For the seventh year in a row the Stone Crusher team arrived at the Oceanfront in Virginia Beach for one of the most highly anticipated events of the year, Monsters On The Beach. With thousands of hometown fans packing the stands over four shows throughout the weekend, it’s a special experience for all involved. Driver Steve Sims put up an incredible effort in last years event, racking up several wins throughout the weekend only to have electrical problems cut his chances short of winning the King of the Beach title on the final day. Sims was determined to take the trophy this year, but unfortunately mechanical problems would once again take away the chance at the title.
Friday night looked promising at the start with an optimistic group ready for wins, but in introductions they soon faced an uphill battle. After Sims and the Stone Crusher went over a jump, the left rear wheel locked up indicating trouble in the rear axle. The breakage would force the truck out of both the wheelie competition and racing, putting them far behind on the weekend point standings. The crew thrashed to get the truck back for freestyle where Sims made up for lost time with a spectacular freestyle. There was no holding back for Sims as he soared the Stone Crusher over the bus stacks and cars, hitting the obstacles faster and harder than anyone else. Sims was the clear freestyle winner, bringing some redemption for their troubles earlier in the night.
Saturday the team bounced back with two more strong performances in the events. Saturday afternoon saw a second place finish in the wheelie contest after a huge vertical wheelie. Racing was cut short for the Stone Crusher with a round one loss, but Sims bounced back with another ferocious freestyle. Another high flying performance would earn him second, just behind his son Steven and Hooked.
Saturday night saw more of the same for Sims and the Stone Crusher. This time though Sims was able to take the wheelie contest win with yet another great wheelstand. Sims pushed hard in round one but once again was done early in racing. With heavy rains approaching, Sims went all out in freestyle knowing the possibility of a rain shortened freestyle competition looming. Sims delivered a stellar freestyle to the fans, flying the Stone Crusher to new heights with massive leaps throughout freestyle. Just two runs later the skies opened up, and the rest of freestyle would be cut short. Sims would win freestyle, but the points would not carry on to the weekend total, with less than half the trucks getting to freestyle.
Sunday would be the fourth and final event for the weekend at the beach. Despite being out of the hunt for the overall title, it didn’t matter to Sims and the Stone Crusher team as they had just one more chance to wow their hometown fans. It was a tough wheelie contest as Sims would put the Stone Crusher in third, behind Hooked and Avenger who tied for first place. Following the contest though the team discovered engine problems on the Stone Crusher, and there just wasn’t enough time to repair them to get back in competition. A disappointed Sims addressed the crowd before freestyle, vowing to come back stronger than ever for next year.
Despite the mechanical troubles, it was a great weekend at the Oceanfront with multiple wins and a great time with our hometown fans. Be on the lookout for updates to our summer schedule soon. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page here.