Monster trucks race at Mission Valley Super Oval
Summer Goddard
“Identity Theft” launches off of a jump during Friday’s Malicious MonSter Truck event at the Mission Valley Super Oval. The truck was driven by first time monster truck racer Gavin Sell.
Summer Goddard
“Rockstar” went vertical during the final freestyle contest, coming to land on its top. “Rockstar” secured the win from judges.
Summer Goddard
Summer Goddard
Summer Goddard
The fire breathing “Megasaurus” chomps on a car. The metal dinosaur weighs 46,000 pounds and stands 35 feet tall.
Summer Goddard
Summer Goddard
Larry Bartel, secures the win in the “Tough Trucks” race.
Summer Goddard
“The Cali Kid” wraps up a run with a vertical drive off the monster truck course.
Summer Goddard
Summer Goddard
Summer Goddard
Summer Goddard
Summer Goddard
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Malicious Monster Trucks ripped around the Mission Valley Speedway Super Oval last weekend, entertaining audiences both Friday and Saturday night as they threw dirt in high-speed turns, launched airborne over jumps and performed daring maneuvers during several rounds of fierce competition.
The five monster trucks on tour from Straight Up Racing were “Identity Theft” driven by Gavin Sell, “Spitfire” driven by Nick Jones, “Rockstar” driven by Bill Payne, “Napa” driven by Michael (Buddha) Keller and “Cali Kid” driven by Marc Simmons.
Between monster truck contests, local racers also competed in “Tough Trucks” races. Larry Bartel came away with the fastest time of the night. Straight Up Racing announcer Dallas Glenn-Rogers kept the crowds loud by tossing free T-shirts to the loudest cheering section. The drivers, he told participants, are energized by cheering crowds.
“Cali Kid” ultimately won the racing event while “Rockstar” won the final freestyle contest.
A giant, metal, fire-breathing dinosaur called “Megasaurus” also entertained audiences by picking up and “eating” a vehicle until it ultimately fell apart into two halves.
Speedway technician Corey White, who started selling racing programs at age 8 some 56 years ago, reflected on his love of the sport during Friday’s event.
“It’s all about fun,” he said. “I was born and raised at the track.” Racing cars has become a family legacy. “When Dad was alive, my Dad, son and I all raced,” White said. Three generations racing together continues as White’s grandchildren have also gotten into the sport.
White said his daughter, who also races and married into another racing family, posted on Facebook recently that “racing isn’t a hobby for us, it’s a lifestyle.”
“It is,” White confirms with a smile.
