The Monster Jam FS1 Championship Series got underway this past weekend in Atlanta, Georgia where the Stone Crusher team got the new year underway with a strong performance.
The opening weekend of the 2016 season went much better than last year’s, after the season opener in 2015 at NRG Stadium in Houston saw the Stone Crusher missing most of the event due to mechanical issues, the new year started much better in Atlanta. Friday night practice saw Steve Sims and the Stone Crusher in the top eight on the time sheet and in good shape to make the racing bracket on Saturday.
On Saturday the Monster Jam Party in the Pits saw over 18,000 fans take to the floor of the Georgia Dome to meet all the drivers and see the massive trucks up close and personal. After hours of autographs it was time for Sims and company to get down to business and strap into the truck. The first action of the night was qualifying where Sims found a strong pass early and turned a time of 24.666 which was good enough for fourth place and put the Stone Crusher into the racing bracket. Their first round opponent was a familiar face with a new ride, as it was none other than son Steven Sims Jr. and the all new Pirate’s Curse in the other lane. Unfortunately for Sims Sr. the Stone Crusher had issues starting when called to the starting line. With only a minute to make a fix happen crew chief Tommy Powers gave it his all but was unable to get the truck fired in such a short amount of time.
After racing Tommy Powers was able to get the Stone Crusher repaired and ready for freestyle where Sims looked for some redemption after the early racing exit. He would do just that and put together a great run with some nice air and filling the entire clock. With a score of 34 the Stone Crusher would end the night with a fifth place finish in the freestyle competition.
Next week the team heads south to Raymond James Stadium for Round 2 of the Monster Jam FS1 Championship Series. Be sure to catch the Atlanta broadcast on FS1 at 3:00pm ET/12:00pm PT Sunday January 17!
(Photo Courtesy of Eddy Gray – TriCities Captured)