NEWS & RESULTS ARCHIVE FEBRUARY 2011

Hampton VA

Hampton Coliseum - February 4-5, 2011

Competing trucks; Black Stallion driven by James “Jimmy” Tracey, Grave Digger the Legend “Legend”, Iron Man, Raminator, Predator and Prowler.

On Friday night the roar of the powerful alcohol injected motors in the monster trucks announced that the night of cut throat competition and destruction was about to begin.  The wheelie contest was up first with Legend taking the win.  In racing round one the Black Stallion lost to Raminator but came back as fast loser.  In the semi-finals Jimmy in the Black Stallion tromped all over the Iron Man. The racing finals saw the Black Stallion vs Raminator with the win going to the Dodge.  Raminator lost a drive shaft in the racing finals which put him in the pits and unable to make it out for freestyle.  The Black Stallion broke a housing with the first hit off the cars and was unable to finish freestyle.  Grave Digger the Legend took the freestyle win.  Saturday afternoons show can be described as “destructive.”  The Legend won all three competitions; wheelie, racing and freestyle.  The Black Stallion came in 3rd place for the wheelie and freestyle competitions.  Legend and Raminator rolled in freestyle causing some major damage to the trucks.  Predator had damage to his truck as well causing him to be unable to compete in the afternoon show.  Jimmy behind the wheel of the Stallion lost the round one match to the Legend but came back to the semi-finals as fast loser and lost a second time to Iron Man.  There was a lot of frenzy going on in the pits in order to get every thing fixed for Saturday nights show.

Saturday night was primed for action as the anxious fans sat in the stands awaiting the start of the show.  Both Raminator and Predator made it back for the evening show but they just weren’t running their best.  The Black Stallion took 3rd in the wheelie competition.  Racing saw the Stallion put down Prowler in round one but when he lined up against Legend in the semi-finals he lost.  Jimmy went on to score 3rd place again in freestyle.  In a repeat performance Grave Digger the Legend won all three competitions at the PM show. 

Fargo ND

Fargodome - February 4-5, 2011

Competing trucks;  Black Stallion driven by Michael Vaters, Iron Warrior with Trey Myers behind the wheel, Grave Digger, El Toro Loco, Nitro Circus, Monster Mutt, Bounty Hunter and Scarlet Bandit

     The Black Stallion team outran the blizzard that struck Chicago the first week of February.  The team stopped by Feld Motorsports shop there to make repairs on their way to Fargo ND after leaving their event in Indianapolis.  They were able to steer clear of the storm by about 50 miles the whole drive into Wisconsin.  Their luck held up in Fargo as it was one of their best events so far the first quarter.  Unfortunately not so for some of the other teams competing as they suffered major motor and truck damages. 

     Friday night there were so many anxious spectators trying to get into the Fargodome to see the show that the start time had to be delayed to allow time for the long lines of people to get through the doors.  Trey Myers in the Iron Warrior was the second truck out for the wheelie competition and raised the “tailgate” so to speak with two solid hits off the cars launching vertical wheelies.  Vaters in the Black Stallion came out for his hits towards the end of the lineup which increased the level of difficulty as the cars were smashed down by then.  Michael Vaters was still able to pull off two great wheelies nearly clearing the race lanes both hits.  Unfortunately the judges all weekend were just as tough as they have been the entire tour.  The wheelie win went to Grave Digger.

     The Chicago style course was tacky in the corners due to the high level of clay in the dirt.  Sand was added by the track crew to increase the speed in the turns.  Vaters lost the first round of racing to Scarlet Bandit when he got a little too wide in the final turn.  Iron Warrior was eliminated by El Toro Loco.  Nitro Circus made it through the elimination rounds to take home the win in racing.

     Freestyle competition was full of action and big air off the obstacles.  Trey in the Warrior had a solid run hitting all the obstacles.  Vaters in the Stallion had a fast paced high energy exhibition getting big air off each obstacle and landing effortlessly.  Vaters went at the obstacles at all angles putting flare into the performance.  There were still the majority of the trucks to follow Vaters and the judges just wouldn’t cut the team a break.  Bounty Hunter won freestyle.

