Grave Digger, Gun Slinger, Duelin’ in Tampa!
February 4, 2010
Floridian Scott Hartsock rode Gunslinger to victory in Tampa, while Dennis Anderson in Grave Digger took the racing victory in the initial Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam event (part one of two) at Raymond James Stadium. Monster Jam Truck schedule was and selling fast for this one!
The crowd loved it when Anderson performed a majestic roll in Gravedigger during introductions, before proving the staying power of the engine by racing around the track and taking first place. As number one seed in the race bracket, Anderson pushed on into the Championship Race. Linsey Weenk in Blue Thunder also made it into the final race to race against Anderson’s Grave Digger. The two fought a great race with Anderson narrowly winning and the Tampa crowd delirious.
The freestyle event saw newbie Dana Creech in Monster Mutt doing well for one so unused to this kind of competition. Unfortunately, Scott Hartsock was in fine fettle driving Gunslinger, leaping straight out of the gate to announce his presence.
Hartsock was feeling frisky, and he delivered the best air of the event, and then continued to throw wheelies and all kinds of tricks beyond his time, earning a standing ovation for himself and Gunslinger. Predictably, this meant Gunslinger was now on top spot. Dennis Anderson’s Grave Digger entered the freestyle with a distinct disadvantage – Grave Digger had a broken left rear axle. With only three wheel drive at his disposal, Anderson gave a performance that few could have matched if similarly handicapped. Unfortunately, Anderson flipped Grave Digger right at the onset of bonus time. That flip cost him a proper shot at the Double Down trophy. Current World Freestyle Champ Damon Bradshaw came out on Air Force Afterburner, but he struggled with debris, to gift the other guys the prize.