10/22/2020
RacinBoys
"Aftershock" ready to put on a fire and smoke show at Lucas Oil Speedway's O'Reilly Monster Trucks-Eve of Destruction
By Lyndal Scranton (Wheatland, MO) -- As driver of the one-of-a-kind 1940 Ford Fire Truck “Aftershock,” which is capable of putting on a smoke and fire show unlike any other, Mark Smith said he can’t help but sneak a look at the grandstand just before he hits the ignition switch.
This is especially true during night-time shows, like Saturday’s upcoming one at Lucas Oil Speedway. The wow factor cranks up several notches once the track lights go out and Aftershock revs up its 24,000-horsepower power plant.
PHOTO CREDIT: MAP Motorsports photo
“It's a blinding fire show at night. It’s truly impressive,” Smith said. “You can see the crowd and the reaction and it’s kind of funny to watch the people. They’re not expecting such a massive fire to come out (of the truck). It’s something to see.”
Aftershock, the world’s only 1940 Ford Fire Truck with twin Rolls-Royce Bristol Viper Jet Engines with afterburners, will be one of the highlights of Saturday night’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Outlaw Monster Truck Nationals-Eve of Destruction, which concludes the Lucas Oil Speedway season.
Eight of the nation’s top monster trucks are scheduled to be on hand, including Bad Company, Fast Metal, Avenger, Wrecking Crew, Twisted Addiction, Over Bored, Black Pearl and Wild Side. They will be set up during the Pit Party, on the south end of the spectator midway from 5-6:30 p.m.
The Pit Party will feature a driver autograph session where fans can meet the drivers, get their autographs and take photos with the drivers and trucks. Kids are encouraged to dress in their Halloween costumes and collect treats while going through the autograph line at each of the eight monster trucks.
Aftershock, a teammate of the jet truck "Shockwave" that appeared at the event last year, will be ready to give everyone a thrill. The sharp-looking fire truck holds the Guinness Book of World Records for the fastest fire truck at an amazing 407 miles per hour. Obviously, it won’t be posting that speed on Saturday, but it puts out more fire and smoke than its team truck Shockwave that was on hand a year ago.
Smith, who drove jet dragsters for many years and has driven Aftershock for nine years, said the vehicle is a bit smaller than Shockwave but might be more spectacular.
“We added stacks to it last year and that just totally changed the overall show,” Smith said. “We also changed it over to manual afterburners six-eight years ago. That doubled the fuel bill, but it makes for an awesome fire and smoke show.”
Smith said he plans to double the load of diesel fuel, from a typical show, to 200 gallons for this Saturday.
“Just to give the fans a little extra fire and smoke show,” he said. “We’re gonna load it up for an extra-good show.”
Smith said the fans sit up and take notice when he throttles up to about 80 percent and the afterburner pops.
“It impresses people as far as the power and you feel the power in the truck, too,” Smith said. “That’s the fun part for me. I get to feel it, but important, the crow feels it at that point.”
Eight of the nation’s top monster trucks are scheduled to be on hand, including Bad Company, Fast Metal, Avenger, Wrecking Crew, Twisted Addiction, Over Bored, Black Pearl and Wild Side.
Other highlights include Pro and Stock Tuff Truck Racing and a Mighty Monster Bus Ride Truck, offering fans a chance to ride in a real monster truck. For just $10, fans can strap in and take a spin around the track during the Pit Party, during intermission or catch a ride after the show.
Gates open at 4 p.m. with the Party in the Pits from 5-6:30 and show time at 7.
Fans are reminded they can get $2 off admission by getting tickets in advance at participating O’Reilly Auto Parts locations or online.
Ticket prices (at the gate, day of show):
Adults (16 and over) $25
Seniors (62 and over)/Military $22
Youth (ages 6-15) $15
Kids (5 and under) FREE
Family pass $65
Advance tickets
Adults (16 and over) $23
Seniors (62 and over)/Military $20
Youth (ages 6-15) $13
Kids (5 and under) FREE
Family pass (only available day of show, at the gate)
For ticket questions or information for any event at Lucas Oil Speedway, contact Admissions Director Nichole McMillan at (417) 282-5984 or email her at nichole@lucasoilspeedway.com for more information.
Submitted By: Kirk Elliott
