Samurai Reigns Supreme, Jeep Liberty Takes Second Spot April 2002, -

Farmington, New Mexico was the host site of RCAA's first event in 2002 and as usual, there was more than enough action for the thousands of spectators in attendance. With its slick rock and easy access, fans find a spectator-friendly Choke Cherry Canyon the ideal location to watch some of the best rock crawlers in the world. Not even the bad weather - high winds, low temperatures, dust and a light snow flurry could keep the fans away this weekend. This year's event will most likely be RCAA's last event here for at least a year, as there are no plans to return to Farmington in 2003 - just RCAA's way of keeping things fresh. 2003 should showcase all-new rock crawling venues for RCAA's competitors who have been to Farmington at least once a year since the 2000 season.

As reported here on the final day of action, Mike Shaffer took the number one spot and began his quest for the overall RCAA title in 2002. With the help of spotter Dave Gibson, Mike made Farmington look like just another weekend trail run, which, those who were there know it was anything but that. With his BFG's keeping the Samurai firmly planted on the ground, Mike and Dave crawled away with a mere, 6-point total for the two days of action. With only 29 points separating the top 5 finishers, competition from fellow drivers was as tough as the course itself. Not to be outdone, John Gilleland took his brand new Jeep Liberty to new heights as he and brother/spotter Kip took second place overall with 13 points. With a performance like that, Chrysler should have the proof it needs to jump on board as a sponsor.

There were more than enough heart-stopping moments in Farmington than we needed. For starters, Rich Hudson was unlucky enough to be the first competitor of the event to reach Obstacle A-7. Unfortunately, he found out the hard way that the original course was not only extremely tough, but it was also a little too close to dangerous. Immediately after his quadruple roll down a 20-foot plus embankment, RCAA officials re-routed the course to make it just as tough, but a little safer for the competitors. Better to err on the side of safety than to risk serious injury.

Later in the day, Don Campbell was involved in a feak accident that involved his son, Shannon Campbell. As Shannon unsuccessfull attempted obstacle A-4, his rig slammed against the only tree in sight, which then threw a rather large boulder in the direction of his father, who was not able to get out of the way in time. The result was two shattered heels, broken leg and muscle and tissue damage. He was air-evac'd to a local hospital, before being taken to a Phoenix-area hospital for further treatment. The staff at ORC wish Don a speedy recovery.

As if that wasn't enough, on day 2 of the action, Ian Liljeblad nearly rolled over spotter Eric Filar, who scrambled to get out of harm's way. Unfortunately, during his scramble, Eric lept backwards to keep from hit and wound up going over a ledge and landing 10 feet below, shattering an ankle. He was able to attend the awards ceremony later that night. You'd think that with these kinds of injuries the crowd would stay behind the course marking's and out of harm's way, but the crowds continually crept closer and closer to the action, keeping marshalls and officials busy all weekend with crowd control. It's easy for the rock crawling fans to get pumped up and edge closer and closer to the action, but they need to understand the dangers involved in getting too close to a high-powered rig fighting to conquer an obstacle. It doesn't take much for one of those rigs to get out of control and end up off course and headed for the fans.

On a lighter note, Amy Bulloch continues her climb towards the Top Ten with a 16th Place finish overall. Again, Amy showed her driving ability by reaching the top of A-7, a tough obstacle that caused more than it's share of problems for the men. With consistency all year long, this may very well be the year that Amy finishes Top Ten for the season.

A New Battlefield For the average spectator, just watching the rock crawling teams compete is enough action for them. Most casual observers are not aware of the heated battle that is going on behind scenes at most major rock crawling events - including RCAA. That battle rages on more fiercely than ever this year as the "Big 2" - Goodyear Tires and BF Goodrich fight for the right to claim the title of Ultimate Rock Crawling Rubber. Goodyear's undaunted MT/R is the tire of choice for many rock crawlers and has tasted more of it's share of success.

This year however, BF Goodrich has thrown its proverbial hat into the ring with the creation of it's Krawler T/A, one of the meanest-looking tires available on the rocks today. Having dominated the desert racing world for the last two decades, BF Goodrich will now be taking on the rock crawling world. How will they adjust from 100+MPH racing to the slow-pace of rock crawling?? The Krawler is being tested at various rock crawling events this year, including RCAA.

Then there's the new Interco TrXus, to go along with their TSL line of tires. The TrXus has a completely different approach to rock crawling tread design and was tested at Farmington by Mike Harmuth. Is Pro-Comp planning on joining the battle with its new XTerrain? We'll soon see....

Tread pattern, compound softness, tire size, sidewalls, - they're all important to rock crawling. Who will "own" the rock crawling world? We may not know for several years. What's important to remember here it that the major tire manufacturers have taken notice of rock crawling and it's meteoric rise to the top of the off road motor sports world.

Contingency This third year of RCAA is shaping up to be the best season ever, with fresh competition from past drivers with new rigs and newcomers taking on the veterans. 2002 will also see the largest contingency ever for RCAA competitors with more than $385,000 up for grabs. RCAA has pledged a minimum of $20,000 per event, and $45,000 for the series in prize money. Along with RCAA, Goodyear, Skyjacker, Summit Racing, Advance Adapters, and Warn Industries have put up more than two hundred and sixty five thousand dollars worth in contingency and prize money.

Farmington Top Twenty -

• 1. Mike Shaffer
• 2. John Gilleland
• 3. Joell Randall
• 4. Ken Shupe
• 5. Jason Paule
• 6. Nantz/Bonney
• 7. Currie/Waggoner
• 8. Ian Liljeblad
• 9. Mitch Guthrie
• 10. Rich Hudson
• 11. Chris Durham
• 12. Charlie Copsey
• 13. Don Robbins
• 14. Walker Evans
• 15. Wilson/Harris
• 16. Amy Bulloch
• 17. Neil Lillard
• 18. Bart Jacobs
• 19. Jason bunch
• 20. Shannon Campbell

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