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#1 |
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Moderating Midget
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King of the Hammers - Premier Party Writup
We arrived a bit early for the event while Team Currie was still rushing around getting the parking lot set with a wide variety of Currie sponsored vehicles. The California sun was just setting and the warm evening air was perfect. It was interesting to see vehicles ranging from the Campbell racer all the way to a 34 Ford with a supercharger, all sporting products from Currie Enterprises on their 50 year anniversary.
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() The party was a virtual Who's Who of the rock sports world. Cameron Steel, JT Taylor, Shannon Cambell, Casey Currie and John Reynolds were just a few folks I saw making their way into the building for the big event. Shooting a video for Pirate4x4TV was none other than Jessi Combs. Jessi is just as beautiful and down-to-earth in person as she comes across on TV. It was great seeing her working the interviews throughout the evening. Stay tuned for a link for the episode soon. ![]() ![]() The Currie family confined the evening's racing for Shannon Campbell to the motorized pallet jack. I must say, that is the fastest I have ever seen food delivered in my life ![]()
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Nolen Grogan CottonLand Cruisers www.rockmidgetphotography.com blacksheep4x4.com USAF Veteran 1988-1998 GOD Bless America Professional Couch Racer |
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#2 |
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Moderating Midget
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Right on time the festivities began. After an incredibly interesting 50 year recap on the history of the Currie Family and their business, Jeff Knoll and Dave Cole, founders of the King of the Hammers, took to the stage.
![]() Jeff announced to the crowd that BF Goodrich tires will be the OFFICIAL tire of the King of the Hammers in 2009! This is a very exciting bit of information that Jeff shared and it really legitimizes the efforts he and Dave Cole have done to get this race in the main stream. ![]() Word on the Tinbender street was that the last time Dave had a jacket on, he married this beautiful woman ![]() ![]() After a few words from Jeff and Dave, the movie was projected on a wall in the Currie shop for all of the crowd to see.
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Nolen Grogan CottonLand Cruisers www.rockmidgetphotography.com blacksheep4x4.com USAF Veteran 1988-1998 GOD Bless America Professional Couch Racer Last edited by wngrog; 10-06-2008 at 06:35 PM. |
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#3 |
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Moderating Midget
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*******KOH Movie Review******
Even though Pirate4x4 does not do official endorsements or reviews of DVDs, I will give you the Rock Midget's view of the movie itself. The movie is a story about a race. Unlike most videos that just take certain races and clips of people going wheeling, KOH takes you to the Means Dry Lake bed and tells you a story of a group of men and women in a very unique racing situation. The film is a blend of his resolution ground footage, helicopter footage, helmet cams, in-car videos and low light non-scripted conversations. Whether or not you have experienced the Hammers or not, you will find yourself drawn into the rough beauty of the area, the expanse and wickedness of the desert and the desire these racers have to beat it. The story mainly focuses around a handful of racers. We see lots of focus on the 2008 favorite, John Reynolds. We see lots of focus, of course, on the 2008 winner Shannon Campbell as well, however, the sideline stories are the ones that I did not know as well. Casey Steiner's story of being a female motocross racer in the 70's who rose to the call to race in KOH 08 and was the last finisher to cross the line. Jody Everding's awesome dialogue before, during and after the race. The Tin Benders club with John James, Bender, Krusty and Mustard Dog spread throughout giving commentary on everything from how suspensions work in the desert to Krusty's cold voice speaking frankly about the need to beat the desert. Overall, the stories, not the footage were what inspired me the most during the video. Once you see the footage, you will see that that is a big statement because some of the most dramatic footage in rockcrawling to date is on this video. My absolute favorite goosebump moments were the helicopter trying to catch Tom Wayes on his high-speed flat-out run across the desert and Ian Plaine's rough ride up the ridge to Aftershock. I am sure others will love other sections on the film, but those were the most dramatic for me. The film is not all about drama though. There is a great section of Becca Webster and Eric Anderson (Mustard Dog) smashing their way up JackHammer. The comments from Bender saying "There is no way a one logged man and a French Horn player are going to beat us." and the never ending run-on sentences from Jody "#$$*" Everding. Overall I would rate the movie 5 stars out of 5. That said, the movie has just a few negatives. One, I think at 1:20, the buyer gets his or her money's worth, but the film is a bit too long. It seemed like it should have ended with Shannon's victory, but then it goes on to tell a few more stories. Two, the volume editing needed a little work because the "actors" were not really actors at all but racers we all know and respect. Quite a few times I found myself straining to understand what some of them were saying. Considering all of the Off Road Movies I have watched, I can honestly say that this is the best of the best. I would say that it ranks right up there with Dust to Glory with 1/100th of the budget. The editing overall is superb and the music is dramatic at times and fun in others. Well done boys! I can't wait to see it on a real TV screen over and over again
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Nolen Grogan CottonLand Cruisers www.rockmidgetphotography.com blacksheep4x4.com USAF Veteran 1988-1998 GOD Bless America Professional Couch Racer Last edited by wngrog; 10-07-2008 at 07:42 AM. |
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#4 |
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Moderating Midget
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The crowd stayed pretty thick after the show. Pirate4x4tv's Jessi Combs, Lance and Camo stuck around to get some interviews and commentary on the race.