     The Saturday afternoon show started after the pit party that was packed with anxious monster truck fans.  The wheelie contest took its first casualty of the weekend when Monster Mutt lost a motor and was out for the rest of the weekend.  Coming out early in the line up Michael Vaters in the all Ford Powered K&N Black Stallion launched skyward in a vertical fashion for both hits as the crowd went crazy.  Vaters scored a 23 in the wheelie landing him in a respectable 3rd place in the wheelie finishing.

     The racing action was faster than the night before as the track had time to dry out more overnight. Mike Vaters in the all Ford Powered K&N Black Stallion moved into the semi-finals where he was then eliminated by Bounty Hunter in a “soooo close” photo finish.  Iron Warrior driven by Trey Myers beat Friday nights race winner Nitro Circus moving him into the semi-finals but lost to Grave Digger dashing his hopes for a chance in the finals.  Bounty Hunter took the racing win for this show.

     The truck destruction continued for the teams competitors when El Toro Loco would up on its lid during his freestyle run causing him to lose the front axle.  Iron Warrior and Black Stallion both laid down action packed runs that took on all the obstacles.  Getting big air causing excited fans to roar their appreciation....but alas the teams efforts was unable to impress the judges.  Bounty Hunter doubled down adding the freestyle win to his racing win.    

     On Saturday night the last show of the weekend the drivers seemed to loosen up and pull out all their tricks from the bag.   Quoted from Monster Jam online re-cap by the announcer; “Trey Myers and Iron Warrior continued to set the bar for the rest of the field, just as he has done all weekend in Fargo. Whether it be in Wheelies or Freestyle, Trey was set on making it as tough as possible for those coming behind him. Always at a fast pace and making the truck take the abuse he puts it through. His teammate and boss, Mike Vaters in Black Stallion where also hitters this weekend. Going deep into the racing elimination rounds. Not only did they entertain in the seat of the monster trucks, but also on board the world’s fastest ATV's with Psycho and Kamikaze. Burner pops and flames made for an exciting exhibition.”

     The wheelie competition started off with the first truck out driven by Trey Myers sending the Iron Warrior into two wheelies that drug the rear of the truck across the line of junk cars.  Myers’ exhibition made the following drivers really work hard for their scores.  The destruction continued with Nitro Circus standing the truck on the tailgate and walking it right off the lane of cars into another van being used as a turn pole. The one hit wonder left him winning the Wheelie contest and the crew thrashing to get the truck put back together in time for racing.  Trey Myers wheelie in the Warrior scored a 21 awarding him 3rd place.  The Nitro Circus scored a 27 for the win. 

     Mike had the Black Stallion’s sights set on making his way through racing as he defeated Scarlet Bandit in the first round. The semi final race with Black Stallion versus Grave Digger was the closest of the weekend with the Dome replaying the finish line action several times to determine the winner. Iron Warrior had a first round loss against Bounty Hunter.

     The drivers pulled out all of their tricks for the Freestyle competition since it was the last show of the weekend and they would have the entire week to repair any damages before the next weekends event.  Trey got the show underway launching the Iron Warrior skyward off all the obstacles. Michael Vaters behind the wheel of the all Ford Powered K&N Black Stallion demonstrated his driving experience of 29 years.  The Stallion sailed through the air into the stratosphere after launching over each obstacle.  Vaters landed each jump effortlessly lining up for the next set of cars as if it was one fluid movement.  Vaters piloting the Black Stallion left all the fans in the stands amazed.

Denver CO

Pepsi Center - February 12-13, 2011

Competing Trucks; Black Stallion driven by Michael Vaters, Iron Warrior driven by Trey Myers, Grave Digger, El Toro Loco, Tasmanian Devil and Stone Crusher. 

     Saturday afternoon started off with the wheelie contest where Vaters behind the wheel of the all Ford Powered K&N Black Stallion positioned the truck vertical as it sailed across and cleared the line of cars.  Vaters took a respectable 3rd place in the competition behind Digger and Stone Crusher.....what were the judges thinking?

      In racing Trey in the Warrior was beat by the Tasmanian Devil and the Stallion went to the semi-finals against the Devil but missed the win by half a tire at the finish line.  Tasmanian Devil went on to beat Grave Digger in the finals for the win.

     In monster freestyle action the Stallion held back a bit as it was only the first show of 3 for the weekend.  Vaters pulled off a fast paced high-flying spectacle putting big air under the all Ford Powered K&N Black Stallion.  The crowd ate it up and was on their feet roaring there approval in the big stadium.  Grave Digger took the freestyle win.  The team took the trucks back to the pits to prepare for Saturday nights show.  On Saturday night Grave Digger won both wheelie and the freestyle competition.  Tasmanian Devil took the racing win.

