since i've gotten good reports from my doctor, we are going ahead with our plans to base our buggy on a theme. "MAJOR ROCK" will be at the next w.e.rock event in tn. the buggy will be in custom desert camo, military style markings, and a replica 50 cal. m2 mounted on the roof (comes off while on obstacles). the abilty to "broadcast" actual recorded machine gun fire is in the works. will be handing out trading cards, bumper stickers, and t-shirts. we are wanting to attract the youth that attend the events and the tech-ins. we paln to attend local car shows with videos of rock crawling events as part of the display. hoping to increase fan base for the sport in general.

Great idea Tom. Can't wait to see it.

That is flat out awesome! Can not wait to see it.

Very Cool:cool2: :cool2:

Big Rich

God, I'm glad I'm on the West coast!

God, I'm glad I'm on the West coast!

maybe he'll attach a few ICBM's and we can nuke you from here :flipoff2: :flipoff2: :laughing:

Right on Tom! I'm stoked to hear that another theme buggy will be running out there. We need more of that and anyone who's payed even a LITTLE attention knows the fans will flock to it!

Sounds cool. If you are going with a theme why not go with something kids can relate to? If you get kids to love it, it will be hard for there parents not to come see you in action and buy your gear. Just a thought.

I guess the word shootout will take a whole new meaning with him there now!:D

Sorry, just not the direction I'd like to see our sport go.

I think it's an Awesome Idea!!!

Another way to promote the sport :smokin:

since i've gotten good reports from my doctor, we are going ahead with our plans to base our buggy on a theme. "MAJOR ROCK" will be at the next w.e.rock event in tn. the buggy will be in custom desert camo, military style markings, and a replica 50 cal. m2 mounted on the roof (comes off while on obstacles). the abilty to "broadcast" actual recorded machine gun fire is in the works. will be handing out trading cards, bumper stickers, and t-shirts. we are wanting to attract the youth that attend the events and the tech-ins. we paln to attend local car shows with videos of rock crawling events as part of the display. hoping to increase fan base for the sport in general.

Sorry, just not the direction I'd like to see our sport go.

If you two would compete at the same event I could see guns and T&A at the same show...WOW....awesome.
This is a joke right??
Attracting kids with guns...nice!

Attracting kids with guns...nice!

Well, I don't know about you but I had a stash of toy guns when I was a kid and PILES of army men that I traded greedilly and GI Joe was my hero...PLUS...our military is a band of heroes in my book...

And, I know things haven't changed as we recently found a stash of toy guns at great grandma's house, buried in the big rocks over the river...when I asked the boys about it, they carefully explained it was a stash donated to and kept secret by the entire group of 27 great grandchildren...

That, and the fact that Tom, like Steve Hanson from Racers/Rockcrawlers for Christ, is a man of God. Tom's also a military man, and a hero to so many...I don't exactly see something worth worrying about.

I will say this...some senator immediatly blamed gaming for the VT killings and is STILL hounding the world that gaming is to blame for those deaths. He doesn't realise that the shooter has left no history of being a gamer. But that's politics and we live in reality. A hero with a gun is no more dangerous than RJ with a bottle of nitrous....wait, did that make any sense??? What I really mean is I don't have issue with Tom being a roll-model for my sons, even if he's got a gun mounted on his roof.

If it's not to much to ask, maybe you could load a few live rounds in the 50 cal and obliterate that stupid looking shark rig :flipoff2:

since i've gotten good reports from my doctor, we are going ahead with our plans to base our buggy on a theme. "MAJOR ROCK" will be at the next w.e.rock event in tn. the buggy will be in custom desert camo, military style markings, and a replica 50 cal. m2 mounted on the roof (comes off while on obstacles). the abilty to "broadcast" actual recorded machine gun fire is in the works. will be handing out trading cards, bumper stickers, and t-shirts. we are wanting to attract the youth that attend the events and the tech-ins. we paln to attend local car shows with videos of rock crawling events as part of the display. hoping to increase fan base for the sport in general.

Have you considered RockCross?

Have you considered RockCross?

Billy I don't think you have met Tom Campbell have you?

Billy, Tom's been a part of WE Rock for years and is far nicer of a guy than most of the nice guys on this planet put together. You don't have to be rude to him...Give him a break as he's trying to promote and compete and grow the sport in far more ways than most are willing to make the sacrifice to do. Heck, even when he couldn't compete, HE WAS THERE, and doing what he could to help anyone and everyone. Don't push someone as good as him and his crew away.

Anyone been to a parade lately, or remember the TV show Desert Rats (ok now I'm dating myself) really I have no problem with themed vehicles. I think a mixture of vehicles is good for our sport.

Having fans root for a shark, root for a jeep, or a toyota/chevy/or whatever or even root for some fat Ba$tard:laughing: :laughing: is NOT a bad thing.

