Some Sand Pit FUN!
We survived the 2011 High Lifter Mud Nationals! Jon Crowley of UTVGuide.net, Troy Merrifield of UTV Off-Road Magazine, and I left the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series in Phoenix, AZ last Sunday and embarked on our mission in Jon's motor home for Jacksonville, TX. After a day and a half of driving and 2 nights of sleeping in Walmart parking lots we finally reached Mud Creek ATV Park in Jacksonville, TX where for the next 5 days we would partake in the madness otherwise known as the High Lifter Mud Nationals.
Being from California "muddin'" is something from another world but its a riding style that for the last year has intrigued me. It intrigued me enough that when Jon Crowley asked me back in early January if I wanted to partner up and cover the event without hesitation I said "YES". Fast forward a couple months and with help from our coverage sponsors Bennche, Gorilla-Axle, Brazos Cycles, Pro Armor, and SSV Works we were on our way! Thankfully we were all dialed in with a selection of Bennche UTV's when we arrived so we didn't need to have our own UTV's in tow with us on our 3000 mile + adventure.
On Wednesday we would hook up with Johnny Tai of Bennche and take possession of the Bighorn 700X Crew which for the next few days would be our mode of transportation around Mud Creek ATV Park. You can check out my review of the Bennche vehicles here: http://www.utvunderground.com/f38/b...-utvunderground-exclusive-6007.html#post59215
Now that we had our wheels we wasted no time exploring the park. Luckily Troy had been here before so only 2 of the 3 of us were truly rookies. Troy knew exactly where the party would be happening and to get there we would head strait down the "high line road" to the infamous "Sand Pit"! for those of you unfamiliar with Mud Creek, going to the Sand Pit is like going to Oldsmobile hill in Glamis. Its the spot where you go to show off, party, people watch, and flat out have a good time. I quickly learned that these off roaders know how to party and they have some seriously creative means of doing so.
By 4pm on Wednesday UTV's and ATV's were blasting across the Sand Pit which is more like a large pond than a pit. This mud hole is where the locals go to show off their machines ability to traverse deep water and test their driving and riding skills amongst one another in a setting that words cannot describe. As I sat back and watched I kept thinking to myself that there would be a cold day in hell before I took my UTV hood deep in a water hole. But I quickly learned that these guys would probably say the same thing about us when we take our UTV off a 20ft jump in the dunes. While we have sand dunes and deserts that we build our vehicles to play in they have mud holes, rivers, and trails to build theirs for. We tend to lean towards things that make high speed running smoother and more stable, they do things that make their machines have higher ground clearance and not suck in water. Its a different style of riding then I am used to one but its a style that after a while you begin to enjoy watching and yearn to try.
After a couple of nights spent enjoying ourselves at the Sand Pit watching the Mud Nationals attendees exploit their muddin' and drinking skills the official High Lifter events would kick off and we would be right there to capture all the action. The Mud Nationals is a multi faceted event put on by High Lifter who is also one of the newest sponsors to UTVUnderground.com. High Lifter organizes this event once a year at Mud Creek to bring together the industries top vendors and manufacturers in one place in front of over 14,000 enthusiasts to sell and showcase products. Top UTV/ATV manufacturers Polaris, Arctic Cat, Can-Am, and Yamaha were on hand with other companies such as our coverage sponsors Gorrila-Axle, Brazos Cycles, and Bennche. In addition to the vendor showcase is also the organized competitive events including different forms of Mud Racing, Show & Shine, and Stereo System sound off competitions. By far my favorite events of the week were the Sound System competition which was sponsored by SSV Works for UTVUnderground and UTVGuide, and the Mudd-A-Cross racing event where we were able to watch the first UTVUnderground Mud Racing Team Driver Mark Wise compete in his "Gorrilla-Axle powered by Can-Am" Can-Am Commander.
While there is more information that I could continue to express in words it inevitably is a waste of time, for this is an event that words just cant describe. It is an event that one must experience to grasp and is an event that is as unique as its UTV's. While I am glad to be out from under the dust and mud I know it will only be a short time before I start to get that urge to get back into the sticks and hang with the good people of the south. Its a world away form Southern California but its a world I am thankful to have been able to experience and visit. I have visions of my own lifted, sound system packing UTV now. Only time will tell if these visions will come to fruition.
For now enjoy the pics. I will over the next few days begin to drop some video imagery and keep you all linked up with content that Jon Crowley and our other media brethren have collected from the event. But before I sign off I want to give one last shout out to our sponsors that helped get Jon, Troy, and I to Texas. Afterall without their support we would not have been able to share these tales and images with you the members and readers of UTVUnderground.com.
