We have often reveled in the power and torque created by the huge engines that power hot rodded big rigs. From their chassis twisting grunt to their ability to sprint through a quarter mile in less time than a modern muscle car, these things are some of the wildest hot rods on Earth. No, there are not “national event” level competitions for these trucks but there are a growing number of events that put these trucks in front of big crowds who love to watch them work. Are hot rodded big rigs a growing trend? We seriously think that they are and when you check out this radical footage from the Great Lakes Big Rig Challenge, you’ll understand why.
Lots of racing is interesting because we get to see people and machines do things that we don’t think are possible. When you stand next to a Peterbilt, you don’t necessarily think “wheelies”, right? Well look below. This is not just a truck with the frame twisted, this is a truck with the frame twisted and BOTH front wheels in the air. How freaking bad ass is that?!
You’ll see the trucks run loaded and unloaded. Some of our favorite footage in this video are those moments when the camera is locked in on the drive tires of the trucks. To see these impossibly tough sidewalls squat and wrinkle is something else. Watching them grip and slip as they struggle to get a load moving is also pretty interesting. The whole scene is that challenging of physics that we love.
The starter at these races is the only guy in the world who runs the risk of being hit in the face with a truck tire…while standing on a platform…while the tire is still attached to the truck. Good gravy this is bad ass.