Photos by John Roberts

     Sunday afternoon Michael Vaters was letting it all hang out for the last show of the weekend.  The all Ford Powered K&N Black Stallion powered its way into the finals by eliminating each truck that lined up against it.  Vaters had the pedal to the floor but was unable to take the win in the finals from Tazmanian Devil who was on a winning race streak this weekend.  Monster freestyle was insane.  The Black Stallion came out and hit all the obstacles in every direction zig zagging back and forth across the large stadium floor.  Digger and Stone Crusher tied for first and Vaters’ in the all Ford Powered Black Stallion came in second. 

Check out the Denver action!!!

2011 Denver CO Black Stallion Freestyle  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GJCxXwvIeg

2011 Denver CO Black Stallion Freestyle  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9qmtSHQIWg

Hartford CT

XL Center - February 12-13, 2011

Trucks Competing at the XL Center in Hartford were:  The Black Stallion 2 driven by James Tracey, El Toro Loco, Monster Mutt, Crushstation, Equalizer, Hot Tamale and Thrasher.  

On Saturday afternoon the fans were ready and excited to see some monster truck action.  Houston we have lift off as Tracey launched the Black Stallion into the air.  Both hits were high altitude giving Jimmy 3rd place in the competition.  Crustation who is well known for its wheelies took the win from his New England fans. 

Photo by Kevin Berryman

In racing the Stallion raced its way into the semi-finals but lost to Monster Mutt.  Equalizer would beat the Mutt in finals to take the racing win.  Freestyle action was fast paced and crazy as each driver tried to out do the previous truck’s run but it was El Toro Loco who scored the highest in this competition.  The fans were the winners this afternoon at the XL Center.  

Saturday night the track conditions were perfect for big car crushing air and lots of bite for the monster tires in racing.  Crustation put on the best show for the fans as he got sideways after the first launch off the cars and rolled the “Monstah Lobstah.”  He was unable to perform his second wheelie so he didn’t get the win “technically.”  Tracey in the Stallion gave it his best two hits but was unable to beat the Mutt who took the win.

In racing the Stallion went out in the first round beaten by the dog and El Toro Loco worked its way through the elimination rounds for the win. 

Photo by Kevin Berryman

Sunday afternoon the fans were lined up early at the XL Center to get in and see some monster style destruction.  El Toro Loco was on a roll and won all three competitions but it wasn’t easy he had to work for it.  The trucks let it all hang out as it was the last show for the weekend with fast paced action, big air and impossible saves.  The excited fans lined up around the concourse and waited for hours to get the drivers autographs and to let them know what a great job they all had done.

2011 Hartford CT Black Stallion vs Monster Mutt  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMKWCYvq338

2011 Hartford CT Black Stallion Freestyle  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAKOysQJToY

Salt Lake City UT - Energy Solutions Arena

February 18-19, 2011

Trucks competing in Salt Lake City were; Black Stallion driven by Michael Vaters, Iron Warrior driven by Trey Myers, Grave Digger, El Toro Loco, Maverick, Michigan Ice Monster, Ground Pounder and Titan.

     Friday night the seats were packed with fans.  Vaters in the all Ford Powered K&N Black Stallion took his two hits off the cars for the wheelie contest.  The Stallion practically cleared the line of cars before coming back down on its rear tires.  After all the trucks took there stab at the win it was Bounty Hunter who won with a 21.

     In round 1 racing Bounty Hunter defeated Trey Myers in the Iron Warrior and Maverick defeated the Stallion which put the team out of the competition.  When the dust cleared it was El Toro Loco who took the racing win.  In the freestyle competition the Black Stallion took on each obstacle without mercy launching into the air and landing effortlessly.  The spectators loved it and cheered their approval but the judges only awarded Vaters 3rd place in Freestyle competition.  Bounty Hunter took the freestyle win. 

     Saturday afternoon the Bounty Hunter started off the show with a win in the wheelie competition.  In round one racing Iron Warrior was broke and unable to make it to the line.  Michael Vaters in the all Ford Powered K&N Black Stallion lined up with Bounty Hunter in round one racing.  This time Hunters luck ran short as Vaters sailed across the finish line first.  Ground Pounder eliminated the Stallion in the semi-finals and went on to take the win.

