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Article and Photos by: Kimber Rau
Edited by: Randy Wheeler

Crawlers Battle it out Over Moon Rocks
 

The third event on the Calrocs circuit was intended as a clash of the big rigs, and it didn't let anyone down. There were many repeat offenders on the check-in registry at the tech inspection, as well as some new contenders to the fold. By the looks on the faces of the common folk driving by, you would have thought the lunar probe had fallen to earth. The blacktop was covered with monster Buggies, Jeeps, Cruisers, Broncos, Suzukis, and Toyotas, or something formerly known as one of the above. There was Tom LeBlanc's (aka Captain America), very patriotic red, white and blue rig sitting atop its tow truck that was identically painted as the American flag. If you had an appetite for green, you could feast your eyes on Curt Hildebrand's fire engine green wrangler. Matt Padgett showed up with his "back from the dead" Toyota. Matt was forced to resurrect his rig after a multiple rollover reshaped his Toyota. It was transformed into a meatier, tubular version of its predecessor, but the blue stayed as his reminder of what once was. 

Calrocs course setter Bob Roggy designed a course that had a little of everything, from tight turns and steep drops to off-camber hills and wicked climbs. Roggy's course creation insured that no matter where you chose to "spectate", you were afforded a front row seat to all the action. 

The obstacles on Day 1 proved easy for some, and not so easy for others...

After the required Driver's Meeting, the three divisions divided up to try to conquer what had been placed before them. One of the first obstacles was a steep climb up a rock face, in the middle of which the driver had to make a 90 degree turn over a large hump and into a smaller canyon. This particular maneuver introduced several right sides to "the little mountain that wouldn't budge". Yet another obstacle for the Pro Modified and Unlimited competitors to tackle was on the flip side of the first one. It also started with a steep climb up and over the rocky hill. However, the difference here was that they descended down into the trough heading straight into the side of another mountain. They then had to turn a full 90 to the right, into the sluice without getting to far off camber and rolling over. Farther up the hill they were faced with another knotty crevice which required a sharp left turn and challenged the twist of the rigs suspension not to rollover. 

While Pro Modified and Unlimited divisions were playing rock hopper, the Modified Stock was tackling some obstacles of their own. One run in particular drew forth a lot of cheers as the competitors made a steep climb through loose dirt and rocks with a 90 degree off-camber turn in the middle of the climb. A lot of rigs spent precious time spinning their tires when they got caught off-line in the loose dirt with no rocks for traction. By far the Gate that drew the most attention and carnage was "#7". Some will be cursing this hill long into their senior years, while others will wonder what all the fuss was about. Perhaps more amazing than the driving skills it took to compete is the sheer guts, strength, stamina, and will it took to be a spotter. There were truly some incredible acts performed by these men and women to get their drivers through the many obstacles, that they too deserve awards. As Neil Lillard was quoted in the event program, "the difference between spotter and driver is, any fool can drive".

Course designer Bob Roggy set up a challenging course on Day 1 including off camber sections and steep climbs

For continuing coverage of the DAY 2 FINALS click here...