2005 News
December
Well, yet again I must begin the entry with an apology for the lack of updates recently, but rest assured a lot has been happening in the world of Big Pete Ltd, so here we go.
Looking back over the past few months Big Pete has attended a few more shows leading up to the season finale at the Santa Pod 'Flame and Thunder' bonfire night extravaganza, all of these shows i am pleased to announce went without a hitch to complete another season of outstanding reliability. Big Pete is now resting back at base camp as the team gets to work preparing for next season, set to be the most exciting to date, for a number of reasons.
New addition no. 1 Blown Thunder
As the UK market has progressed the team has realised a new act would be needed to liven the shows and keep the public entertained, The almighty size and destructive power of Big Pete can not be fully appreciated without whitnessing the other end of the scale, the current generation of lightweight, highspeed, jumping trucks that tour and race in the US. To fll this need the team has bought a former US race truck that raced the likes of Bigfoot and Grave Digger, before being imported to the UK in late 2003. Blown Thunder has wowed crouds in the UK since it's arrival thanks to it's race proven pedigree and the excellent, flamboyant driving style of it's previous owner Trevor Stimpson Now the truck enters our stable and work has already begun on a full comprehensive re-build to make her show ready for 2006. This will include a complete image, colour and name change, check out some pictures of the truck as it stands here.
New addition no. 2 Full Metal Jacket
This one's just a little different. As with all the trucks we have operated in the UK (a grand total of 5 now!) this again started life competing on the US circuit, imported to the UK in 1993 it has seen many years touring the globe since that time with great teams such as the Hollywood Stunt Show. The machine is based on a US military armoured personal carrier, powered by not one, but two big block chevy motors! This truck has a lot of history and has campaigned the world for over 15 years in it's current guise. As with Blown Thunder, this winter will see a re-invention of this great 'monster tank' ready to begin a whole new life in 2006 with the Big Pete Ltd. Team. Pictures of this new truck can be found here.
For Sale.
The Mk2 escort bought by B.P.L. is now up for sale, sadly we've not had chance to use this much over the season and with the addition of two new trucks can not justify it's place in our fleet. Anyone interested in this machine can contact us through the usual channels.
Finally for this update We felt we had to do a feature on a new truck on the showscene, Based in Barnsley and dedicated to the collapse of mining in the north of England it touched the heart of us here at B.P.L. Please check out the photos of this amazing truck that has won awards around the country. Unfortunately we haven't managed to catch the owner yet so if anyone knows him please get in touch so we can get a bit more info.
July
15th. I'm sure it hasn't escaped anyones notice about the lack of updates on the web site recently, rest assured we are working on it at the moment and about to put a load more information and a couple more pages on line once they are done.
To keep you interested here is a bit of news from the last few months.
First of all, many of you will have noticed that the gueatbook system has changed, this was for security reasons as we were having a lot of bogus, advertising posts in the guestbook. Please don't be put off by the system, it takes a little longer for you to post but saves me around half an hour a day checking posts for links to pharmacuticle sites.
The more observant of you may have noticed the home page picture now features a red Mk2 Escort drag car in the foreground, with the truck jumping behind. This was taken at the recent ford festival at York Raceway. The car has been bought by Big Pete Ltd and will feature in the action for those participating in the up coming corporate days. A seperate site for the race car will feature shortly.
Speaking of which we have now held one corporate day for a group of people from Manchester, and are now reviewing feedback and suggestions to try and improove and already successful and enjoyable day, to ensure that not only will the experience be even more exciting but also ways to ensure more of you out there can enjoy the experience!
If any of you happen to live in or visited holland in the spring time you may have noticed Big Pete featured in a McDonald's commercial on television over there. Michael, Paul and Des travelled over the north seas in march for the three day ad shoot where the truck was featured racing into the car park, stopping on top of the cars. A low resolution video of this ad will be on the site as soon as we get a copy from the producers. click here to go to videos.
Following on from the McDonald's commercial, another Dutch TV company contacted us to feature in a program called '100 Things to do before you die', and they came to film with us at the York Raceway. The shoot involved their presenter, first of all being kitted up and strapped into the passenger seat of the truck, before being given the ride of his life as Michael tried his hardest to make the presenter scream on TV!. Once he had composed himself from that experience it was his turn as he was taught the controls and skills required to pilot the monster machine over the cars 'flying solo'. Again i hope to have footage of this on line as soon as possible. click here to go to videos
Michael and Bean have been on the road for the last couple of months, covering many miles on the way from the civil servents show in Kent all the way up to the Tain Gala in the north of Scotland, calling at many venues along the way, being joined on event by Paul and his family. Counting all events so far this season the truck and crew have featured on the bill at nearly 20 show days without mechanical, mental or physical breakdown. Not a bad achievement for any team and the tens of thousands of fans are never left dissappointed.
A bit has changed on the crew side as well this season. Those of you that have seen our live show will have seen Paul and Michael as usual. Sadly Joey no longer tours with us due to other commitments, also I (shoulders) am no longer able to attend many shows due to trying to forge a career in motorsport logistics. Two new faces that you may have noticed are a young lad known as Bean, and also Des. Anyone who has viseted York Raceway will recognise Des as the cheif marshal at the track, instantly recognisable by the big grin he always sports (oh yeah, the absence of half a leg is a give-away as well!!) Both of these new crew members will be added to the crew list as soon as suitable pictures are found that won't scare the kids!
Chaio for now, Shoulders!
February
7th. In the near future, I will be able to give the dates for the launch of the Big Pete Monster Truck Experience days. It has been one of my most greatest challenges, in my twenty five year career in the stunt and film industry. The team has given me support every inch of the way, my most pleasurable experience in the last six months has been testing the at Cave Castle Country Club which we are using for the extreme experience days. book early to avoid disappointment! Keep your eye on the website for the dedicated extreme days page which will be uploaded soon.
Sally Fox.
January
Well, a few people have mentioned the lack of recent updates on the site so here we go:
Sally's been hard at it with the promotion and development of our corporate days, hopefully these will be in full operation soon. Who would have thought that letting you fans drive one of the most unique vehicles in the country would involve so much planning!
The Scania and trailer have both had a ful service to ensure all systems are in working order for the coming season. We should have some work in progres photos soon.
The team has been investing in a bit of hardware for the corporate days. I aren't allowed to say much yet but it's loud and fast. Check back later for further news.