Stepping into the shoes of a legend is not an easy task for anyone. Mike Hawkins will prove he is up to that challenge during the July 25 Thompson Metal Monster Truck Madness at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Hawkins, whose shop is based in Catlett, Va., has long had a passion for taking street trucks and making them bigger than life. When he reached the limits of just how far he could go with them, there was only one thing left to do.
"This all started in 2001," he explained. "I built a big jacked-up four-wheel-drive and I built it to where I couldn't get it any bigger and still drive it on the street. A couple of guys got me in contact with Jimmy Kohler who owns the Avenger monster truck. I helped him out and liked the sport and wanted to get in to it. Kohler pointed me to David Morris who was selling his truck. I went, started making payments, picked it up and the rest is history."
Hawkins purchased the crowd-favorite Equalizer monster truck from Morris that same year. Morris and partner Gary Cook had owned the Equalizer name since 1986 and had built a solid reputation of strong performances on the track.
"I have big shoes to fill," he admitted, "and a lot of people had doubts about it when I got into it. I like to think we've stepped up our program and we are as good, if not better, than before. We try to be competitive in racing and freestyle for all the fans. Plus, we have to back up all of the trash we talk in the pits to the other drivers."
Hawkins, who had wanted to drive a monster truck for many years, made his debut behind the wheel of Equalizer in a familiar place...Thunder Valley. With more experience under his belt this time, fans should expect to see a vintage Equalizer performance
"Bristol Dragway is where I debuted the truck right after I bought it. I raced during the Truck-a-rama event," he said. "This time [at BMS], with the track design, it should be fast and wide-open. That is what we are going to be geared up for. It should definitely be a wide-open show."
Hawkins now owns three trucks that race at events across the country. Two of those trucks, Equalizer and Ragin' Rebel, will be on hand during Monster Truck Madness. Isaiah Morales, one of Hawkins' long time mechanics, takes the reigns of the second truck when it is at the track. Hawkins hopes to meet some new fans when they visit the pit party to look at his trucks.
"Meeting people and signing autographs is the best part of this," he said. "Seeing the kids look at the trucks; they are in awe. They'll say, ‘Oh, you drive this?' They are full of a million questions. It's great.
"They can come out and get a hands-on experience with the trucks. When it is show time, everyone is up close and can see the pits. They are on top of the action the whole time."
When it comes to taking the track with monster truck legends, Hawkins is understandably modest.
"It wasn't long ago that Dennis Anderson, Tom Meents and Jimmy Kohler were my heroes," said Hawkins. "So now that I'm in that spot, I'm kind of dumbfounded and don't know what to say other than thanks to all the fans."
Hawkins will have Equalizer and Ragin' Rebel in the house, along with War Wizard, Samson, Raminator, Rammunition, Bad Habit and Martial Law.
The pre-race pit party allows fans to come to the infield of the "World's Fastest Half-Mile" to meet the drivers, get autographs and pose for pictures next to the trucks. Merchandise from all of the drivers also will be available for purchase.
The Team FMX freestyle motocross team will put on a stunning display of awesome jumps and stunts just like the ones seen on TV, while a demolition derby will give the fans a taste of destruction.
Tickets for the event can be purchased in advance for $15 by calling the Bristol Motor Speedway ticket office. Tickets are $20 at the gate on the day of the event. A $5 off coupon good for the day of the event will be available at Fas Mart Convenience Stores and Roadrunner Markets.
Children 10 and under are $5.
Gates open at 5:30 p.m. The pit party kicks off at 6 p.m. and lasts until 7 p.m. The event begins when the trucks and drivers are introduced at 7:30 p.m.
Thompson Metal Services, located in Kingsport, is the preferred recycling partner of Bristol Motor Speedway. For more information about their services, please call (423) 245-5124.
For more information about the Thompson Metal Monster Truck Madness, please call (423) 989-6900 or visit www.bristoldragway.com.
