Rules of engagement mirrored UROC guidelines. The field was broken into two classes: Legend and Unlimited. Legend class rules stipulate that the rig must have an original-type boxed frame, some semblance of the original body, stock-type steering, and a maximum tire size of 36 inches. As for the Unlimited class, this is where you'll find the lunatic fringe and the vehicularly demented minds of rock-buggy engineering. Basically, as the name implies, anything goes. Cutting-edge coilovers, three- and four-link suspensions, fire-breathing big-blocks, 10,000-rpm rotaries, mid-engine, 220hp VW mills, and even a six-wheel-drive, six-wheel-steering, six-passenger, Unimog-axled `03 Jeep TJ.
Following a day of registration and tech inspection, each team was required to run five obstacles on the first day of competition, then complete the final five on day two. At the end of day one, it was anyone's game in the Unlimited class as nine teams were within 50 points of each other. The Legend class was equally close. Resonating through the canyon was the sound of failing axles, U-joints, pinion gears, and engines being pushed far beyond their design limits. Thousands of fans cheered as dozens of rigs went belly up in the attempt to surmount each obstacle.
As the dust settled and the crowd dissipated on day two, First, Second, and Third Place trophies went to the teams of Amy Bulloch/Steve Bulloch, Kevin Hawkins/Jacy Chrisiansen, and Garrett Sission/Matt Sission in Legends, and Ken Shupe/Kevin "Moose" Nalley, Tracy Jordan/Jerry Watson, and Ken Blume/Jake Ahaway in the Unlimited class. Since you had to be a champ to get into Super Crawl, we've listed the Top 20 finalists in our coverage.
As competitive rockcrawling events have made their mark in the world of extreme sports, spectator numbers have increased dramatically and the aftermarket manufacturers have stepped up to the plate with major sponsorships. Randy's Ring & Pinion was on site with a full array of drivetrain products, and the racing support team for BFGoodrich Baja not only provided up-to-the-minute scores and point standings but also rolled in with a full machine shop to lend mechanical support to anyone who needed it, regardless of what type of tire they ran.
Red Bull kept the event staff, competitors, and media energized with an endless supply of cold Red Bull. Other key sponsors of the '02 World Super Crawl were Skyjacker Suspension, Red Line Oil, Advance Adapters, Yukon Gear & Axle, CMT Racing Products, Tom Woods Custom Drivelines, Allied Wheel, Master Pull, Miller Jeep, Advantage Dodge, Factory Tubular, Off-Road.com, Invictus Productions, and of course, 4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility Magazine.
As we roll into the '03 season and the rockcrawling phenomena gains momentum, we can probably expect to see larger spectator numbers, increased manufacturer involvement, and larger prize money and sponsorships. As for cutting-edge suspension and vehicle technology, we can't wait to see what comes next.