UNION — A first for Union County proved to be a treat for local monster truck fans.
Four monster trucks — including the world-famous BIGFOOT — were on display at Union County Fairgrounds on Saturday, and local fans enjoyed inspecting the trucks, taking photographs and meeting drivers.
The event was hosted by the Team Aruba race team as a token of appreciation to the people of Union County for welcoming the team, which is based on Whitmire Highway.
BIGFOOT driver and St. Louis native Larry Swim said he enjoys events that give him a chance to meet and greet fans. Swim has been competing for 10 years, and he said his career highlight was the day he got the call from Team BIGFOOT.
Swim won the CFP (Checkered Flag Productions) Championship Series in 2009, 2010 and 2012, and he was also named MTRA (Monster Truck Racing Association) Driver of the Year in 2009.
Swim was asked what it’s like to be a monster truck driver.
“The feel of being thrown back in the seat, and then hit the side of a car, a van or a bus,” Swim said. “What a rush!”
During time away from driving monster trucks, Swim said he enjoys just being with his wife and children and barbecuing on his deck.
In addition to BIGFOOT, other monster trucks on display included Lucas Oil Stabilizer Chevrolet, Star Marshal Cadillac and Chalkboard Chuck. Chalkboard Chuck was painted with chalkboard material, and children were encouraged to sign their names on the truck using chalk.
To the delight of the fans, the trucks ran every two hours and crushed two cars which were there to be demolished.
After eight hours at Union County Fairgrounds, the next stop for the trucks was a monster truck show in Aruba.
Staff Writer Derik Vanderford can be reached at 864-427-1234, ext. 29, or by email at dvanderford@heartlandpublications.com.
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