The Stone Crusher team was back to Charlotte for the Back To School Monster Truck Bash once again this weekend, marking the sixth year in a row the team has participated in this marquee event. Mechanical troubles plagued the team last year in Charlotte as they were defending both the racing and freestyle wins from 2012. Driver Steve Sims was looking for a bounce back year after the disappointing outing in 2013. The always challenging crossover track would have a new element involved for this year, as rain showers passed overhead just hours before showtime.
After the track crew made last minute preparations to groom the track, the trucks went qualifying to start off the night. While many drivers struggled to find grip on the mud slicked course, Steve Sims and Stone Crusher hooked up well on the track and found themselves at the top of the time sheets, qualifying first. His first round opponent would be his own son Steven in Hooked. Steve took advantaged of an early mistake by Steven, as he sailed the Stone Crusher over Hooked on his way to victory and into the semi-finals. The next match up would put the Stone Crusher against 2013 racing winner Red Solo Truck. Sims was smooth and consistent over the track turning in another fast pass for the win to move into the finals. Unfortunately for the team, the Stone Crusher suffered a flat tire over the final jumps in the semi-finals leading to a mad scramble to get the truck ready for the finals. Crew chief Tommy Powers along with Craig Barnhill, Gary Wiggins, and youngest son Trevor Sims worked feverishly to make repairs and get the truck back for the final round. Their hard work paid off as they would make the call to face off against Bigfoot. Both trucks had been strong all night long, with neither driving making a mistake going into the final round. Sims got the early hole shot to start the race and carried the lead over the crossover and onto the back stretch. As Sims approached the under section of the crossover, the truck slid on the slick mud and into a bus buried into the landing ramp. The truck spun out and sent Sims for a loop. He tried to get the truck straightened out, but it was too late as Bigfoot made a mistake free race and took the win.
The freestyle track featured some massive obstacles alongside the already big jumps from the racing course earlier in the evening. Steve Sims and the Stone Crusher wouldn’t back down as they opened up the freestyle competition with a good run, flying over multiple buses and vans alike. Just past the 75 second mark Sims got crossed up heading towards a van stack next to the crossover ramp. Not one to let up Sims tried to straighten out the truck, but the mud wasn’t cooperating as the truck launched over the vans crooked, rolling it over. While it wasn’t the result Sims wanted it was a good run and had the fans on their feet and cheering. While he may not have gotten the win, his son Steven and Hooked were able to take the trophy home to Virginia Beach after they put on a spectacular performance for the freestyle win. All in all it was a good outing for the team in Charlotte. Thanks to the crew for all their hard work keeping both Stone Crusher and Hooked running their best so Steve and Steven can continue to thrill the fans.
