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 TAMPA, FL (January 24) – John Seasock and the Traxxas T-Maxx continued to amaze the fans and competitors of the United States Hot Rod Association Saturday.
Traxxas’ full-size replica of the world’s best-selling radio-controlled monster truck defeated Madusa® and Hot Wheels® during the Superbowl of Motorsports Monster Jam at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium. After racing into the semifinals for the second time in three weeks, Seasock finished fourth in the freestyle competition.
“We were getting faster and faster every round,” Seasock said. “We had a really good pass going in the First Round against Madusa. We were pretty far ahead and I got a little zealous going into the last corner. I got a little loose with the throttle and I started to slide a bit. Madusa was able to get ahead of me and beat me to the line, but they said she didn’t hit the ramp straight. We have to hit the ramp with both front tires; you can’t cut it short.”
 Seasock and the T-Maxx were even faster in the Second Round against Hot Wheels.
“We ran a good, fast pass against Hot Wheels, too. After I made the last jump, I saw him sitting in the corner. That took us into the semifinals against Superman®. We had another fast pass, but he was able to beat me to the line.”
Six-time USHRA champion Tom Meents won his second straight Monster Jam, defeating Superman in the finals, then scored a perfect 30 to win the freestyle event. Seasock, one of the leading freestyle competitors, was only five points behind.
 “The place was sold out – the fans were going nuts – and the weather was nice in the beginning,” Seasock said. “When we started getting ready for freestyle, the rain started coming down. We went out and did our best in freestyle. We got some good air as we hit the school bus pyramid three times and went over the jump in the middle. I turned some pretty good doughnuts, too. I know I can run a better freestyle, but under the conditions it was pretty good. I wanted to pull some wheelies and some more doughnuts. We got a 25 out of it. People think these big trucks are good in the mud, but we have to finesse them. We can’t really show what the trucks can do in wet conditions. The fans enjoyed it though; that’s the main thing. I sat in the hot seat for a while, but Hot Wheels took me out. Then Madusa and (winner) Maximum Destruction got even better scores.”
 The Superbowl of Motorsports, only the third Monster Jam for Seasock in the T-Maxx, was Traxxas’ best showing yet in USHRA competition.
“I can’t complain at all,” Seasock said. “We have a really strong truck. We got faster and faster every pass we made. The truck is still new to us; we’re still trying to get used to it. We just keep getting better and better. The truck is working great and it has plenty of power. I just need to get more accustomed to the truck, but we’re getting there. Every time we come off the line, we yank the front end off the ground. “I’m looking forward to improving my handling of the truck as the series progresses.”
Photos courtesy of Shawn Hancock and Monster-Style.com
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