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Jp Sneaks Into Top Truck Challange

TTC Day 2
Posted June 4 2008 12:29 AM by Jp Editor 
Filed under: Editorials, Jeep Enthusiast Culture, John Cappa

Broken Traveler

Day two, even at the photo shoot the International Harvester was having issues. It wasn't starting, and was cranking over very slow. It even needed a jumpstart. Perhaps the timing was too far advanced. And then, while it was parked, a radiator hose blew. It's gonna be a long week for the IH crew.




The Bronco needed welding work on day one, before hitting a trail. It's not what you would call a clean rig. It's a little overly complex too. Not a good combo. It's very likely that something in the suspension will break at some point. And it sure don't steer all that sharp... even though it has rear steer! Anyway, it seemed like most of the competitors were easy on the throttle for the tow test. Not a lot of crazy rpm or wheel speed. But, if I had to point out a winner I would say the Warthog buggy took it. But not by much. Randy Swartz in his red Chevy truck likely took second. Nobody made a full pull.

In the frame twister there were so many people that made it over the logs it's a little hard to tell who won. The International popped it's big-block Ford 460 engine only a few feet from the finish and received a DNF. Apparently they were off to go buy a new motor to swap in tonight. Again, the Warthog buggy from Canada shined in this event. I didn't have a stopwatch but it's likely he took first with a spectacular throttle attack through the logs. The Willys and Scott Morris's buggy coming up close behind. The CJ-5 and Waggy had to winch, putting them a little further behind along with the other rigs. The Waggy bent a tie rod but had it fixed in time for the mud pit. The red Chevy would have been ranked no.1 or no. 2 overall had he not gone out of bounds.

In the mud pit Randy's red Chevy truck likely took first with the Warthog second. But it is hard to tell. They were all very close in time. All but the International made it through the pit.

Overall I think it's safe to say the Warthog is winning the event at the end of day two. It's heavy but he's got a lot of power that he's not afraid to use, deep gearing, huge 54-inch tires, and way heavy-duty drivetrain parts. He eventually plans to run 66-inch tires so that should give you some idea of what he's got going on. If he keeps up this pace he will likely be the winner. It's gonna be hard for anyone to catch him now...unless he makes some mistakes tomorrow.

For more images go to www.fourwheeler.com

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