     Michael Vaters let it all hang out for freestyle as he shot out of the pits and hit the tall 14 foot freestyle ramp putting huge air under the truck until it came in for the landing.  His run was fast paced and full of action as Vaters zig zagged the truck back and forth across the obstacles.  Towards the end of Bounty Hunter’s run he hit the same ramp and flipped the truck over on its lid.  Grave Digger hit the track last and 5 seconds into his run he hit the same ramp and rolled and he was unable to finish his 60 seconds.  Bounty Hunter won and the Stallion got a respectable 3rd place. 

     Saturday night for the last show of the weekend the drivers of the 10,000 pound monster beasts were pumped up from the previous show.  Bounty Hunter on a winning streak all weekend started off the night with the wheelie win.  In racing Trey Myers in the Iron Warrior worked his way through the racing rounds into the finals against Ground Pounder.  The trucks both came off the start line simultaneously but the Pounder hooked up to the track a little better propelling him to the finish line just a half a truck length before the Warrior.

     The freestyle was all out crazy as each truck took their 60 seconds in the hot seat.  The all Ford Powered K&N Black Stallion piloted by Michael Vaters took on each obstacle resulting in huge air and long jumps.  Vaters run was fast paced and non-stop action and the fans roared their approval of the acrobatics.  The judges didn’t agree with the crowd though as they must have been stricken with Digger fever and awarded him the top score.  The true winners this weekend were the fans as they benefited from the palpable competitiveness between the drivers and saw great action.

London ON CAN - John Labatt Center

February 19-20, 2011

Jimmy Tracey driver of the Black Stallion 2 competed against; Captains Curse, Madusa, Eradicator, Backdraft, Full Boar and Anger Management. 

     After the party in the pits Saturday afternoon’s actions started off with a wheelie contest.       Tracey behind the wheel of the All Ford Powered K&N Black Stallion launched his way into second place behind Captain’s Curse in the wheelie competition missing the win by one point. 

     In round one racing the Stallion galloped past Fullboar putting him up against fast loser Eradicator in the semi’s.  Tracey in the all Ford Powered Black Stallion eradicated Eradicator as he beat him soundly.  The final round of racing was set as rookie Jimmy Tracey in the Black Stallion was lined up against World Finals Champion Captains Curse.  Tracey looked just as experienced as the Curse coming off the line but it was the Curse who took the win in a ooooooh so close race.  The Stallion had some mechanical problems during freestyle and lost to Eradicator.

     Saturday night car crushing action started off again with the wheelies.  The drivers turned up the heat but that wasn’t going to stop Jimmy Tracey in the all Ford Powered K&N Black Stallion.  Tracey and his crew had made repairs between shows to the Stallion and was READY.  The Black Stallion hit hard on the line of cars sending the nose straight up getting impossibly vertical.  The second shot was even better than the first.  Tracey’s efforts behind the wheel of the Black Stallion was rightfully rewarded as he received the winning score of 25.  Darren Pallen the Monster Jam announcer said “Although this driver started driving only eight months ago, there is no question that he has a very bright future.” after Tracey’s wheelie exhibition. 

     Round one racing displayed some very close races.  The all Ford Powered K&N Black Stallion beat Eradicator.  The Stallion burned Backdraft to the ground beating him soundly in the semi’s.  The Curse came back to haunt Tracey in the Black Stallion as he was lined up against him in the racing finals a rematch from the last show.   Once again the rookie gave the Curse a run for his money and made the Captain work for its racing win. 

     Freestyle monster truck action was something to remember by all the fans in the stands as they saw some of the rowdiest drivers show off their skills.  Backdraft took the freestyle win with 25 points.  The Stallion had a fast paced action packed run and score a couple points behind the winner at 21. 

     In racing round one the Black Stallion defeated Madusa.  Tracey behind the wheel of the Stallion was paired up against guess who.....yes it was the Curse.  The Stallion lost to Captains Curse in a very close race in the semi’s.   Eradicator eliminated the Curse in the racing finals.  The freestyle action was high and hot as the trucks burned up the floor.  The Black Stallion cross threaded back and forth across the track hitting each obstacle getting huge air scoring a 21.  Backdraft turned up the heat and took the freestyle win with a 27.