It does however drive me nuts when I watch Monster trucks to that dogs ears flapping:shaking: :rolleyes: Hey Cody now theres an Idea for ya:laughing: :laughing: ruff ruff :D

Big Rich

Billy, Tom's been a part of WE Rock for years and is far nicer of a guy than most of the nice guys on this planet put together. You don't have to be rude to him...Give him a break as he's trying to promote and compete and grow the sport in far more ways than most are willing to make the sacrifice to do. Heck, even when he couldn't compete, HE WAS THERE, and doing what he could to help anyone and everyone. Don't push someone as good as him and his crew away.

Thanks Dustin. Tom is a class act and is a great part of rockcrawling.

He's going after the U.S. Army as a sponsor.. Look at the big picture, what a smart guy..

Maybe not but it would be a really good idea, they sponsor every other type of motorsport.. Maybe I planted the seed for him..

The Army didn't go for a nice package put together by a western team a few years ago, but you never know!

What service uses the title of Major???

Again I'm sorry, I don't know Tom, and I would not seriously wish UROC on anyone!
Please don't turn rock crawling into a junk sport.

Again I'm sorry, I don't know Tom, and I would not seriously wish UROC on anyone!
Please don't turn rock crawling into a junk sport.

Billy, we won't let that happen:cool2:

Well, I don't know about you but I had a stash of toy guns when I was a kid and PILES of army men that I traded greedilly and GI Joe was my hero...PLUS...our military is a band of heroes in my book...

And, I know things haven't changed as we recently found a stash of toy guns at great grandma's house, buried in the big rocks over the river...when I asked the boys about it, they carefully explained it was a stash donated to and kept secret by the entire group of 27 great grandchildren...

That, and the fact that Tom, like Steve Hanson from Racers/Rockcrawlers for Christ, is a man of God. Tom's also a military man, and a hero to so many...I don't exactly see something worth worrying about.

I will say this...some senator immediatly blamed gaming for the VT killings and is STILL hounding the world that gaming is to blame for those deaths. He doesn't realise that the shooter has left no history of being a gamer. But that's politics and we live in reality. A hero with a gun is no more dangerous than RJ with a bottle of nitrous....wait, did that make any sense??? What I really mean is I don't have issue with Tom being a roll-model for my sons, even if he's got a gun mounted on his roof.

Well put Dustin,

I completely agree with you.

My son loves the circus. Mabey we can get the Rich's to build some man-made courses inside "the big tent" and we could bring all this together.

Oh and by the way...The Army nor any other armed forces shows up to any event with a 50 caliber gun that makes Machine gun noises on top of their rigs to promote the armed forces. It is usually a suburban with "Air Force" on the side.

Rich, I'm still waiting for the circus:D

Tom I'm glad your doing well and want to build another rig. I think the kids will realy dig the rig.

Wayne

What service uses the title of Major???

Army, Air Force, and Marines use the same rank for the officers.... so all 3 have Major

Thanks Nate...I just know how Army and Air Force guys/gals don't like to be seen on Navy ships but if Tom's "MAJOR ROCK" could be called a Marine, then he'd prolly be fine riding around on Cody's boat :dustin:

i'm ex navy and retired army major - never a jar head (no offense intended) - ran out of time i guess. it would be a lot less work to not do this. the monster trucks actually are seriously competing against each other - the themes and "funny car" (i've been around long enough to remember the initial doubts of alot of nhra members) appearance are fluff - but i think we could use alittle something different about now. our sport cannot be just about us - we are too busy competing and building to be our biggest fans. i take it all pretty seriuosly, and really want to see our sport grow and become more proffesional in many ways. i want our new direction to be a positive one - for our team as well as the sport itself. i'd like to see how this goes and if it is well accepted - encourage more teams to find ways to make bigger connections with the fans and the media.

yea, a boat buggy would be great - army/navy game = look how many people watch that - and often it's just not that good of a game (like my rock crawling?) LOL.

p.s. what's wrong with young adults and kids today is NOT guns but very poor parenting!!!! and i mean from the time they are 9 months old. BUT this is just a rant on my part.

i caught a little crap when i did Hot Pursuit, people were saying the same thing....it was ALOT of fun and the Kids got a kick out of it.. it also caught media's attention, which is a benifit not just to the Team but for the sport too...have fun with it Tom....

Drag racing has a ton of themed and named cars....guess there a circus act too....:shaking: :rolleyes:

Right on Tom! I'm stoked to hear that another theme buggy will be running out there. We need more of that and anyone who's payed even a LITTLE attention knows the fans will flock to it!


