Antioch, CA — As has become a tradition, the weekend following Labor Day is reserved for the Malicious Monster Truck Insanity Tour at Antioch Speedway. It’s the only time these gargantuan machines make an appearance in Contra Costa County, and the competitors never disappoint.
This year, we saw a few different competitors, but an increase to six competitive trucks along with a ride-along truck. The multi-seated truck was giving rides on Saturday night, well after the competition had ended. From the moment things started until they finished, the crowd was kept entertained.
Joining the Monster Trucks were a few Tuff Trucks. These are regular four-wheel drive vehicles that run on a different course that still sees these drivers get airtime. They compete in speed competition.
On Saturday night, a couple of those vehicles ran so hard that when their laps were completed, they needed the assistance of the tow truck to make it back to the pits for repairs.
Dakota Robertson won the speed competition on both nights and seemed to do the best at getting good airtime.
The main attraction, however, was the Monster Trucks. Dallas Glenn-Rogers is the voice of the Monster Truck Tour, but he takes on several roles. The Port Orchard, Washington resident is one of the first people to get to the track. The track provides the vehicles to be crushed, and Dallas is very active in getting those vehicles set up for the course that the competitors will run on.
When everything is set up to satisfaction, Dallas heads up to the announcing booth to prepare his notes, music and everything needed. He plays a vital role in this program.
While the trucks are the main attraction, the way Dallas presents them to the crowd adds to an already entertaining show. This is a man who is so talented that he could be announcing at any race track for their biggest events.
Though the Malicious Monster Truck Insanity Tour is based out of Washington, this year’s visit took on more of a California flare. Joining the action for this visit were Ryan Fraser out of Santa Rosa, who pilots the Survivor truck, Playin’ For Keeps, driven by Tony Canado of Vacaville, and Titan, piloted by Donald Epinendio of Lower Lake.
They joined tour regulars Weekend Warrior, identity Theft, piloted by Miles Parker of Colfax, and fan favorite Spitfire, driven by Nick Jonas of Adelaide, Australia.
Nick Jonas and Spitfire proved to be a crowd pleaser all weekend. Photo by Katrina Kniss
Spitfire is known as the red dragon themed Monster Truck that shoots fire out of its nose. Some of the best jumps throughout the weekend were performed by Nick in the big red beast.
Identity Theft is another long time tour supporter, and Parker had a mechanical issue on Friday force him to miss a couple of events. However, he made it back to compete in the end.
If Spitfire was spectacular, Titan took it up another notch. Epinendio pushed his truck to the limit. On the opening night, he won the first three events, which included time trials, one-on-one competition and best jump.
Jonas impressed with a stellar performance aboard Spitfire in the freestyle competition that wrapped up Friday night. Titan returned, and Epinendio drove it so hard that a front wheel came off to end his run early. He won the overall competition on Friday, but Spitfire was the winner of the final round.
Titan delighted the crowd on Saturday with wins in all four competitions. This time around, Epinendio held nothing back. The wheels stayed on and Titan dominated the final round of the show. Judging by the roar of the crowd, the fans approved.
It’s all about the show, and all six competitors gave the fans their very best. People mark this night on their calendars every year, and for good reason. When it comes to Monster Truck shows, the Malicious Monster Truck Insanity Tour may be the best regular tour on the West Coast.
Racing will return this weekend for championship events for the IMCA classes and Hall of Fame inductions. The Friday portion of the weekend will include the IMCA Modifieds and Stock Cars as well as the Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks.
On Saturday, the Xtreme Late Models return along with the Wingless Spec Sprints, a close battle in the IMCA Sport Modifieds, Print Club Mini Stocks, Super Stocks and Delta Dwarf Cars.
The track now has a new web page, which you can find at www.raceantiochspeedway.com or keep an eye on the Antioch Speedway by PROmotions Facebook page.
Previous Antioch Speedway Stories
- Aug 29 – Sarale Wins Bock Memorial at Antioch Speedway
- Aug 21: Clymens Claims Antioch Speedway Win, Foulger, Wagner, Davis Other Winners
- Aug 8 – Smith, Soares, Pearce, Shrader Win on Fan Appreciation Night at Antioch Speedway
- Aug 1 – Johnson, Pearce, Baca, Keldsen Among The Winners at Antioch Speedway
- July 24 – Tuttle Triumphs Saturday Night at Antioch Speedway