Arlington TX - Cowboys Stadium

February 26, 2011

Photo by Kenny Lau

Photo by Kenny Lau

The Safety-Kleen Black Stallion driven by Michael Vaters, Iron Warrior driven by Trey Myers competed with 15 of Monster Jam’s best trucks; Grave Digger, Blue Thunder, Maximum Detruction, Grave Digger the Legend, Monster Mutt Rottweiler, Air Force Afterburner, Advance Auto Parts Grinder, Monster Mutt, Captains Curse, Madusa, Destroyer, King Krunch, El Matador and Bounty Hunter.

Photo by Kenny Lau

Photo by Kenny Lau

The Cowboys Stadium was packed with Texas’s biggest fans excited to see an unheard of 16 monster truck line up.   

Photo by Kenny Lau

Photo by Kenny Lau

Photo by Eric Ramos

In Round two of racing; Air Force eliminated Rottweiler, Monster Mutt took a bite out of Warrior, Bounty Hunter eliminated Madusa and Vaters in the Safety-Kleen Black Stallion defeated El Matador.

Photo by Eric Ramos

Photo by Kenny Lau

The semi-finals saw more great racing action with Air Force beating Monster Mutt and Bounty Hunter defeated the Stallion.  US Air Force Afterburner came out the racing finals winner when the Bounty Hunter went up on two wheels and by the time he recovered the race was won.

Photo by Kenny Lau

Monster freestyle action in the huge stadium was all out pedal to the floor gravity defying action.  Each truck had 90 seconds to show off their driving skills pushing the limits of the monsters.    Monster Mutt was the first to flip nose-over-tail while riding a slap wheelie.  Grinder had problems with the timing of his motor.  Michael Vaters in the all Ford Powered Safety-Kleen Black Stallion shot out onto the track hitting all the obstacles putting big air under the truck.  A fast paced run with lots of action and momentum.  Maximum Destruction came out and pulled off a burning exhibition that puctuated the name of the truck....“MAXIMUM DESTRUCTION.”  Tom Meentz won freestyle and had only the skeletal remains of his truck afterwards.

View the Safety-Kleen Black Stallion’s freestyle.....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrZZkWDdMPs    

Safety-Kleen Black Stallion Debut

Safety-Kleen has been an integral part of the Black Stallion racing team for the past six years providing products and services that enable the independent race team maintain its position in this very competitive motorsport.  Safety-Kleen Motorsports has bumped up there level of involvement with our team this year and worked collaboratively to develop the “Safety-Kleen Black Stallion” monster truck.   The truck was debuted to Safety-Kleen employees at their corporate offices in Plano TX the day before the Arlington TX event at the Cowboys Stadium in February.  

The “Safety-Kleen Black Stallion” competed in the Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam Saturday night, February 26th at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington TX.  There was a pit party before the show where the fans got up close and personal with the truck and met Michael Vaters the owner and driver.  Local Safety-Kleen employees were transported to the Cowboys Stadium to watch the “Safety-Kleen Black Stallion” compete with 15 of the most popular trucks in the Monster Jam series for a show they will not forget anytime soon.

Safety-Kleen Black Stallion Debuts in Arlington Texas

Safety-Kleen is a leading North American used oil recycling and re-fining, parts cleaning and environmental solutions company, with approximately 4,200 employees serving approximately 330,000 customer locations in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico. Safety-Kleen provides a broad set of environmentally responsible products and services that keep North American businesses in balance with the environment. For more information, please visit www.ecopoweroil.com or www.safety-kleen.com or call (800) 669-5740.

     Safety-Kleen has been an integral part of the Black Stallion racing team for the past six years providing products and services that enables our race team to be able to maintain our position in this very competitive motorsport.  Safety-Kleen Motorsports has bumped up there level of involvement with us and we have worked collaboratively to develop the “Safety-Kleen Black Stallion” monster truck.  It debuted Its’ at the Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam Saturday night February 26^th in the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington Texas.  Michael Vaters was behind the wheel of the Safety-Kleen Black Stallion competing with 15 of the most popular trucks in the Monster Jam series.      

Safety-Kleen Black Stallion Links:

Monster Blog       http://themonsterblog.us/2011/02/25/safety-kleen-black-stallion-to-debut-saturday-at-cowboys-stadium/

MTRA       http://mtra.us/