Thanks Dustin

I know a lot of the other team do not like Buddy or what we are doing in Rockcrawling with it; some even think we are starting a circus. Sorry you guys feel that way. But when it comes down to it all it about two things Fans and Marketing and I guess making money. That is why some of the best Motocross went to free style motocross and in the desert we have the land shark & in Rockcrawling we have Buddy the shark because our teams have been looking at what the fans want , is that not what matters? I here some guys saying there is not money in this sport of Rockcrawling and there will never be IT ALL ABOUT MARKETING AND GIVING THE FANS A COOL SHOW. It just like Dale JR he could stop racing and just sale is name and make just as much money every year again look at history Dale Earnhart has been gone for years but he is still making money from 10 feet under ground. More likely some old time NASCAR drive felt the same way like when they started to having band, and move stars in the infield at the races. Once again Team Shark Attack is not out here to hurt the sport of Rockcrawling in any way but to help take the sport to a new level for are Fans and Sponsors. By the way I feel like we have some of the best marketing guys helping our team and showing us what works and does not work, That why Budweiser is the most sold beer on the market right?

p.s. what's wrong with young adults and kids today is NOT guns but very poor parenting!!!! and i mean from the time they are 9 months old. BUT this is just a rant on my part.

How about from the time they popped out....... that is the reason I waited until I was 32 to have a child (my wife and I were married 10 years before having a child). He didn't go into daycare untill 1 month ago and that was to socialize more. I have been with him almost everday of his life. It is the main reason I quit the race team. I couldn't agree with you more.

I can appreciate your wanting to grow the sport. I just feel there are better ways than promoting guns.

If it's not to much to ask, maybe you could load a few live rounds in the 50 cal and obliterate that stupid looking shark rig :flipoff2:



:laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:

X2 :flipoff2: :laughing: :smokin:

Wow, I'm surprised at your stance on guns Jason, with parenting skills as good as you and your brides I think you could raise a great kid that understands right from wrong even if Satan, guns and politicians were right there in the room with you.

I think I understand where Billygoat is coming from even though he has trouble expressing himself nicely in class. I've spent a bunch of time around Monter Trucks [read; theme trucks] and the problem is not with the trucks. The trucks are fine and cool but they do NOT race, it's all show (save for maybe some Bigfoot/ Bob Chandler events) The driver owns the truck and gets paid to show up and Clear Channel owns the body of the truck and the name, most of the well known ones anyway.


So the difference is that Clear Channel (CCE) is an Entertainment company. They don't care about the racing and motorsports part of it. We do. We want to be a true motorsport and keep building that fan base. So do our sponsors, they don't want the entertainment demographic.

WERock understands this and won't divert from this so having a theme truck involved won't weaken our sport by itself and it may strengthen it. So while I'm not going to do it myself and I reserve the right to not want all the trucks to be theme trucks I say bring it on.

EDIT; I should also point out that if a gay team that (despite their poor sentence structure and atrocious spelling) everyone could see right through their BS were to have a theme truck it would make it that much worse for them and could sour people's impression of theme trucks in this sport.

I can appreciate your wanting to grow the sport. I just feel there are better ways than promoting guns.

Typical liberal. :flipoff2:

EDIT; I should also point out that if a gay team that (despite their poor sentence structure and atrocious spelling) everyone could see right through their BS were to have a theme truck it would make it that much worse for them and could sour people's impression of theme trucks in this sport.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA:laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:

Typical liberal. :flipoff2:

Wow, I'm surprised at your stance on guns Jason, with parenting skills as good as you and your brides I think you could raise a great kid that understands right from wrong even if Satan, guns and politicians were right there in the room with you.


I appreciate the compliment, Jeff. Lance you can F-off :flipoff2:
Did I take a stance on guns politically? I took a stance on it at a Rock Crawling event.

I just think that if a rig with a 50 cal sounding machine gun on top of it is firing off it is going to scare the crap out of my 3 year old. Please someone try and explain to me why this would be a great thing for the image of Rock Crawling....I guess I am missing it.

I am going to agree with you Jason. I think a buggy that is painted to look like an Army rig would be sweet! Get the appropriate decals on there and bingo you have a themed vehicle. The 50 cal on top might be a little over the top. Maybe put it up there for shows like SEMA or Impact where the crowd is not so young.

Just out of curiousity, at what age does everyone think its ok to expose children to firearms?

Just out of curiousity, at what age does everyone think its ok to expose children to firearms?

I never shot a gun until I was in Texas last year, I had to do it, it's part of the culture:flipoff2:

Just out of curiousity, at what age does everyone think its ok to expose children to firearms?

Our kids were exposed very early to the realities of firearms...though we are not gun enthusiasts, you never know when they'll be at someone's house that is...my kids NEED TO KNOW the positives and negatives of guns, just as they know the positives and negatives of just about any subject, including women. :dustin:

I have to have faith that "our" education of our children will be enough. Otherwise, our kids will be "mommies boys" and will have a tougher time deciphering the difference when the time really comes.

I never shot a gun until I was in Texas last year, I had to do it, it's part of the culture:flipoff2:

And wasn't it MY gun that you shot:laughing:

I never shot a gun until I was in Texas last year, I had to do it, it's part of the culture:flipoff2:

I've never shot or held a gun in my life, nor have I ever wanted to. BTW I was not allowed to have toy guns either...

I am going to agree with you Jason. I think a buggy that is painted to look like an Army rig would be sweet! Get the appropriate decals on there and bingo you have a themed vehicle. The 50 cal on top might be a little over the top. Maybe put it up there for shows like SEMA or Impact where the crowd is not so young.

