Bill Payne and the Monster Truck Mafia have made their way to Yorkton to continue their Canadian Invasion after coming out successful in Prince Albert this past weekend.
The Seattle-based Mafia will be running three competitive trucks, Rock Star, MEGAMerc and California Kid in hopes of taking some Canadian hardware back to the United States of America.
Standing in their way will be two tough Canadian boys, Western Renegade and its driver Barry Parkin from Marwayne, Alberta, and the former Don Frankish owned Maniac now owned and driven by Trent Hickie who hails from just down the road in Melville.
But both Parkin and Hickie will have their work cut out for them to prevent the American invasion as they have to take on a former Canadian World Finals champion in Payne and Rock Star. "We are trying to do the Canadian Takeover," offered Payne. "I won the Canadian World Finals about four years ago and now I'm looking to claim it again."
But while Payne is looking to run roughshod over the good, old Canadian boys, don't be fooled. He's not here to offend anyone. He's just here to amaze. "Have you ever heard that cheesy line 'We'll sell you the seat but you only need the edge!' well that's what we go for, that's what we strive for," said the 11-year veteran driver of Rock Star, who is known worldwide for going big. "I still drive to this day as if I am a fan in the stands. So I know if I'm grinning ear to ear, you guys are having a great time."
Payne is also looking forward to redeeming himself. While he won the competition in Prince Albert, he did so driving a different truck due to problems with Rock Star. But now, other than some cosmetic problems, Rock Star is fine. "Friday night we rolled it," laughed Payne, continuing, "Then Saturday night I blew the motor so I ended up driving one of the other trucks and took a victory in that truck. It was a great time, we got the motor fixed yesterday and we're good to go."
In addition to the main event of the monster truck races, there will be a tuff truck competition and a demolition derby each night.
The event starts at 7:00pm on both Friday and Sunday. Tickets are still available at the Co-op gas bars and food centre as well as at Key Chevrolet. Just look for a monster truck in the parking lot. Advance tickets are $21.00 for adults, $16.00 for children.
