Stadium Super Trucks Main Events Coverage – Qualcomm Stadium 2
By Justin Banner
You’d think that coming back to the same track over and over again would make for some boring racing. Well, if the track was the same every time, you’d be right. Even Buttonwillow can be a bit bland after a while with only so many configurations, but when the track isn’t fully paved or planned out until the week of the event things can change very drastically. The Monster Trucks were just barely able to clear each other on the big jump, so a kicker was added this time. There would only be one path to take for the Super Jump where there were two in Round 4. The track was different this time around, no doubt about it.
It's amazing to see how much track fits into a stadium that is just over 100 yards long. |
There was also a change in driver lineups in Stadium Super Trucks as Justin Mateny suffered a back injury that forced him out of Round 5 in an event outside of SST. Instead, the younger brother of an offroad and NASCAR legend came to his rescue, Jesse Johnson. Yes, he is the younger brother of Jimmie Johnson of the Lowe’s Home Improvement #48 fame. He’s getting the same start as his brother did and look how he ended up.
Will Jesse Johnson have the same success as his older brother Jimmie Johnson? Time will tell but he's getting the same start as Big Bro. |
We also have one of the youngest drivers in SST’s brief history. He may also be the youngest professional driver I know of in off road racing. That would be Sheldon Creed, who grew up on Trophy Kart racing. The kid also showed no fear as he was one of the few drivers who could take the last asphalt whoop and carry a three wheel drift from the final turn to turn 1. Why three wheel? Because the inside front tire was up in the air the whole time! I would say I would like to see a Formula Drift driver that does that, but I think Vaughn Gittin, Jr. has already tried with positive results! I kid, JR!
Yes, this is Sheldon Creed going into turn 5 just after hitting the last asphalt whoop to the start/finish straight. The kid was able to pull this off lap after lap. |
He could also stay in a three-wheel drift to turn 1 afterwards! This kid has a bright future if he can keep driving like this up. |