Just out of curiousity, at what age does everyone think its ok to expose children to firearms?
I taught my son gun safety at about 7 years old I think its important for kids to know how to handle firearms the right way

I taught my son gun safety at about 7 years old I think its important for kids to know how to handle firearms the right way


I was about that age too;)

Im just fan and dont post here much so what i say probably wont have much weight but a military themed buggy would be cool because there are military vehicles..what i think is really lame is when they have themes of non vehicles(animals,etc.).

Im just fan and dont post here much so what i say probably wont have much weight but a military themed buggy would be cool because there are military vehicles..what i think is really lame is when they have themes of non vehicles(animals,etc.).

Actually, we are looking for input from people like you. The ones that love the sport. Keep the input coming, we definitely want to hear it!

I think I shot a .22 rifle once, when I was like 16. Beyond that I've never had much desire. Paintball and airsoft are cool, you can shoot your friends and they dont die :flipoff2: I think a military themed rig would be good for the sport, but I agree with those that think the .50cal is a little over the top. Remember there are a lot of parents out there that dont mind their kids seeing a miltary vehicle, but might have issues with exposing them to guns. Whatever your opinion is, it's their right to shelter or expose their own children however they like. I'd err on the safe side in the interest of not offending possible fans parents.

Dallas

I've posted something like this before but let's take a step back from the "themed" vehicles making it a "junk sport" because that's all a matter of perception.

Let's move to something undeniable and something we all can relate to.

I remember clearly as a child, going to the races, which I really didn't give a damn about as I wasn't a full-time fan. At any sporting event, the fans / viewers all do something...they pick a favorite. Then, they cheer for them. They get excited and cheer when they are winning, they are excited and cheer when they are in the middle of the pack and making a move...or, they do one of two things...they choose another vehicle if they are losing (human nature, nobody want's to be on a losing team) OR, if the vehicle is bright enough, colorful enough, clean enough, stylish enough, in contrast to the other vehicles...they CONTINUE to cheer for that team even when in dead last simply because they LOVE them.

It's the same for every child, young adult, adult...if they are a viewer that has yet to become a die-hard fan, they are only drawn to a team because of look/perception/likability, and things they can relate to like a favorite race number that is big and bold. The one that stands out the most to that person, is the hook that brings them into the sport and makes them a fan. If there is no HOOK, then they will not come back.

Back to me as a child at the races...I didn't like them very much...I voted for cars that were my favorite color or had a bright paint job, or whatever, but I wasn't exactly enthralled. UNTIL, in the middle of the evening's races, a heat came on and a racecar I hadn't yet seen appeared on the track. It was crystal clear that this car was the center of attention because when it rolled in, kids cheered, men boo'ed, and the reactions ran the gamut from the crowd with obvious lovers and haters of this car, "the ORANGE SPOILER!" This racecar had different aerodynamics than the majority of the others and had a body style and paintjob so unique, that it really did not fit in. Yet somehow, it still obviously qualified for the class it was entered in as it raced in that heat. I WAS ON THE EDGE OF MY SEAT! I couldn't believe how fast that car was! It was amazing and MUST have been driven by a superhero. Around and around I watched it race and with each pass I yelled that much louder as the "SPOILER!" raced by, surely on it's way to a big win.

Well, it didn't win...not even close. In fact, it didn't even qualify for the next heat or any of the finals that night. But there I sat, BLOWN AWAY at HOW COOL that car was! I was a fan...INSTANTLY transformed...and I begged my parents to take me to the rest of the races that season and each time, I didn't care about a single race but the one's the "SPOILER!" ran in.

I don't ever remember him making a final but maybe he made a couple...doesn't really matter though because HE was my hero.

I saw a photo of that car not too long ago when looking through my Grandad's estate after he died...man, was that car ever UGLY...it stood out FAR from the others and I actually laughed at myself for ever being drawn to that car as a child. Truly, one of the most out-of-place machines I've ever seen...but not to me at that time...that car FORCED my parents to take me to numerous races and I know I wasn't the only one as those stands were FULL of kids on the edge of their seat when the "SPOILER!" ran! Shoot, we even had an un-official and un-spoken Fan Club of that car...in a childish sort of way.

Where the line is drawn is different in everyone's perspective. When drawing that line, don't forget that this sport relies on HOOKING people and turning them from viewers into FANS. My opinion is as long as there is no challenge to competitive integrity (vehicle spec-wise), the line is drawn pretty far out there.

I've posted something like this before but let's take a step back from the "themed" vehicles making it a "junk sport" because that's all a matter of perception.

Let's move to something undeniable and something we all can relate to.

I remember clearly as a child, going to the races, which I really didn't give a damn about as I wasn't a full-time fan. At any sporting event, the fans / viewers all do something...they pick a favorite. Then, they cheer for them. They get excited and cheer when they are winning, they are excited and cheer when they are in the middle of the pack and making a move...or, they do one of two things...they choose another vehicle if they are losing (human nature, nobody want's to be on a losing team) OR, if the vehicle is bright enough, colorful enough, clean enough, stylish enough, in contrast to the other vehicles...they CONTINUE to cheer for that team even when in dead last simply because they LOVE them.

