| CURRENT WEATHER: Clear, 40° |
|
|
|
||
|
||||
|
October 8, 2004
Beatty does the 'rock crawl'
By RICHARD STEPHENS
Thirty-seven entrants, several of whom were nationally ranked, and at least one from as far away as Australia, competed in the event. The rock crawl pitted drivers and their spotters against rugged courses that tested their ability to maneuver their vehicles over incredibly rugged terrain. Drivers, guided by spotters who also tugged on ropes tied to the vehicles to help stabilize them, earned points by completing the course within their allotted time limit while staying between marking cones. They also were subject to point deductions whenever they stalled or stopped for more than four seconds or were forced to back up to change their angle of attack. The competition involved four classes of vehicles: modified stock, "legends," Toyota toys, and super modified. The latter demonstrated the ability, depending on the skill of the driver and spotter, to make nearly vertical climbs over boulders that most people would find impassable. You might think such an apparently macho activity would be an all-male competition, but this is hardly the case. Several of the top contestants were women, including Kelly Clifford, ranked number one in Utah-based U ROC, Lisa Linker, Kathy Crook, and Becca Webster, who is sponsored by Red Bull. Rock crawl participants were hosted in the town park the evening before the race, with food provided by the Beatty Lions Club. There was also live music. The event was held on land belonging to David Spicer, who helped prepare the course and improve the road leading to it. The Beatty General Improvement District was involved in bringing the event to Beatty, and there are plans in the works for future rock crawls, with one, perhaps, in February. |
