Morningside's reputation for vehicular carnage was re-affirmed at the 2000 Morningside Tough Truck Challenge. The main difference between this year's event and last year's was the fact that the sections were more spread-out and the spectator turn-out was down. Paul Cooper, the event organizer and host was concerned with the huge numbers of spectators last year so he asked that nobody publicize the event for this year. Even so, there were over 100 spectators who heard about the event through the grapevine.

Another change from last year's event was that the competitors were divided into groups of five and each group started at the same time on different obstacles. This meant that at any one time, there would be five vehicles working their way through a section. This arrangement, combined with the fact that the sections were hidden from each other by trees and hills, made this a very difficult event to cover.

As expected, there were over a half-dozen roll overs but fortunately, no one was injured. And yes, Ben Olson's Suzuki accounted for at least two of those rolls or side-flops.

Rob Brooks performed an excellent multiple roll and then went for another roll later on in the day.

Andy James snapped yet another Birfield, about 2 seconds after I jokingly told him to beware of breaking another Birfield. That brings his total to five broken Birfields since last year...and those are only the ones I've personally seen him break.

Richard Sheridan avoided the Birfield problem in his Toyota axle by modifying it to use D44 open knuckles. That's why he was able to break his axle shaft u-joint. For added measure, he also cut down two of his 38" Swampers.

Paul Cooper should be congratulated for once again organizing another great event which was even more organized than last year's. And in case you're wondering, Al Berikoff of 4Offrd won the event for the second time in a row. Congratulations, Al!

...lars

Paul Cooper, the demented mind behind the Morningside Tough Truck Challenge.	Just like previous events, broken parts flowed freely. Richard Sheridan swapped to Dana outers on his Toyota but he still managed to shred his axle shafts (that's Richard crouched under the vehicle).	Why did Richard switch to Dana parts? To avoid breaking Birfields. Here's a photo of Andy's reaction when he just broke a Birfield on this trail between sections. I think this is Andy's fifth or sixth broken Birfield this year.
This YJ also snapped an axle shaft. Fortunately, they had spares for both sides. Unfortunately, they snapped the same side shaft shortly after the repair.	With only 3 wheel-drive, the driver continued to compete in the Jeep.	It may be hard to believe, but this competitor did NOT roll over.
Rob Brooks claws his way to the top.	Toyota pickups were a popular vehicle in the event. This is Shannon Cupper's.	And here's Shane "Beener" Hofer's Toyota. Beener placed 2nd.
This determined Suzuki driver tried his best to climb out of this hole (it looks easy in this photo but believe me, it was tough). If you look carefully, you'll notice that both front wheels are off the ground. A loud BANG-CLICK-CLICK-CLICK sound marked the end of his attempt.	Of course, leaving your vehicle on the course when Donny's big Mercury is behind you is always a bad idea. The Suzuki took some door damage.	Andy James' Nissan/Chevy/Toyota hybrid coming down one of the easier sections.
Richard "Tiny" Reimer made the spectators nervous by bring his V8 up to redline before virtually every obstacle.	Ben Olson and his infamous "Airzuki." At one point, he had it sitting on its rear bumper.	In the previous photo, you might not have recognized the Airzuki because it wasn't on its side. Does this one ring a bell?
Gorilla in the mist.	The reigning champ of MTTC '99 and '00, Al Berikoff! It was tough getting photos of him because he flew through each section before I had time to set up for a shot.

Scoring Penalty points will be given as follows for each section: Backing Up (up to 3 points) One penalty point is given for backing up more than 2 feet or for engaging reverse and attempting to backup. Stalling (up to 3 points) One penalty point is given for stalling. Out of Bounds ( 5 points) Five penalty points are given for driving out of bounds. A vehicle is out of bounds if any part of the vehicle crosses or displaces tape strung between two markers or displaces a marker. Complete - (up to 8 points) If more than eight points were accumulated for backing, stalling and/or Out of Bounds penalties, but the section is completed (the vehicle rear bumper passes between the section exit markers), eight penalty points are given. Winch - ( 9 points) If the vehicle rear bumper passes between the section exit markers but the use of a winch was required, nine penalty points are given. Driver must remain in the vehicle while his designated assistant will manage the cable and attachments. Incomplete ( 10 points) Ten penalty points are given for any of the following: vehicle rear bumper does not pass between the section exit markers driver leaves the vehicle vehicle breaks a marker tape, or permanently movers a marker vehicle passes left of a blue ribbon or right of a red ribbon vehicle is assisted by pushing, pulling, or jacking No Attempt ( 15 points) Fifteen penalty points are given if a vehicle rear bumper does not pass between the section entrance markers.