It's the same for every child, young adult, adult...if they are a viewer that has yet to become a die-hard fan, they are only drawn to a team because of look/perception/likability, and things they can relate to like a favorite race number that is big and bold. The one that stands out the most to that person, is the hook that brings them into the sport and makes them a fan. If there is no HOOK, then they will not come back.

Back to me as a child at the races...I didn't like them very much...I voted for cars that were my favorite color or had a bright paint job, or whatever, but I wasn't exactly enthralled. UNTIL, in the middle of the evening's races, a heat came on and a racecar I hadn't yet seen appeared on the track. It was crystal clear that this car was the center of attention because when it rolled in, kids cheered, men boo'ed, and the reactions ran the gamut from the crowd with obvious lovers and haters of this car, "the ORANGE SPOILER!" This racecar had different aerodynamics than the majority of the others and had a body style and paintjob so unique, that it really did not fit in. Yet somehow, it still obviously qualified for the class it was entered in as it raced in that heat. I WAS ON THE EDGE OF MY SEAT! I couldn't believe how fast that car was! It was amazing and MUST have been driven by a superhero. Around and around I watched it race and with each pass I yelled that much louder as the "SPOILER!" raced by, surely on it's way to a big win.

Well, it didn't win...not even close. In fact, it didn't even qualify for the next heat or any of the finals that night. But there I sat, BLOWN AWAY at HOW COOL that car was! I was a fan...INSTANTLY transformed...and I begged my parents to take me to the rest of the races that season and each time, I didn't care about a single race but the one's the "SPOILER!" ran in.

I don't ever remember him making a final but maybe he made a couple...doesn't really matter though because HE was my hero.

I saw a photo of that car not too long ago when looking through my Grandad's estate after he died...man, was that car ever UGLY...it stood out FAR from the others and I actually laughed at myself for ever being drawn to that car as a child. Truly, one of the most out-of-place machines I've ever seen...but not to me at that time...that car FORCED my parents to take me to numerous races and I know I wasn't the only one as those stands were FULL of kids on the edge of their seat when the "SPOILER!" ran! Shoot, we even had an un-official and un-spoken Fan Club of that car...in a childish sort of way.

Where the line is drawn is different in everyone's perspective. When drawing that line, don't forget that this sport relies on HOOKING people and turning them from viewers into FANS. My opinion is as long as there is no challenge to competitive integrity (vehicle spec-wise), the line is drawn pretty far out there.


That story brought a tear to my eye :flipoff2: :laughing:

In my opinion I think Tom has one of the greatest theme ideas around. Think about it this way, when he does interviews he can stress the importance of gun safety. He has a chance to address an issue in a way that children will see as he will have their attention. He can make the removal of the 50cal a major safety issue so the children can learn that guns aren't toys so they need to be treated carefully. They will see him carefully remove it and put it away before an event thus seeing they aren't to be played with.

That is what a theme based vehicle can do, it can use the theme as a hook to get fans interested, then use the theme to teach an idea. Maybe Buddy the Shark can stress the importance of not drinking and driving. Who knows, but the possibility is there none the less.

But this is just my opinion.

Eh I don't think the point of a themed buggy was to educate... It's to grab attention and have kids point and go "WOW---COOL!!!" Y'all are reading too deep into this. Although Buddy the Shark's rig says responsibility matters---I doubt the average 8 year old is going to say "Buddy the shark taught me that not drinking and driving is cool". Same goes for the rig with a gun on top. This is rockcrawling not elementary school!!! If you've gotta take something off of your rig after driving it around in front of a crowd with "realistic gun sounds" I think you're spending too much effort on the FREAK SHOW and not on the MOTORSPORT. Just my $0.02 not my thing but I guess I can see why some would want the attention. I'd much rather bring attention by kick-ass driving than some gimmick. I guess if I had to choose a gimmick though I'd get a custom fire suit and helmet that would make me look like the lucky charm guy and throw cereal into the audience---would that be over the top?

