Since the inception of Hooked in 2012, the Back to School Monster Truck Bash at The Dirt Track at Charlotte Motor Speedway has been a yearly staple on the team’s schedule and 2018 would be no different. The technical racing course is notorious in the industry and one of the most grueling circuits all year, but Bryan Wright and the Hooked team were up for the task. The duo were the racing champions in 2016 and looking to add another trophy to the collection after confusion with the startling light ended their chances at the win in 2017.
The night’s competition got underway with qualifying as each truck took to the track one at a time to see who would be the fastest and the times would set the bracket for the racing competition. Some trucks struggled on the long and challenging course, but Wright and Hooked looked fast and smooth during their qualifying attempt. Looks weren’t deceiving as Wright piloted Hooked to the fastest qualifying time and the top seed for the bracket. In round one Wright continued to look like the class of the field with another good pass as he defeated Matt Pagliarulo and Jester. The semi-finals saw a match up against Tim Missentzis and the Dirt Crew with a close race but Wright and Hooked would take the win by just over a truck length to move onto the final round. Wright’s opponent in the final round would be none other than Darren Schnell and Bigfoot. It would be a thrilling race with the trucks neck and neck coming around the final corner, but Wright was determined to get the victory. On the final bus jump he would be the more aggressive of the drivers and that decision would pay off as he would take a clear lead to the final jump and the victory by a truck length! It was a great win for Wright and vindication for the team after a disappointing racing competition in the 2017 event. Wright would salute the fans on the frontstretch before being awarded a well deserved racing trophy.
Wright wasn’t done just yet either as he still had freestyle left to go where Hooked could possibly go for a freestyle win as well. The performance opened up strong with some big air right out of the gate as Wright sailed Hooked across the track. Halfway through is performance though the right front axle suffered damage which resulted in the wheel breaking off the truck. While he didn’t get to put on the complete performance he had hoped to, Wright was still applauded from the packed grandstands at the speedway for his efforts.
While the truck was battered following freestyle, the team was still beaming from a successful night in Charlotte as Wright and Hooked were victorious in racing and team owner Steve Sims and the Stone Crusher would take the freestyle win. It was a Monster Trucks Unlimited sweep for the night. Thanks to all of our great sponsors for their support and of course all the fans for cheering us on. We look forward to coming back to Charlotte to defend the titles in 2019!