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Nolen Grogan CottonLand Cruisers www.rockmidgetphotography.com blacksheep4x4.com USAF Veteran 1988-1998 GOD Bless America Professional Couch Racer Last edited by wngrog; 10-03-2008 at 08:09 AM. |
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#5 |
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Moderating Midget
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Clay Eagan, paraplegic rock crawler/racer talking to Dustin Webster.
![]() Bender and his incredible father Krusty.... ![]() Jody Everding was all smiles after his performance.... ![]() Nicole Johnson and Cassie Currie ![]() Carrie Steiner and friend Stephanie ![]() Cottin and Randy Rodd ![]() CTM Jack and JT Taylor ![]() Tom Wayes charming JT's gilrfriend ![]()
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Nolen Grogan CottonLand Cruisers www.rockmidgetphotography.com blacksheep4x4.com USAF Veteran 1988-1998 GOD Bless America Professional Couch Racer Last edited by wngrog; 10-03-2008 at 10:30 PM. |
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#6 |
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Hardline Crawler
Join Date: Oct 2004
Member # 36746
Location: Birmingham, AL
Posts: 1,888
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Good job, looks great!
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Matt O. #62 Team Hardline Crawlers 2009 KOH Racer Essentially Offroad, BFGoodrich, PSC, Bilstein, Branik Motorsports and Winchline.com |
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#7 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2006
Member # 80664
Location: Arizona
Posts: 915
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Awesome. Felt like I was there after reading the post.
Congrats to Jeff and Dave on the KOH-BFG partnership.
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[I]I have never been lost, but I will admit to being confused for several weeks[/I].- Daniel Boone |
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#8 |
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Wheeler
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The KOH Film was amazing and what a gathering of cool folks. Nice work HammerKing Jeff and Dave..
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KOH Racer from Seattle,Wa Larry Gipson #96 View over 1000 photos and Gipson Racing gear at www.larrygipson.com |
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#9 |
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I taught her that!
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Great turn out and a good time
![]() BTW Nolen, Tin Benders is two words, just a pet peeve of the crew ![]()
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Butterfly Woodworks Tin Benders.org"Momma's got a squeezebox, Daddy never sleeps at night" |
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#10 |
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3,2,1 go
Join Date: Aug 2006
Member # 77779
Location: Dixieland
Posts: 1,012
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Great write up Nolen. Kicking myself in the ass for not hopping on the plane with you now... Oh well, picking up the new car today.
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Driver XRRA East #007 Thanks to our 2009 partners: Bulldog Winch, Winchline.com, www.alabamasynthetics.com, Branik Motorsports, Maxxis, www.scratchdesign.org, Allied Wheels I want to drive Camo's rig at KOH, post #78 |
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#11 |
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trail tampon
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great write up,,
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Fuck Cancer!! 83CJ7-350 on pane-465-205-chromo60&70-h1s-38.5" SX/boggers-linked rear-air shocks |
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#12 |
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Registered User
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What a night! A special THANKS to the Currie family for putting on such a great event. To see everyone in such a relaxed atmosphere and to be able to get to know those that I have never met was incredible.
Thanks to Jeff and Dave for all their hard work. Thanks to Tai and his family for such an incredible movie. It was quite an honor, to be a part of it. To see Shanon's car perform flawlessly over boulders larger than Volkswagens and the heartbreak of JR on film was very emotional for me. When you are in the middle of it all during an event you miss the overall struggle of everyone involved and to see it on film was awesome. No matter if your first or last, or don't make it to the finish line, to be a part of this ground breaking event was AWESOME! The desert and dirt have been a huge part of me for almost 50 years now and I take great pride in our community! I also learned that Shanon is a DAMN GOOD cook! I can't wait to buy a copy of the movie so I can really watch it and actually hear what was said! A special Thank you to Bart and Jamie Dixon for getting Stephanie and I there in style!
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Carey KOH 2008, 2009 #23 A SPECIAL THANK YOU!!! to the following companies for being there!!! 4wheelpartswholesale.com www.djsafety.com www.reeldriveline.com www.pscmotorsports.com www.prpseats.com |
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#13 |
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Zeus of the Sluice
Join Date: May 2000
Member # 906
Location: Tin Benderland-- Ridgecrest, Ca.
Posts: 3,653
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Bender, Flash and I hauled a rig down for the Expo-- but the main goal was the KOH premier.
I have encountered a few surprizes in my life time, but i can't recall one MORE PEASENT than watching the movie !!!! Just being a small part of the MOVIE was /is an honor in its'self ! But standing there among the some of the greatest folks ----being able to shake hands with some and hug others---a feeling beyond words. I can't call the thing a 'video' - it is way beyond that !!! A genuine movie suitable for the 'big screen' !!!! Comedy, drama, action, heartbreak,----- it's all in there !!!! We drove 7+ hours to Currie Ent. and back, (we have to work today)--- but would do it again in a heartbeat !!!!! Just to see the movie projected on the wall of a shop, to shake the hands of the cameramen, director, EDITOR, and producers of such a story---- a true honor and a memory i will carry forever. Jessie is as cool in person as she is on the tube !!!!! EVERYONE---------- Thank You for allowing me be a part.