as posted somewhere esle - really good rock crawling can be a little "slow" to everyone but US. we could spice it up by having more major crashes, some bigger fires, and maybe even throw in a "care flight" injury now and again. in our sport we have what we have. adding excitement, brand recognition/loyalty, or buggies reperesnting more than a competiton vehicle can add spice for the fans(?). i'm not neccissarily defending my decission, but rather explaining my intent. having the replica is mostly for the times we are statically dispayed - tech, show and shine, car shows and swap meets. the logistics of removing a relatively expensive replica and storing it at the start gates is probably more than it's worth - and it will probably stay back in the trailer - unless it becomes apparent that it would become a benefical part of OUR (the group's) show. and yes it is a show. advancing and even keeping our sport alive will require continous effort. keeping the stockers, adding realistic body panels to the mod-stocks, great announcing, scoreboards, improved viewing, complicted courses, safety, effective advertising and promotion, and maybe some theme buggies are all tools that i think will improve the commodity we have to sell the public. this is not about gun control or lack of it, it's not about the fear factor or loud noises, or the validity of a war in the mid-east. i picked a theme I feel compfortable with, is supportive of something i have been very close to, and fits the style of my buggy (hummer portals ya know - and they are still alive LOL). i am glad i announced it in advance - not to gain apporoval of everyone - but better to have discussions concerning it now than in an environment that is more difficult to express ourselves. i have no sponsors to keep happy, i don't pose a threat to anyone in the "shoot-out", i thank God i'm healthy enough to compete, and i want to have fun at the rock crawling events. in everything i've done, i've tried to make a difference, have a positive impact on who and what surrounds me. it seems to me like the gun is the only problem anyone has with this theme ? i will reserve the gun for the static part of the events and bring it out on the courses if after most have seen the entire package there is no REAL conflict. i got my first rifle at age 8, first shotgun at 10, first handgun at 12. trained in military weapons from june 1972 till - ? competed in combat handgun, combat shotgun, sniper and assault rifle and 3 gun matches for over 30 years. so, i say that to say that sometimes i don't recognize or understand others objections to guns, but i do respect your feelings and i hope you can understand and respect mine. thanks for the long listen.

Eh I don't think the point of a themed buggy was to educate...

I didn't say the point was to educate. I meant a side benefit would be to educate about gun safety. I don't think the WWE is made to educate either, but I see videos of kids doing the same stupid stuff all the time. That is the point I tried to make. If you like it or not, kids will do what they see their hero do no matter if that be handling a gun in a responsible manner or hitting their neighbor over the head with a chair. Ok, so that may be pushing it a little, but I know I'd rather portray the positive when I run.

as posted somewhere esle - really good rock crawling can be a little "slow" to everyone but US. we could spice it up by having more major crashes, some bigger fires, and maybe even throw in a "care flight" injury now and again. in our sport we have what we have. adding excitement, brand recognition/loyalty, or buggies reperesnting more than a competiton vehicle can add spice for the fans(?). i'm not neccissarily defending my decission, but rather explaining my intent. having the replica is mostly for the times we are statically dispayed - tech, show and shine, car shows and swap meets. the logistics of removing a relatively expensive replica and storing it at the start gates is probably more than it's worth - and it will probably stay back in the trailer - unless it becomes apparent that it would become a benefical part of OUR (the group's) show. and yes it is a show. advancing and even keeping our sport alive will require continous effort. keeping the stockers, adding realistic body panels to the mod-stocks, great announcing, scoreboards, improved viewing, complicted courses, safety, effective advertising and promotion, and maybe some theme buggies are all tools that i think will improve the commodity we have to sell the public. this is not about gun control or lack of it, it's not about the fear factor or loud noises, or the validity of a war in the mid-east. i picked a theme I feel compfortable with, is supportive of something i have been very close to, and fits the style of my buggy (hummer portals ya know - and they are still alive LOL). i am glad i announced it in advance - not to gain apporoval of everyone - but better to have discussions concerning it now than in an environment that is more difficult to express ourselves. i have no sponsors to keep happy, i don't pose a threat to anyone in the "shoot-out", i thank God i'm healthy enough to compete, and i want to have fun at the rock crawling events. in everything i've done, i've tried to make a difference, have a positive impact on who and what surrounds me. it seems to me like the gun is the only problem anyone has with this theme ? i will reserve the gun for the static part of the events and bring it out on the courses if after most have seen the entire package there is no REAL conflict. i got my first rifle at age 8, first shotgun at 10, first handgun at 12. trained in military weapons from june 1972 till - ? competed in combat handgun, combat shotgun, sniper and assault rifle and 3 gun matches for over 30 years. so, i say that to say that sometimes i don't recognize or understand others objections to guns, but i do respect your feelings and i hope you can understand and respect mine. thanks for the long listen.

Hey have fun with it. I don't have a problem with guns... And what you elaborated on here sounds great. I just think if before/after every run you had to put on/take off your gun and paraded around with gun-fire it might get a little ridiculous---kinda like a circus. If it's reserved and not "played out" it could be cool. And who give a shiat what I think--it's your rig, do it! My point was that if not tastefully---well.... You don't wanna be a bad joke. Do what makes you happy and keep us updated with pics. :smokin:

In my opinion I think Tom has one of the greatest theme ideas around. Think about it this way, when he does interviews he can stress the importance of gun safety. He has a chance to address an issue in a way that children will see as he will have their attention. He can make the removal of the 50cal a major safety issue so the children can learn that guns aren't toys so they need to be treated carefully. They will see him carefully remove it and put it away before an event thus seeing they aren't to be played with.

That is what a theme based vehicle can do, it can use the theme as a hook to get fans interested, then use the theme to teach an idea. Maybe Buddy the Shark can stress the importance of not drinking and driving. Who knows, but the possibility is there none the less.

