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2007 Superlift ProROCK Championship - Prorockn' Championship Series Rock Crawling
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Writer: Ali Mansour
Photographer: Ali Mansour, Jason Gonderman
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Imagine attempting an obstacle while a slew of spectators watches your every move intently, small cones keep you boxed in, and guys in orange shirts walk around and judge you like you're competing in the Olympics. Throw in a helmet, a few stickers, and a little cash and you're ready to compete in Superlift's ProROCK Championship series rockcrawling. Recently we had a chance to cruise out to Cougar Buttes OHV area in Southern California, and check out a little bit of this year's professional rockcrawling competitors. On hand were a few dozen well-crafted tube buggies accompanied by die-hard rockcrawler fans that at times got a little too close to the action.
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Although we keep up with points about as well as we keep track of scratches on our rigs, we really like the friendly competition and the energy that each team puts into their run. This is definitely an impressive spectacle to see in person and if you get the chance to check out these buggies in action, we would definitely recommend it. And if you get a chance, check out the remote-control rockcrawler masterpieces that these guys are building. We wish they had this stuff when we were kids.
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The Formula Toy class is always a blast to watch as the trucks remain extremely loyal to their Toyota roots. It seemed like every time we looked, the Wrights 022 could usually be found with at least one of the tires grabbing for air.
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Getting put between a rock and a hard place is all part of the fun for these rockcrawling teams. Even some of the most seemingly impossible lines can be made to look like a Sunday drive with these tube creations.
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Conquering gravity and the clock are just two of the things that keep these drivers on their toes. Choosing the right line can mean the difference between winning or landing on your lid.
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Propane seems to be the norm for most of the guys at the ProROCK event. Accompanied by the angles and rolls that these buggies must face, it's no surprise that they choose the clean burn and precision of the 'pane.
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We found this superclean '80s series Toyota mini-truck dominating the rocky terrain with ease, and it even managed to do it without a single person in the truck! OK, you got us. It's a remote-control car, but check out how much attention to detail it has: solid axles, leaf springs, and even period-correct styling, but it makes you wonder if it will last as long as the real deal.
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It doesn't take long to realize just how throttle control, axle-mounted winches, and a well-built rig can make you do things you never thought possible. But all the high-zoot equipment in the world can't replace a good spotter. The Websters used their excellent communication to guide the Red Bull Rock(h)er to secure a win at Cougar Buttes, landing them top spot in the Super Stock class.
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Additional Event Photos:
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