Freakshow

The show at Lismore will go down in history as an end of an era for Monster Trucks in Australia. This show was the last show for Extreme Monster Trucks Australia, with Clive Featherby as owner of the company. The trucks and equipment have now been officially handed over to new owners EMT Events from Sydney. Not only was it Clive’s last show but it was also the Monsters Tour of Destruction name and concept’s last show. EMT Events team are now looking for a new name a new look and new format. Next season Hayden McLeary, USA’s Kreg Christensen, Darrel McLeary will be the headline drivers for the all new show.

A record crowd was in attendance for the winter time show that started at the earlier time because of the cold weather and was appreciated by most, with gates opening at 2.30pm. The usual pit party kicked off the event at 3pm and many of the spectators taking the time to check out the 6 monster trucks, Batman, Scooby Doo, Avenger, Raptors Rampage, Freakshow and the original Outback Thunda. REX the Ride also made its first NSW appearance.

Sky wheelie was the first event with all trucks performing well. Clive and Kreg shared the driving for most of the trucks, with 15 year old Hayden McLeary steering Avenger, which seemed to suite the teenager, with him matching the efforts of the seasoned drivers. 1st was Thunda 2nd Scooby 3rd raptors

Freakshow came out for its hello performance with an impressive wheelie resting upon the wheelie bar and the tires, Kreg having to reverse to get the truck back down again.

The usual side acts, mini bikes, crazy car drop, freestyle MX and demolition derby filled the show.

Freestyle lasting 80 seconds for each truck was next up. Kreg came out with some nice air with Batman.
Scooby Doo with Clive behind the wheel looked to be on a mission and using all the car stacks with cross threads and good air.
Avenger again with Hayden driving showed the skill of the more experienced drivers, clearing the whole car stack on one occasion.
Raptors Rampage next out, Kreg again getting some good air from the car stacks.
Outback Thunda, having been rested for a few months, came out and showed that the truck still has what it takes to match it with the newer trucks. Freestyle was a draw between Scooby and Avenger with Thunda and Raptors tying for the next spot.

Freakshow headed to the field after some more cars were added to one of the car stacks, making it a double stack. Kreg ran the truck around and lined up with the stack. The crowd was standing ready for the back flip attempt. With an even paced run up Kreg gunned the truck up the stack, getting the highest air of the night. The slick conditions of the grass at this time causing toe truck to loose traction on one side of the rear, causing the truck to cork screw landing the truck on its side on top of the stack, Kreg gassed it trying to bring the truck back onto its wheels, but it wasn’t to be. Although no heavy machinery was need to right the truck, the Extreme Team using man power to get it righted. Not to be put off Kreg refired the truck, lined up again for another attempt, again gassing the truck, getting huge air and corkscrewing due to the slick grass landing off the cars on its side. Rex came to the rescue pulling the truck back onto its wheels. Minor damage prevented another attempt.

4 out of the 6 trucks headed out for the train, staying in very close format for the three final jumps of the night.