But this is just my opinion.

And they will see him fake fireing it into the air in a non-combat setting. Nothing says gun safety like firing one into the air for no apparent reason!

And they will see him fake fireing it into the air in a non-combat setting. Nothing says gun safety like firing one into the air for no apparent reason!

yeah, then we can be like the Taliban with 5 year olds shooting AK-47's into the air :D :flipoff2:
Like I said, it is a chance to serve a cause. I didn't claim to know how Tom would be using it.

That story brought a tear to my eye :flipoff2: :laughing:

Your p;arents never took you the races and it's all coming back to you???

I'm still terrified at the basketball games when they bring out the cannon and shoot t-shirts into the stands. And at the baseball games when they shoot hot dogs at those poor little children hiding behind there seats trying not to be impaled by a mustard dog with relish :(

I remember back at Supercrawl in St George when the jets did the fly over just before the kickoff to the event. The kids all running for cover. There little voices cracking with horror screaming "they're carpet bombing us !"

I for one don't support this kind of abuse to children. They don't know! They don't know a hot dog vendor from a crazy ass Utahian (or whatever they call you there) with a bazooka !

Think of the children first. Stick with a beer can theme. At least they know dad drinks those just before he drives us home from the events.

Utahian (or whatever they call you there)

Tony, they're called Utahards;)

Remember the guy that had lights and sirens on his buggy and dressed like a super hero? :D

Remember the guy that had lights and sirens on his buggy and dressed like a super hero? :D

If we are talking about the same guy...it was Cpt. America. I remember him from an ARCA event @ Moonrocks. He drove like a maniac in a little Sammy?

If we are talking about the same guy...it was Cpt. America. I remember him from an ARCA event @ Moonrocks. He drove like a maniac in a little Sammy?

Capt America had a Jeep, and wore a suit and tie. :D

In a growing sport you must be open to many things, why would you want to piss-off possible sponsors. Who's to say a CEO for Browing or Colt decides to come watch a rockcrawl and thinks he would like to sponsor a team, and then he see's people throwing a fit over a man with a gun on his rig. There goes another possible sponsor. I would have loved a rig like that when i was a kid, still would.

In a growing sport you must be open to many things, why would you want to piss-off possible sponsors. Who's to say a CEO for Browing or Colt decides to come watch a rockcrawl and thinks he would like to sponsor a team, and then he see's people throwing a fit over a man with a gun on his rig. There goes another possible sponsor. I would have loved a rig like that when i was a kid, still would.

First of all I highly doubt a gun company will come looking to sponsor a rig. Second of all if they DID I don't think they'd be turned off by "people throwing a fit". I mean they're gun companies, do you not think they understand how divided the public is by their product?

maybe not a gun company but something that relates to guns. I did a sportsman show in Feb. and the guy next to me runs a bucsh sereies car and his 9 year old son runs a motorcycle under the Gun Brokers .com sponsorship. They handed out tons of signed poster to the young and old.

Wayne

I for one don't support this kind of abuse to children.

Think of the children first.

I can't believe I am the first to bring this up but...

All this ^^^ coming from a guy that single handedly has terrorized more kids at calrocs event than any other person...:flipoff2:

Love ya Tony :D Can't wait to have you back in the game.

I think I shot a .22 rifle once, when I was like 16. Beyond that I've never had much desire. Paintball and airsoft are cool, you can shoot your friends and they dont die :flipoff2: I
Dallas

Ummm I think that is the point of teaching proper gun saftey. Cause you CAN'T shot your freind, He will DIE.

I have tools that I would not let my kids use without my supervision and some of those tools happen to throw a small piece of lead really really fast, some tools just cut off fingers, and some can ruin eyesight..... the list goes on.

Does anyone really think they can shelter their kids from guns and violence? You can try but they will be exposed to it eventually and I personaly would feel better if my kids knew what to do if they saw a gun.

Not to single you out Dallas Hope you don't take offense.

I like the themed rigs We probly would not do it but bring em on. I have a freind Who sculps rock.......hey maybe a "rock" rock crawler

probly not

Wayne

I can't believe this thread went the direction it did.... it may need to be moved to chit chat if it keeps going:rolleyes:

First, the rig isn't even built yet, second, Tom is a great guy, and if he thinks that the idea won't terrorize kids, then I will back him....100%

And third, I had no idea all the guys that compete every year were rasing such limp wristed, helmet wearing, scared of their own shadow...kids....

Get real.....Big Foot makes a lot of noise....no one runs home...and Grave Digger digs up graves..... If your kids are scared of the blue angels, or similar jets...its your fault.......;)Maybe you should watch the bubble boy movie a couple times, and learn when to let go:laughing:

great! i'l post some pics when i fugure out the password for my OLDDDDD account from a long time ago that didn't reference anything but my plain old name. and buy a star! i work a little slower lately so don't get impatient - i am getting quicker - yehaa.