Bennche UTVs, ATVs, LSVs & Motorcycles
http://www.utvunderground.com/f71/b...und-utvguide-mud-nationals-coverage-5569.html
Arctic Cat Service, Gulf Coast Arctic Cat, Ft. Bend Arctic Cat Sales , Houston Arctic Cat Dealer Brazos Cycles & ATVs Richmond, TX (281) 342-1806
http://www.utvunderground.com/f71/b...011-mud-nationals-coverage-sponsors-5834.html
PRO ARMOR | ATV ACCESSORIES | UTV ACCESSORIES | UTV PARTS | SIDE BY SIDE ACCESSORIES | RZR DOORS | UTV DOORS
http://www.utvunderground.com/f71/p...2011-mud-nationals-coverage-sponsor-5837.html
Gorilla Axle
http://www.utvunderground.com/f71/g...2011-mud-nationals-coverage-sponsor-5835.html
SSV Works - Side by Side Vehicle Specialists
http://www.utvunderground.com/f71/ssv-works-utvug-utvguide-mud-nationals-coverage-sponsor-5833.html
Other Useful Links
http://www.utvunderground.com/f71/2011-high-lifter-mud-nationals-here-we-come-5054.html
2011 Mud Nationals - UTV Guide
Welcome to High Lifter's ATV Mud Nationals!
UTVUnderground Mud Racer Mark Wise competes in Mudda Cross @ Mud Nationals
http://www.utvunderground.com/f71/b...und-utvguide-mud-nationals-coverage-5569.html
Arctic Cat Service, Gulf Coast Arctic Cat, Ft. Bend Arctic Cat Sales , Houston Arctic Cat Dealer Brazos Cycles & ATVs Richmond, TX (281) 342-1806
http://www.utvunderground.com/f71/b...011-mud-nationals-coverage-sponsors-5834.html
PRO ARMOR | ATV ACCESSORIES | UTV ACCESSORIES | UTV PARTS | SIDE BY SIDE ACCESSORIES | RZR DOORS | UTV DOORS
http://www.utvunderground.com/f71/p...2011-mud-nationals-coverage-sponsor-5837.html
Gorilla Axle
http://www.utvunderground.com/f71/g...2011-mud-nationals-coverage-sponsor-5835.html
SSV Works - Side by Side Vehicle Specialists
http://www.utvunderground.com/f71/ssv-works-utvug-utvguide-mud-nationals-coverage-sponsor-5833.html
Other Useful Links
http://www.utvunderground.com/f71/2011-high-lifter-mud-nationals-here-we-come-5054.html
2011 Mud Nationals - UTV Guide
Welcome to High Lifter's ATV Mud Nationals!
UTVUnderground Mud Racer Mark Wise competes in Mudda Cross @ Mud Nationals
2011 High Lifter ATV Mud Nationals Draws Large Crowds; Winners Announced
SHREVEPORT, LA -- March, 2011 (Business Wire) High Lifter Products Inc., the leader in custom aftermarket ATV accessories and products, today announced the official race results from the 2011 High Lifter ATV Mud Nationals held from March 23-27 at Mud Creek Offroad Park in Jacksonville, Texas. The annual event draws more than 13,000 attendees from around the world and more than 80 vendors from the ATV/UTV industry.
Over the course of five days, attendees can participate in a total of 17 competitive events which have cash payouts or prizes. In addition to racing and trail riding, the eXtreme Outlaw Concert Series sponsored by Red Dirt Hurricane was held at the Yamaha Oasis featuring Nashville-recording artist Brantley Gilbert, Brandon Rhyder, Kyle Bennett Band, The Cody Riley Band, Rosehill, Backseat Molly, and The Scooter Brown Band.
Scott Smith, President of High Lifter Products, said this year’s success was the direct product of hard work from all involved in the production of the event. “Mud Creek spent a lot of time improving the park’s trails and pits,” Smith said. “It definitely showed when riders could travel with ease on the trails and down the highline. On Saturday night we traveled down the highline and back without any problems.” In addition to park improvements, Smith said there was an air of excitement and anticipation as attendees tried to obtain one of the 30 golden tickets for the 2011 Special Edition Polaris Ranger RZR XP giveaway. “The Polaris presence was a huge hit with riders,” Smith said. “Whether it was running through a mud pit or catching a shirt, riders were willing to go the distance to get their golden ticket and be a part of the High Lifter Polaris Nation!”
Results and a description of each event are as follows:
Dynojet Bad 2 ‘Da Bone – The show and shine competition gives ATV and UTV enthusiasts a platform to showcase their hard work in crafting a ride like no other. Winners are chosen by public ballot.
Place Name Hometown Team ATV/UTV
1st Place Lacy McElhannon Foreman, Arkansas Dirty South Ditch Pigs 2010 Yamaha Grizzly 700
2nd Place Derrick Byars Silsbee, Texas Team White Trash 2008 Yamaha Rhino
3rd Place Matt Pate Kaufman, Texas I-45 Racing 2010 Can-Am Renegade XXC
High Lifter Mud Jam Stereo Contest – This contest features two first place winners with one awarded the “Loudest” based on decibel reading and one awarded the “Baddest” based on public ballot.
