallion, Ground Pounder, Thunger Dog, Survivor, Cyborg, Towasaurus Wrex, Sudden Impact, Mistress, King Krunch, Little Tiger, Orange Krate, Gun Slinger, Blown Thunder, Thrasher, Clydesdale and Reptoid. The scariest time of the weekend came when Scott Stephens flipped his King Krunch truck end over end two times. Thanks to all of his saftey equipment, Scott was alright. His truck, a late 80's style racer was destroyed though. It will be a long time before we see King Krunch back on the road again. Special thanks to everyone at PACE Motorsports and The Charlotte Motor Speedway that made this weekend possible, and we look forward to next years event.
Wanna Drive a Monster Truck?
Rumor has it that Team Bigfoot is short a few drivers for their championship team. Jim Kramer, President of Bigfoot 4x4, Inc. attended the Charlotte North Carolina US Truck Fest with the intentions of discovering potential drivers. Don't think this is an easy task however, he won't settle for just anybody that has driven a Monster Truck before. Some of the basic Bigfoot requirements before you would even be considered for the team are that you must be 25 years of age, be in good physical shape, have knowledge of electrical and metal fabrication along with mechanics of course, and have a current CDL (commercial drivers licence). A two year apprenticeship would also be required before you are allowed to drive a Bigfoot truck. No word as to if Kramer found any one or not in Charlotte, if not I'm sure he will soon.
Boogey Van Running Scented Racing Fuel?
Yes it's true, the husband and wife team of Pam and Mike Vaters from Hagerstown, Maryland have come up with a way to reduce the amount of exposure to racing alcohol exhaust fumes. Pam has been known to run a type of additive in her fuel that is scented. This additive doesn't seem to give her any more of an advantage than the next truck, but it does make working on or around the truck much easier when it is running. The scent usually has a cherry type of smell, which overpowers the strong odor of their high octane racing fuel. This fuel is known for its ability to burn and strongly irritate your eyes, nose, throat and even skin. Take a deep breath the next time you see the Vaters at a show, and watch for this trend to catch on in the future.
ESPN2 the new home for "Inside Monster Jam" TV show
PACE Motorsports/US Hot Rod Association has worked out a deal with ESPN2 to air a new energy packed half hour show. Based primarily on Monster Trucks, Inside Monster Jam will show highlights from several of their stadium events per week, along with other thrill show and quad wars highlights. It airs at 6:30pm eastern time every Tuesday. Don't Miss it !
PACE Motorsports to host Largest Monster Truck Competition Ever
Over 40 Monster Trucks will gather at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in Charlotte, North Carolina June 13, 14, and 15 1997 for side-by-side competition. PACE Motorsports along with Speedway Motorsports, Inc. and the Charlotte Motor Speedway will hold the 1997 US Hot Rod Association World Finals at the track. The show is officially named "The US Truck Fest", and it will be a weekend that cant be missed. The Monster Truck course is said to be the best and wildest ever - three 300 foot tracks created on the speedway infield. Qualifying will take place on Friday the 13th (there's bound to be a rollover because of that) at noon, and continue on into the night. Racing will be Saturday and Sunday at various times. Activities besides the Monster Trucks will include an alcohol burning four wheel drive pulling series competition, ruff truck championships, sand drag truck pulling, thousands of custom show trucks, live country music, manufacturer's display tents, and lots more. The event will be taped for the Inside Monster Jam TV show, and will air in early July. I will be photographing at that event, and you can be sure to see lots of new action shots when I get back.
Fred Shafer's Bearfoot loses Dodge sponsorship
Dodge Motorsports announced in January of this year that they will not renew their 5 year contract with Fred Shafer's Team Bearfoot. This would have been Dodge's 6th year with Bearfoot, of which the past 5 have been very successful for Shafer's team. Record breaking elapsed times, 1992 and 1993 World Championships, as well as winning the indoor and outdoor long distance jumping competitions are just a few of their outstanding accomplishments. Don't think that Fred is going to give up this fight easily though. He still has 4 very competitive race trucks, all of which still have the Dodge Ram bodies on them. Shafer is currently trying to persuede Dodge to re-join the team, as well as trying to find additional support until then. You can voice your opinion of support to help Bearfoot by sending a letter to Mr. Lou Patane, 800 Chrysler Drive East, Cims 485-05-96, Auburn Hills, MI 48326.
Monster Trucks scheduled to travel to Kuwait
The first ever Monster Truck show was supposed to be held in Kuwait City on April 19, 1997. The show was being promoted by USA Motorsports, a well known US promotor who has done shows in such unique places as Puerto Rico and Australia. They were invited until the Prince of Kuwait who had asked USA Motorsports to do the show there in the first place became very ill. Well the show had to be cancelled, and the six Monster Trucks (Snake Bite, Bigfoot, Virginia Giant, Dragon Slayer, Mis Behavin' and Blue Max) ready to put on the show would have to reschedule. The new date is said to hopefully be set for sometime in the fall.
Special Events looses PENDA sponsorship for the Monster Truck Thunder Drags
The Pendaliner Bed liner and Truck Accessories Corporation has announced that after 6 years it will not be renewing their sponsorship with Special Events for the 1997 racing season. PENDA sponsored the $60,000.00 points series that the Monster Trucks competed in during the 4-Wheel Jamboree's put on by Special Events. Since this happened so close to the new racing season, Special Events will not have a points series sponsor this year. This means that there will still be side-by-side racing but the field has been slimmed down to 8 trucks as opposed to the past years when there were 12 or more. Special Events is known for their great outdoor side-by-side Monster Truck racing, and a new twist this year is talk of possibly adding a Monster Truck freestyle show along with the competition racing. There will be Monster Trucks at all of the Jamboree's this year, so make sure you get out and attend some.
TNN's Trucks and Tractor Power no longer broadcasting 4-Wheel Jamborees
TNN has announced that because of the cancellation of PENDA's sponsorship with the Special Events 4-Wheel Jamboree Monster Truck Thunder Drag Series, and the limited number of Monster Trucks competing that they will not be taping the 1997 races for future broadcast. This includes any NMRO Mud racing or NTPA Tractor pulling. TNN has brought us Trucks and Tractor Power with commentator Army Armstrong for over 7 years now, and has played an integral part in promoting the sport. It will be missed. To voice your opinion and support for the Trucks and Tractor Power series you can write to TNN Viewer Services, 2806 Opryland Drive, Nashville, TN, 37214.
Carolina Crusher retirement rumor just not true
Over the winter there was word that Gary Porter was planning on selling his race team and retiring. Well Gary has no plans of retirement yet, in fact he's as strong as ever, capturing three wins, and two runner up finishes in early 1997. Porter, who is based out of Wadesboro, North Carolina used to run three trucks on the circuit. He has since switched back to a one truck operation, which is a lot less expensive to maintain, and allows Porter to enjoy what he does so much more. Gary still has one of his three trucks sitting in his shop, but the other one he sold to someone in England. Look for the Carolina Crusher at an event near you. Gary's one of the originator's, and is still one of the best.
