The eternal Bigfoot and the Tailgator, going head to head in the Thunder Drags.
The silver anniversary of the Lima Jambo, more correctly known as the O'Reilly Auto Parts Spring 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals, is nearing, and the marriage between that event and those who attend looks as solid as ever. This year marked the 23rd annual of this popular event, and rising fuel prices seemed to have no effect on attendance.
The whole Jamboree series, in several venues around the country, are a festival of four-wheeling. You can see (and buy) the latest gear, and view a sea of built machines that run the gamut from tame to turbulent. Every outlook on a buildup was present, and those who wished could have trained and critical eyes judge their work.
If you like the spectacle of adrenaline-charged competition, the Mickey Thompson Tough Truck Challenge thrilled and amazed onlookers. The NMRO (National Mud Racing Organization) mud dragsters and Monster Trucks fought and clawed for dominance in their classes, prize money, and point standings. The heavy rains just before the show (when hasn't it rained at the Lima Jambo?) made the track particularly tough, and there were a few more spills than usual.
If you find yourself anywhere near Lima, Ohio (pronounced "Lime-ah" not "Lee-ma," dangit!) in Northwest Ohio, this event won't disappoint. Family Events puts on this and many other Jamboree events around the country, and has been doing it for a very long time. They've got it down! Check out the schedule on the Web sites listed below for a show near you.
What happens when you don't have enough speed over a jump in a Tough Truck? The aptly named Tyler Wheeler found out. The rear wheel of his stock-class Nissan hit the far embankment and gave him the endo ride of his life. No doubt he heard bells for a while afterwards, but he and his truck came back to compete later. This Nissan lives up to the "Hardbody" name! | 
Robert Dunham's Rolling Thunder Class 6 mudder had just finished a good run when things went awry and the mud dragster started a series of flips, the truck disintegrating with each hit. There were a few tense moments with no movement from the driver, but Robert emerged with no serious injuries. |
Greg Snyder's '70 IH Scout 800A was a fully functional head-turner. Though built and maintained like a show truck, it's a driver. It mounts the original 304 V-8, albeit warmed up a bit, T-19 four-speed, and Dana 44 axles. The 11-inch lift is custom, and 35-inch Boggers are fitted. | 
Brian Sears' Mud Hopper and Dodd McDowell's Thunderstruck duke it out in Class 4 action. Mud Hopper produced a best time of 2.328 seconds on the course. |
Kyle Bontrager's '85 started out as a 4x2 chassis with a 460 Ford gasser. Now it's a beefy 4x4 with a '91 Cummins diesel. If the Bontrager name rings a bell, Kyle is the son of Nappanee 4x4 building legend, Mark Bontrager. Like father, like son. | 
Alex Dewitt's Mopar Monster does the stuntman routine coming off the big jump in the Mickey Thompson Tires Modified Tough Trucks competition. Alex was running good and might have placed well but for this unintended carnival ride. |
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You don't see big-block Chevy 454s in CJs very often, and this one is particularly nice. We didn't get this gent's name, but this was one sweet CJ. |
The '51 Mercury known as the Monster Mutt cavorts in the freestyle competition. We keep looking for the giant Frisbee he must be chasing. | 
The Mickey Thompson Tires burnout competition offered serious local bragging rights and a chance at a new set of tires. |
Most folks just hang a set of fake bull testicles off the back of their trucks, but noooo, not this guy! | 
Logan Schweiger's '69 J-2000 Townside won best Jeep honors. The truck still mounts its original Buick 350 V-8 powerplant. |
The Toyota Trail Teams crew was on hand with a built course on which you could try out the latest wheeling Toys. | |