Place Name Hometown Team ATV/UTV
1st Place (Loudest) Cody Jones Nederland, Texas Performance ATV 2010 Polaris Ranger
1st Place (Baddest) Scott Reeves Beaumont, Texas Audio Trends 2011 Polaris RZR 4
S3 Power Sports Poker Run – Entry to this event was complimentary and open to all attendees. Participants raced to five stations around the park to have their cards punched. Prizes were awarded to high hand and low hand.
Place Name Hometown
High Hand Jessica Fausphoul Pineville, Louisiana
Low Hand Jerri Williams Canton, Texas
Can-Am/BRP Mud Bog 600cc and Under – This event was restricted to ATVs with engines 600cc and under. Participants showcased their machine’s durability as they raced through 150 feet of super thick mud.
Place Name Hometown Team ATV
1st Place Adam Ladner Pass Christian, Mississippi Mud Nutz Racing 2007 Can-Am 500
2nd Place Clint Smith Pollok, Texas Off-Road Explosion 2008 Can-Am 400
3rd Place Rafy Aviles Griffin, Georgia Randy Miller Racing 2007 Can-Am 400
Can-Am/BRP Mud Bog 601cc and Up – This event was restricted to ATVs with engines 601cc and up. Participants showcased their machine’s durability as they raced through 150 feet of super thick mud.
Place Name Hometown Team ATV
1st Place Jeremy Lofton LaGrange, Georgia Randy Miller Racing 2007 Can-Am 800
2nd Place Clint Smith Pollok, Texas Off-Road Explosion 2007 Can-Am 650
3rd Place Danny Graham Denham Springs, Louisiana TBC Can-Am Outlander Max
Can-Am/BRP Mud Bog RUV – This event was restricted to RUVs. Participants showcased their machine’s durability as they raced through 150 feet of super thick mud.
Place Name Hometown Team UTV
1st Place Brian Taylor Turners Station, Kentucky SuperATV.com 2009 Polaris RZR
2nd Place Tommy Carroll Labelville, Tennessee Team Bad Xample 2007 Can-Am Outlander 800
3rd Place Brian Haughton Dubberly, Louisiana Team High Lifter Polaris Racing 2011 Polaris Ranger RZR 900 XP
Can-Am/BRP Mud Bog Pee Wee – This event was restricted to 5-7 year olds with engines from 0-89cc. Participants showcased their machine’s durability as they raced through 150 feet of mud and water.
Place Name Hometown Team ATV
1st Place Jaden Prestige Hawkins, Texas HTown 2005 Falcon
2nd Place Mason Mathis Proveneal, Louisiana 1970 Falcon
Can-Am/BRP Mud Bog Junior – This event was restricted to 8-12 year olds with ATV engines from 90-125cc. Participants showcased their machine’s durability as they raced through 150 feet of super thick mud.
Place Name Hometown Team ATV
1st Place Josh Davis Honda 90
2nd Place Colton Mathis Proveneal, Louisiana Yamaha Breeze 125
3rd Place Guadalupe Beas The Bus 2008 Kawasaki 90
Can-Am/BRP Mud Bog Early Teen – This event was restricted to 13-15 year olds with ATV engines from 126-400cc. Participants showcased their machine’s durability as they raced through 150 feet of super thick mud.
Place Name Hometown Team ATV
1st Place Cam Graham Spearfish, South Dakota 2004 Can-Am Outlander 330
2nd Place Josh Machen West Monroe, Louisiana Yamaha Big Bear 400
3rd Place Bryan Taylor Turners Station, Kentucky SuperATV.com 2008 Can-Am 400
EPI Endurance Challenge – This competition consists of two-person teams willing to tough it out through the deepest mud holes in the park. Teams start at one end of the high line, proceed to the marked end and return to the starting line. Teams are timed and winners determined by fastest time. Both teammates and an ATV must cross the finish line to score.
Place Names Hometowns Team ATV/UTV
1st Place Jordan Berza and John Broussard Lake Charles, Louisiana Phoenix Powersports 2008 Can-Am Outlander
2nd Place Adam Ladner and Randy Miller Pass Christian, Mississippi and Kaufman, Texas Mud Nutz Racing 2006 Can-Am 800 Max
3rd Place Jacob Carr and Carson Hill Liberty, Texas Third Coast ATV 2009 Can-Am 800
Polaris Mudda Cross Lite – This event was restricted to ATVs with engines 400cc and under. Participants showcased their machine’s durability as they raced two times around a 150 feet oval filled with mud and water.
