51 pre qualified drivers began three grueling days of serious-obstacle driving
Drivers split into two groups. 26 drivers took the Canyon Course in Broad Canyon;
the others began on the Trails Canyon route. They switched on Day 2. Each involved serious stuff.
Kevin was partially sponsored by Trucksmart.
Kevin and his spotter, Joel Swanson, finished
6th!
Six-to-eight foot waterfalls were common obstacles on the Trails Course.
Another waterfall on day one.
This scene is fairly typical of the nasty obstacles faced on day 2. The object, obviously is to drive from the riverbed below up the waterfall and between the yellow sticks. A nasty climb at best, with no room for error.
Notice the two yellow gates visible in this photo. Out of camera range were the ones on the right. This waterfall course is as vertical as it appears here.
One of the many driving obstacles encountered on the three trails.
By day three, only the "dirty dozen plus one" best drivers were allowed to compete.
Competition (and the waterfalls) grew increasingly stiffer.
This is the one which bent the restraining rod (Day 3, obstacle 1), and contributed to the ugly rollover which came later.
Drivers must often rely heavily on their spotters for directions, since they can't possibly see where they are going during climbs like this. They do see lots of sky!
Day 3, obstacle 4, another tall waterfall, this one with a left hand turn.
This was the one that he timed out on - see below.
Luckily, he wasn't hurt, and damage to the vehicle was minor. Luckily he didn't slide the vehicle down into the hole.
The last craw for day 3 - did more craws with out using the winch than others.
A successful climb of the final awful waterfall brings another chance to talk to ESPN2. Watch for this show coming soon. It should be promoted on four-wheel TV online sites...