Mud-slinging fun
Published 8:37 pm Monday, April 9, 2018
- A truck makes its way through the mud at last year's mud jam. This year's event is coming up on Saturday.
Revelers will enjoy high-octane fun for the whole family at the third annual Suffolk Peanut Fest Mud Jam this Saturday.
The Mud Jam will be held by Suffolk Festivals Inc. and Big Daddy Motorsports at Suffolk Executive Airport off Carolina Road. Gates will open at 10 a.m. for attendees to enjoy exhibitors, sponsors and a car show before the competitions begin at 1 p.m. and end around 6 p.m.
An open “pit party” will be held in the competition arena before 1 p.m. to allow attendees to meet drivers and check out more than 30 trucks in five different weight classes, from street class to unlimited-class trucks with custom-built engines capable of more than 2,000 horsepower, Big Daddy Motorsports owner Ken Whitley said in a phone interview.
“We’re running mild to wild vehicles,” Whitley said. “You don’t even have to preregister. You can just drive right up.”
Competitions this year will include timed jump courses and a Tuff Truck challenge through an obstacle course. There will even be a Mega Trucks “Tug of War” exhibition between behemoths with 66-inch tires.
“These guys get in these trucks, jump these hills and just come out here like there’s no tomorrow,” Whitley said.
The Mud Jam has become more and more popular in the last three years and Suffolk has become a go-to destination for drivers across the East Coast, according to Whitley.
They’ll be competing for a special prize belt this year that they “can wear to church on Sunday,” he added.
“Suffolk is really becoming a place to pull a mud run, especially at a nice facility with plenty of seating on the bleachers,” he said.
Attendees will browse exhibitors’ wares before drivers rev their engines and enjoy cold beverages with kettle corn, barbecue and Chick-fil-A.
There will be a Cruise-In car show with pre-1975 vehicles when the gates open at 10 a.m. Each driver will receive free admission along with one passenger.
“We’re looking forward to some good weather and a great event,” Peanut Festival Director Lisa Key said in a phone interview.
Admission will be $15 at the gate, and kids under 6 will get in for free. Only cash will be accepted. The Mud Jam this year is sponsored by Duke Automotive, White Oak Equipment, Starr Motors and Titan Contractors Inc.
Call 539-6751 for more information.