A Fresh and Tasty Menu to keep you Going!

This year’s PrePaid Meal menu is looking as mouth watering as ever. If your after a little touch of class to make your camping weekend away a whole heap easier to organise, be sure to get yourself a PrePaid Meal pass.

There will also be food vendors selling typical carnival food and drinks around Tuff Truck site for your immediate hunger fix.

A variety of small soft drinks will be supplied at Lunch and Dinner as well as the tetra juice packs. Choose one or the other. Includes continuous Tea and Coffee for each meal.

Eco Disposable Plates and Cutlery are 100% biodegradable and compostible – a new addition for this year.

Vegetarian & Gluten Free options are available but MUST be advised beforehand please.

From today you can check out the details and photos from each of the nominations on the Tuff Truck website:

• 2012 Nominations List

If you’ve built a Tuff Truck and would like a chance in next years Tuff Truck Challenge, be sure to get your entry in soon. Only 60 teams will be chosen to compete, so to be considered for an entry get your nomination in before entries close on 30 Nov 2011.

It may seem like we have been a bit quiet of late, but behind the scenes the preparation for the 2012 Tough Dog Tuff Truck Challenge started well before the 2011 event ran.

Starting today we open the online nomination process for potential Tuff Truck entrants to throw their hand up to say ‘Fire up! I’m ready to tackle some of Australia’s tuffest 4×4 tracks in front of a huge crowd of 4WD die-hards”. If you’ve built a fourby that you think is TUFF ENUFF to take on the 2012 Tough Dog Tuff Truck Challenge – clue yourself up with the rules and nomination process and get your entry in quick. This year is limited to only 60 of the tuffest truck and from talking to our industry sponsors we hear there are a lot of new trucks been built, so don’t delay.

And finally, due to the TTC being earlier next year, we have had to shorten the nomination window to just 2 months (noms close the end of Nov). Be quick!!!

Teams, when your ready, check out the full nomination details.

So it doesn’t matter if you live in Texas, London or rock-crawling in Romania, you can now watch hours & hours of Tuff Truck action all the way from Milbrodale, Australia in the comfort of your living room on the other-side of the globe all for one flat shipping fee. Buy the 2011 Tuff Truck DVD today securely online.

DVD’s are region free. DVD uses the PAL video format. Covers text and onscreen menus are in English only. All commentary is in English. If you can read this website OK, you should have no worries using the DVD. All DVDs will be sent overseas using Australia Post (who ship around the world).

Launching around the country at participating Opposite Lock stores and Tough Dog Sydney Headquarters is the 2011 Tough Dog Tuff Truck Challenge DVD. Get on down and be amongst the first to get your hands on this mammoth DVD set and have a sausage while you and the kids rub-shoulders with teams from this years Tuff Truck. Bring along your Tuff Truck 2011 mechanise to have it signed by your favourite team.

Follow us on Facebook or check back regularly as we confirm which teams will be appearing where.

Each location will open from 9am Saturday 16 July 2011.

Which store will you be heading down to? Let us know on Facebook

Launch Locations

Are you coming? If you can’t make it to the launch – get your DVD from the Tuff Truck online store

The 2011 Tough Dog Tuff Truck Challenge DVD is coming, and this is one not to be missed! Over 3 days 59 trucks competed over 12 stages to a record audience of more than 8000 four-wheel-drive fans.

7 camera crew captured well over 50 hrs of footage which has been picked and fussed over to build the most action packed Tuff Truck DVD yet. New features in this years DVD include:

• 2 massive Dual-Layer DVDs
• Over 5 hours of Tuff Truck action
• Multi-soundtrack – Roaring Engines or Rocking Music
• Commentary and driver interviews by Rick O’Brien & Stuart McIntosh

Promotional Trailer

Where to buy?

The DVD will be available for just $40 on launch day (16 July 2011) at Tuff Truck online store, Snake Racing, OPW, Opposite Lock, selected ARB Stores and most good 4WD outlets. Also pre-order from the Tuff Truck online store now.

DVD Bonus Features

Disc 1 features all the action from Friday and Saturday, while Sunday and a bunch of bonus features can be found on disc 2.

• Team Profiles
• Tuff Breaks
• Complete Results
• Additional Interviews
• Radio Control Tuff Trucks
• Exhibitor’s Alley
• Snake Racing Media
• Awards Presentation

Pre-order your DVD now from the Tuff Truck online store

1st Place - Rock Rash Racing

Top 10

Stage Winners

Download the full score sheet PDF

We thank all the great teams and sponsors for making this easily the BIGGEST Tough Dog Tuff Truck Challenge yet.