I can't believe this thread went the direction it did.... it may need to be moved to chit chat if it keeps going:rolleyes:

First, the rig isn't even built yet, second, Tom is a great guy, and if he thinks that the idea won't terrorize kids, then I will back him....100%

And third, I had no idea all the guys that compete every year were rasing such limp wristed, helmet wearing, scared of their own shadow...kids....

Get real.....Big Foot makes a lot of noise....no one runs home...and Grave Digger digs up graves..... If your kids are scared of the blue angels, or similar jets...its your fault.......;)Maybe you should watch the bubble boy movie a couple times, and learn when to let go:laughing:

Taking it to a personal level...talking crap about my son...NICE...you fawking tool! I'm out!

Taking it to a personal level...talking crap about my son...NICE...you fawking tool! I'm out!

He's talking to Bender...Bender loves goats and especially young ones and young goats are called kids...sooo...Bender should be the one pissed off :dustin:

If we are talking about the same guy...it was Cpt. America. I remember him from an ARCA event @ Moonrocks. He drove like a maniac in a little Sammy?

I was actually talking about Rob Steffey. You probably never saw his fire suit last year. Probably the flashiest fire suit I've ever seen.:D

Taking it to a personal level...talking crap about my son...NICE...you fawking tool! I'm out!

First, I never made it personal, and would never talk crap about anyone's kid...PERIOD!

but...

Jason, if you are seriously hurt over this post, then I will delete it, but you shouldn't be....it's just my opinion...take it for what its worth...no reason to get pissy:p

I was actually talking about Rob Steffey. You probably never saw his fire suit last year. Probably the flashiest fire suit I've ever seen.:D

Troy told me you used to beat off to his poster that you had hanging in the shop :laughing: :barf: :laughing:

Since when did Rub Stiffey have a poster? I'm gonna miss having him at the events this year. He was always exciting to watch with his tire smoke shows. :D

I just think that if a rig with a 50 cal sounding machine gun on top of it is firing off it is going to scare the crap out of my 3 year old. Please someone try and explain to me why this would be a great thing for the image of Rock Crawling....I guess I am missing it.


And third, I had no idea all the guys that compete every year were rasing such limp wristed, helmet wearing, scared of their own shadow...kids....

Get real.....Big Foot makes a lot of noise....no one runs home...and Grave Digger digs up graves..... If your kids are scared of the blue angels, or similar jets...its your fault.......;)Maybe you should watch the bubble boy movie a couple times, and learn when to let go:laughing:

I took it personal because I did mention how it would scare my kid. I guess he's just not tough enough at 3.

First, I never made it personal, and would never talk crap about anyone's kid...PERIOD!

but...

Jason, if you are seriously hurt over this post, then I will delete it, but you shouldn't be....it's just my opinion...take it for what its worth...no reason to get pissy:p

Hurt..No just pissed. You are obviously intitled to your opinion...I sure spout mine off all the time on the PBB.

I have asked a couple of times in this post why a 50 cal machine gun on top of a military based rig is GOOD for the image of the sport. Not a single person has answered the question.

I took it personal because I did mention how it would scare my kid. I guess he's just not tough enough at 3.



Hurt..No just pissed. You are obviously intitled to your opinion...I sure spout mine off all the time on the PBB.

I have asked a couple of times in this post why a 50 cal machine gun on top of a military based rig is GOOD for the image of the sport. Not a single person has answered the question.

It will make Tom's rig unique. The 50 cal on that buggy will make an impression on fans. It may offend a few, but it will draw in more than it will drive away. With many peoples support of the military this will draw the fans to watch. It will become a favorite of the local media, and will help the image of the sport because Tom is a good ambassador of the sport. Also if you read the same thing I read he will not be shooting the replica of a 50 cal. The sounds will be pre-recorded. In the end this buggy will be an ambassador for the sport and will help in the end with corporate attention placed toward the sport. Satisfied with that answer?

He's talking to Bender...Bender loves goats and especially young ones and young goats are called kids...sooo...Bender should be the one pissed off :dustin:


sweet. mabey bender will make a goat rig. we wil have buddy the shark and ......the goat at each event. what will be the goats name? mabey the exhaust can come out of the goats horns:laughing:


and btw, this thread is really dumb....since guns, espcially big ones attached to a vehicle like ones in the "army", dont scare kids in the first place anyways, espciallly 3 year olds who dont know what it is.:shaking: sheesh

Kids and guns...:dustin: Seeing the following story made me think of this thread and laugh!
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=576776

Since when did Rub Stiffey have a poster? I'm gonna miss having him at the events this year. He was always exciting to watch with his tire smoke shows. :D

im gonna miss being there.....allready goin through withdrawl....

:mad:

I don't see the big deal, the world didn't end when Soni started tooling around with a 50 calish gun on his war wagon or scorpion, peeps did not freak out when pics of those rigs were in the rags. We see Hummers on TV and in the news all the time armed with whatever, toys of similar stuff at wal-mart.

It can be tastefully done, Tom is sensible enough to do it, a lot of wheelers are into guns, though I am not- have fun with it:)