A bit of Americana came to the town of Villamarxant, (Valencia) Spain recently in the form of Team Lemoine Monster Truck show. This is the type of show that gets them good ‘ole boys back in the States a whooping ‘n hollering like nothing else. Only this is not an American production, in spite of all the American flags, and hot dogs and Coca Cola. This show is a German faithful reproduction, including one of the performers who goes by the name of Jack Daniels.
I have seen this type of show before, and frankly I could have written this piece before it started because of the set formula, but that would have been unfair to the young men who have honed their skills to such a fine degree.
The program starts off with Free-style American Motocross performed using three off-road bikes and a tri-cycle. Lots of wheelies and some truly outstanding jumps. The biggest jump has an awful lot of air time as they sailed over eight car widths, that being at least 12 metres. They made it look so easy.
I put the ages of the drivers between 18 and 30. What they did with the stunt cars was almost as amazing as the fact that they were using BMW’s to drive on two wheels only. A very decent sized crowd turned up, and from the spectators the guys convinced five very brave young women to come ride with them as they did this stunt. The picture of the night, which I unfortunately didn’t get, was that of one of the young women looking back out of the car with a very worried look on her face, like “Help!”
Of course, anybody else wishing to have a similar experience need only take a New York City taxi.
The star attraction is the monster trucks. These are normal “cages” mounted on a massive chassis with mega-truck engines and tyres taller than the average man. In full stride they easily roll over anything in their way. Oh, how I could use one of those to get around Valencia.
I don’t think it’s been done yet, but wait for a car chase using one of those. I don’t remember the name of the movie, but Clint Eastwood made his film debut as the unseen truck driver who chased a hapless motorist half way across America. I can only imagine being chased by a monster truck the size of those featured in this show.
I was impressed by the diversity of the spectators. Very seldom does one see that many people out of the house that late in Villamarxant, (after 7pm). To see some pretty elderly folk, along with the very young ones, of course, and everybody in between was a delight, especially as all seemed to have enjoyed the show.
One thing that I didn’t like was the choice of hard-core American rap music blasting out some pretty blue language, certainly unfit for a family audience. However, since the rest of the spectators were Spanish I was probably the only one bothered as it most likely went right over their heads.
I did bring my sense of humour with me so it didn’t ruin the evening. Perhaps I was being a little too sensitive.
So, if you’ve never been to one of these shows you might give them a chance when in your area. There appears to be more than one group doing the Spanish tour, so it’s not as though I am promoting any one group in particular. It just makes for a good evening out that involves some jaw dropping moments along the way. I only ask that when you return to your vehicle to drive home, don’t try any of the stunts you’ve seen.
Formula One Racing
While on the subject of things not to try at home I must comment on the obvious achievements of Spain’s favourite son of the moment, Fernando Alonso, World Champion of Formula One Racing. I may not have been born here, but it’s simply not possible not to feel admiration, and yes, pride in the incredible accomplishments of so young a person. (age 26) He won his first World Championship on the Brazilian circuit at age 24. Such glory to have unseated the near invincible Michael Schumacher, holder of seven World Championship titles. This is no mean feat!
However, F1 racing has been energized by the fairly new entry into the mix of Lewis Hamilton, who nearly did the impossible in his firt
I live quite near to the circuit in Cheste, Valencia, so it is quite convenient for me to drop by when an event is taking place. This is a very glamorous sport. Money is spent by the truckful; it attracts the attention of some of the most beautiful women in the world, and includes household names like Michael, and his brother Ralf Schumacher, (how special is that?), both of Team Ferrari; Jenson Button, British, age 27, Team Honda; and Rubens Barrichello, Brazilian, age 35, (the old man of racing?), with team Ferrari. These are just a few of the illustrious names of F1 racing. These are people who I openly envy because they get to do something for a living that they absolutely enjoy, and they also get paid buckets full of money for the privilege.
Mr. Bernie Ecclestone, Formula One chief was asked to consider licensing Valencia as a venue for F1 racing. He came here and looked at the circuit at Cheste and agreed that with a few minor adjustments the track would be suitable, however, he had the idea that he would like to see at least one of the races held in the streets of the city itself, in the tradition of Monaco. That’s pretty exciting stuff on the face of it, except while waiting to cross the street in front of the bullring I do find myself wondering how would F1 be any different to what happens there everyday.
Lastly, let me add my voice of congratulations to Michael Schumacher on a racing career well run, and wish him all the best in his retirement. To quit when you’re on top of your game is to get the timing absolutely correct.
Remember: Alcohol, plus drink, plus drive equals a shortcut to the cemetery!
I live quite near to the circuit in Cheste, Valencia, so it is quite convenient for me to drop by when an event is taking place. This is a very glamorous sport. Money is spent by the truckful; it attracts the attention of some of the most beautiful women in the world, and includes household names like Michael, and his brother Ralf Schumacher, (how special is that?), both of Team Ferrari; Jenson Button, British, age 27, Team Honda; and Rubens Barrichello, Brazilian, age 35, (the old man of racing?), with team Ferrari. These are just a few of the illustrious names of F1 racing. These are people who I openly envy because they get to do something for a living that they absolutely enjoy, and they also get paid buckets full of money for the privilege.
Mr. Bernie Ecclestone, Formula One chief was asked to consider licensing Valencia as a venue for F1 racing. He came here and looked at the circuit at Cheste and agreed that with a few minor adjustments the track would be suitable, however, he had the idea that he would like to see at least one of the races held in the streets of the city itself, in the tradition of Monaco. That’s pretty exciting stuff on the face of it, except while waiting to cross the street in front of the bullring I do find myself wondering how would F1 be any different to what happens there everyday.
Lastly, let me add my voice of congratulations to Michael Schumacher on a racing career well run, and wish him all the best in his retirement. To quit when you’re on top of your game is to get the timing absolutely correct.
Remember: Alcohol, plus drink, plus drive equals a shortcut to the cemetery!
Copyright (c) 2008 Eugene Carmichael