What can we do to make 2012 even BETTER? Tell us in the comments below or on Facebook.

Update: Scores finalised

Thank you for your patience over the Easter break. First on the agenda was to finalise the scores. There are no changes to all prize placings, these were verified in detail in the short time between the running of the last truck and the presentation. We have now had time to re-check all the stage scores and found some errors in the released provisional score sheet.

Changes in Detail

• Army Barbie on “S9 – Mickey Thompson Jaw Breaker” scored 88 not 36 points
• Team Home Brand on “S10 – Opposite Lock Rock Garden” scored 0 not 41 points
• Rumble Rock Toy on “S11 – Allied Wheels Heartbreak Ridge” scored 42 not 38 points
• Macarthur 4×4 on “S11 – Allied Wheels Heartbreak Ridge” scored -15 not 15 points
• Black Betty on “S12 – 4×4 Accessories Store Rocky Horror” scored 37 not -18 points

These changes effected the total scores of some other teams which were awarded course averages on some stages.

The full score sheet has been updated online. Download the full score sheet PDF

We are looking at alternative score recording methods for the future with the potential of live updates to competitors and spectators.

Download the Timetable as a PDF (for printing)

With the growing popularity of social media and the rapid following of the Tuff Truck Facebook page (over 800 followers in just over a month – do you ‘like’ us?) we have noticed that there is a great interest to know the shirt colour ahead of time.

For the first time ever we will now announce the official colour of the 2011 Tough Dog Tuff Truck Challenge merchandise before the event: hot pink. 1 week to go!

While a legal way for kids to get involved in this great sport, remote control rock crawlers are also an affordable way for big kids to have some great 4×4 fun in the outdoors. Mini Tuff Trucks have been seen around Tuff Truck for years, but hopefully we see a lot more as we announce the Mini Tuff Truck Challenge.

An Australian RC Crawling official will design 2 courses in the Mini Tuff Truck RockCrawl course on Friday. The course is open all weekend to anyone prior to the Sunday morning competition. This is part of the great kids activities on offer.

Prizes

The guys at Go Hard Hobbies have generously offered some great prizes for the little Trucks of Tuff Truck turning this into a real competition.

Two classes will be run, each with a different prizes:

Scale Truck Class Prize

1. 1st Prize: 3Racing Working Winch inc. Warn winch stickers (RRP $30)
2. 1st Prize (under 16s): Axial Exterior Detailed Parts Tree (chrome mirrors, wipers, etc) UNIVERSAL Fit (RRP $25)

2.2 Rock Crawler Class

1. 1st Prize: Go Hard Hobbies $25 Gift Voucher
2. 1st Prize (under 16s): Full set of 4 HAMMER 2.2″ M3 Rock Crawler Tyres with memory foams (RRP $68)

If you’re not sure what class yours is, bring it along and we will put you in the right category. Be at the Mini Tuff Truck RockCrawl course at 10am on Sunday with your gear ready to drive. Get some practise in now.

Update: Prize Winners added

Prize Winners

Due to the large number of entrants and the kids focus on the event, it was decided on the day the the prizes only be awarded to under 16 year olds:

Outlaw Class

1. 1st Place: Cooper W 12 points
2. 2nd Place: Bayden 15 points

2.2 Rock Crawler Class

1. 1st Place: Drew M -16 points
2. 2nd Place: Jayden R -5 points

Stage Manager’s Report

The Go Hard Hobbies Mini Tuff Truck RockCrawl was a roaring success, with over 50 entrants across 3 classes and many spectators to cheer them on. Most entrants were under 16 and therefore were eligible for prizes. Everyone put in a great effort and competition was fierce but friendly. A few kids even owned their dads on the course!

Outlaw class was won by Cooper of Mullion Ck, and 2.2 class was taken out by Drew. Both kids are keen to return next year to defend their title. They’ll have to work hard, because numbers of competitors are sure to be up next year, with more tracks to complete and harder lines to conquer.

The Tough Dog Tuff Truck Challenge is a real eye-opener, showing some unreal feats of vehicle engineering & driving skils to conquer some super rough terrain that most normal people wouldn’t even think about trying to drive over and all within a slim time limit. While grown men yern for this craziness – what about the rest of the family?

This year’s Tuff Truck let the kids attempt to defy gravity themselves. For just $15 (12- 16 yrs) and only $10 (kids 11 yrs & under) can challenge themselves to the following new activities:

Rides

Rockclimbing Wall

Standing at 7.5m high with 5 separate climbing paths. Designed with safety in mind. The wall uses a double- redundant auto belay system for the safest rock climbing experience. Utilising hydraulic pressure you descend you at a slow pace back to planet earth.