Place Name Hometown Team ATV
1st Place Scotty Schexneider Sulpher, Louisiana Team Anything Goes 2007 Can-Am 500
2nd Place Adam Ladner Pass Christian, Mississippi Mud Nutz Racing 2007 Can-Am 400
3rd Place Jerry Wise Pollok, Texas Off-Road Explosion 2008 Can-Am 400
Polaris Mudda Cross Bogger – This event was restricted to ATVs with engines 500cc and up. Participants showcased their machine’s durability as they raced two times around a 150 feet oval filled with mud and water.
Place Name Hometown Team ATV
1st Place Sean Benton Saucier, Mississippi Team Southern Ridge Arctic Cat 700 TRV
2nd Place Zac Lemoine Addis, Louisiana Yamaha Grizzly 700
3rd Place Brian Haughton Dubberly, Louisiana Team High Lifter Polaris Racing 2009 Polaris 550
Polaris Mudda Cross Pro A – This event was restricted to ATVs with engines 500 cc and up and a 53” or less wheelbase. Participants showcased their machine’s durability as they raced two times around a 150 feet oval filled with mud and water.
Place Name Hometown Team ATV
1st Place Mark Wise Lacomb, Louisiana Team Gorilla Powered by Can-Am 2010 Can-Am Outlander 800R
2nd Place Brandon Bessant Conway, South Carolina Palmetto Muddin 2008 Can-Am Outlander
3rd Place Adam Ladner Pass Christian, Mississippi Mud Nutz Racing 2007 Can-Am 500
Polaris Mudda Cross Pro B – This event was restricted to ATVs with engines 500cc and up and a 54” or more wheelbase. Participants showcased their machine’s durability as they raced two times around a 150 feet oval filled with mud and water.
Place Name Hometown Team ATV
1st Place John Ferranti La Porte, Texas Performance Enhanced Racing 2009 Can-Am 800
2nd Place Danny Graham Denham Springs, Louisiana TBC Can-Am Outlander Max
3rd Place Seth Russell Harleton, Texas Team Gorilla Powered by Can-Am 2010 Can-Am Outlander 800
Polaris Mudda Cross RUV – This event was restricted to RUVs. Participants showcased their machine’s durability as they raced two times around a 150 feet oval filled with mud and water.
Place Names Hometown Team RUV
1st Place Brian Haughton Dubberly, Louisiana Team High Lifter Polaris Racing 2011 Polaris Ranger RZR 900 XP
2nd Place Mark Wise Lacomb, Louisiana Team Gorilla Powered by Can-Am 2011 Can-Am Commander 1000
3rd Place Ronnie Ford Kerens, Texas 4 Hix 210 Mudboggers 2011 Can-Am Commander
Polaris Mudda Cross Women’s – This event was restricted to ATVs driven by women. Participants showcased their machine’s durability as they raced two times around a 150 feet oval filled with mud and water.
Place Name Hometown Team ATV
1st Place Jerri Kay Albritton Kerens, Texas 4 Hix 210 Mudboggers 2008 Can-Am
2nd Place Peggy Sue Bearden Texarkana, Texas 2009 Can-Am 800 Renegade
3rd Place Lisa Wise Lacombe, Louisiana Team Gorilla Powered by Can-Am 2010 Can-Am Renegade 800
Polaris Mudda Cross Open – This event had no restrictions. Participants showcased their machine’s durability as they raced two times around a 150 feet oval filled with mud and water.
Place Names Hometown Team ATV
1st Place Kenneth Miller Wilmer, Alabama HCL Racing 2007 Can-Am Outlander
2nd Place Jordan Berza Lake Charles, Louisiana Phoenix Powersports 2009 Can-Am Renegade 800
3rd Place Dennis “Cole” McKee Bastrop, Louisiana Team Anything Goes 2010 Can-Am Renegade
About High Lifter Products
High Lifter Products, Inc. has been leading the industry in the development and marketing of unique, after-market accessories for UTVs and ATVs since 1996. Originally a one-man, hobby, High Lifter has since grown into a multi-million dollar corporation, operating a 27,700 square foot facility housing a retail showroom, warehouse, and performance shop. Based in Shreveport, Louisiana High Lifter has earned a reputation for product development and collaborations with several OEMs that greatly enhance utility and performance for customers in the ATV market.
High Lifter is well known within its niche market for the creation of the largest outdoor, mud-riding venue in the country. High Lifter plays host to tens of thousands of ATV riders from all over the globe each year at its annual Mud Nationals event in Jacksonville, Texas.
High Lifter fans and customers know where to go for the best information, products and value. A comprehensive product catalog can be found at the company website, www.highlifter.com where visitors can also get the latest information, browse photo galleries, and participate in High Lifter’s popular online forum.
Last edited:
Mud butt!