Meriden off-road truck competition draws a crowd - Meriden Record-Journal
MERIDEN – Engines roared, wheels spun and mud flew at the fifth annual Ultimate OffRoad trucking competition this weekend at Meriden-Markham Airport. Volunteer Steve Oakes said the competition this year included two mud pits and a rock obstacle course. Trucks of all shapes and sizes took on the course, soaring over dirt ramps, splashing into the mud pit and crawling over rocky terrain. Several vehicles became stuck in the mud or jammed on the rocks attempting to conquer the obstacles, but volunteers from La Rosa Construction were on hand to tow trucks that needed help. Some of the truck enthusiasts spent hundreds of hours modifying their vehicles to compete. Unique trucks competing include a modified 1965 GMC with 48-inch tires and a vintage Vietnam-era Gama Goat six-wheel drive military truck. Meriden resident Jim Overly drove a 1983 Jeep CJ7. He worked for two months to get his vehicle competition-ready. It’s like being one inside of a snowglobe,” Overly said. Chris Litchfield, of Granby, said this is his second year competing. His vehicle has a “West Coast tilt,” with the truck body leaning over on large springs, which gives it more flexibility while traversing obstacles like the rock course. Litchfield loves participating in off-road trucking events for the thrill of the ride and the satisfaction of seeing his hard work displayed. Source: www.myrecordjournal.com