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Krusty, aka. Krustoy Official Tin Bender. older than dirt/before rocks were invented! *Cancer survivor since 02-06* very small part of the FU2 crew Last edited by Krusty; 10-03-2008 at 05:59 PM. |
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#14 | |
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Chubby Chaser
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Quote:
Hey lady, I thought you said you couldn't come 'round these parts ![]() ![]()
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Eric Anderson TIN BENDERS Hendrix X Chassis #013 Spotter F-Toy #028 Team Marlin Crawler KOH #66 4Wheel Parts, Pro Comp, Diamond Axle, Lightforce, BFG, HendriX, 12voltguy Roxy's in the industry and I'm a sponsored professional driver. The two of us together make a powerhouse. |
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#15 |
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Rock God
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good job midget....wish i could have been there....now i am anxiously awaiting my dvd to ship......
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#16 |
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Wheeler
Join Date: Jan 2005
Member # 41800
Location: Middle Tennessee
Posts: 411
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Great write up and pictures. I wish I could have made the trip out there for the show first hand.
I talked to a couple of people last night after the premier and they said the movie was truly incredible. I can not wait to see it myself. It still feels like a dream that I am going to be racing this race in 2009. I am so excited that i can not hardly sleep at night thinking about it. It sounds like a stand up job from the Currie's for hosting the premier and a lot of people showed up. We should all give a big thanks to Pirate4x4.com for giving us the coverage of events like this. With out them most of us would not get to see coverage of the stuff we love.
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http://www.wideopendesign.com 2009 King of the Hammers 7th place finisher Team Pirate's Newest Member Special thanks goes out to PSC Motorsports, Advanced Adapters, Twisted Stitch, High Angle Drive Line, Allied Wheels, Warn Winches, Spidertrax Axle, Currie Enterprise, Be Cool Radiators,QA1, Branik Machine and Yukon Gear and Axle,and Crane for helping us in the 2009 Race season. general@wideopendesign.com |
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#17 |
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Registered User
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I am trying, it takes me for ever to figure out how to post, I am going to try to be more active, so you will have to tolerate my mistakes!
It was great to see you last night!
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Carey KOH 2008, 2009 #23 A SPECIAL THANK YOU!!! to the following companies for being there!!! 4wheelpartswholesale.com www.djsafety.com www.reeldriveline.com www.pscmotorsports.com www.prpseats.com |
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#18 | ||
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Blood Never Lies
Join Date: Jan 2003
Member # 16502
Location: Arizona
Posts: 828
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Quote:
![]() ![]() ![]() Great moments for this sport. Thanks to the "Midget" for sharing his experiences. There were a lot of pretty ladies there.
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#19 | |
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Blood Never Lies
Join Date: Jan 2003
Member # 16502
Location: Arizona
Posts: 828
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Is Bender playing change cup???
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#20 |
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THE OIL DUDE
Join Date: Mar 2004
Member # 28682
Location: Napa, Ca.
Posts: 2,100
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Nolen awesome review as always.
Thanks for keeping us that could not attend in the loop. Dirk
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www.4x4oil.com
Your #1 Source for Amsoil Lubricants Lube it or Loose it! www.myspace.com/4x4oil Get all the latest information on Zach Yost at his NEW website HERE Amsoil COST +$5 sale running till the end of Oct. (extended thru Nov.) check it out |
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#21 | |
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Moderating Midget
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Quote:
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Nolen Grogan CottonLand Cruisers www.rockmidgetphotography.com blacksheep4x4.com USAF Veteran 1988-1998 GOD Bless America Professional Couch Racer |
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#22 |
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Moderating Midget
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We have been out at the Expo all day. We will get another thread going on updates from the event. TONS of cool rigs out there. It is an amazing display.
Great meeting all of you folks last night and thanks for the comments. Headed back out there in about 1/2 hour....
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Nolen Grogan CottonLand Cruisers www.rockmidgetphotography.com blacksheep4x4.com USAF Veteran 1988-1998 GOD Bless America Professional Couch Racer |
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#23 |
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Grocery Getter
Join Date: Feb 2000
Member # 59
Location: Auburn, CA
Posts: 8,866
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"Spotter" sure is a lucky man.
Not that it really matters, but Nicole >> Jessi
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#24 |
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Rock God
Join Date: Jun 2003
Member # 20833
Location: Tuscaloosa, AL
Posts: 1,284
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Nice writeup Nolen, Glad to see BFG as the Title Sponsor.
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Hardline Crawlers http://www.hardlinecrawlers.com/ Check out my 500 Youtube videos. http://www.youtube.com/user/MadRam11 My 09 Jims Garage Buggy Build Thread http://hardlinecrawlers.com/forums/index.php?topic=4263.0 |
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#25 |
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Wheeler
Join Date: Oct 2003
Member # 23579
Location: Utah
Posts: 414
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Great write up. Can't wait to see the movie.
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1953 CJ3a buggy with stuff |
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