(Age: 3 to 16yrs, Weight: 15kg-100kg)

Bungie Trampoline

The classic reverse bungee jump: a ride with no boundaries. Jump, flip and double back flip if you are game. This bungee has 4 riders at a time and allows for some serious fun as well as being a great spectacular attraction. Always awe inspiring to watch.

(Age: 3 to 16yrs, Weight: 15kg-100kg)

Underwater Jumping Castle

An underwater inflatable jumping castle decorated inside and out with a underwater theme.

(Age: 2 to 6yrs, Weight: max 60kg)

Extras

Also included in the weekend kids activities pass:

• Face Painting (once per day, per child)

Price

Your kids activities pass will allow you to use the activities all weekend. Get your weekend pass at the activities tent. It’s better value if your get it on the Friday.

Free Actvities

• Drawing Competition
• Jelly Bean Guessing Competition
• Sack Races
• Egg’n'spoon Races
• Disco
• Mini Tuff Truck Crawl Pit (bring your own remote control crawler)

See Other Activies for more details.

Amusement and activities operators reserves the right to limit use to make it fair for everyone. Each ride may have age and height restrictions.

The 2011 Tough Dog Tuff Truck Challenge is just 2 weeks away! Online ticket sales have been extended this year to coincide with a radio blitz on Sydney’s Triple M and seven other FM stations around regional Australia. However to get tickets in the mail and express posted, online ticket sales will end the week before the event (Thursday 31 March). Buy now to save up to $30 off the at-the-gate price. Weekend and Day Passes will be available at the gate. See ticket pricing.

Meal Packages

If you want the convenience of catered meals for your Tuff Truck weekend you will need to buy a package online before the end of this weekend (Sunday 27 March) so numbers can be finalised for the catering crew. See the great choice of meals on offer for the weekend.

Shower Passes

If you want to freshen up each day with a wash you need to act now, as there are under 30 shower passes left! Buy a shower pass now.

Update: Due to a sell out of shower passes we have secured an additional shower truck for the weekend. But once this sells out, there will be no more. Buy your shower pass online.

Back again for Tuff Truck 2011 is Grinners Catering to keep your appetite at bay while giving you a healthy alternative to the camping staple of just bangers and beer for 3 days. With just 3 weeks to go you’d better prepare your tastebuds for a feast. Below is the menu for this years prepaid meals.

If you have not prepaid for a meal pass, there are still a few packages left. Also there will be separate food vendors at the event selling Ice Creams, Slushies, Hot Chips, Pluto Pups, Pies, Sandwiches, Burgers, Wraps, Pancakes, Quiches, cold drinks etc available for purchase through the day.

A variety of small soft drinks will be supplied at Lunch and Dinner as well as tetra juice packs. Guests to choose one or the other.

Vegetarian & Gluten Free options are available but MUST be advised beforehand please. Please contact jom@tufftruck.com.au by the Fri 25th March for any special dietary requirements.

Initially the ticket price can seem quite steep, but when you factor in all you get, it’s actually a ripper deal.

When you consider for $95 you can get:

• show bag per car on entry (incs. program, adverting material with discounts, stickers, etc)
• 2 nights camping with toilets (and the option of showers) within walking distance of the action
• 2 days of 4×4 insane boulder climbing action with a record 60 custom built vehicles
• 2 spectacular nights of entertainment when the Mud Rats Revenge comes alive
• The chance to get right-up-close to the vehicles and meet the drivers and teams that build them during the Show n’ Shine
• See the latest in 4×4 accessories and grab a deal in the Exhibitor’s Alley
• Saturday night band (Trilogy)
• Onsite Police, security, Rural Fire Services and St Johns First Aid

We think this all in a beaut location where you can get away from the hussle and bussle and just be yourself in the bush is something to look forward to each year.

Below we compare the price of Tuff Truck to some other popular weekend activites for you to see for yourself just how good value Tuff Truck is when you add it all up.

Jump to it!

Keep checking here for more info, Tickets ON SALE NOW, Competitor nominations will open 1st August 2010. Thanks for supporting such a great event.

Tuff Truck Challenge 2010 Clothing in the online store now

Top 3

1. Team Pirate
2. Extreme 4wd Magazine

Gympie off road racing

A. We wanted to have a much more Family friendly atmosphere, than past years and so that makes people feel safer and can enjoy themselves more.

Q. What activities are there for my kids to do?

A. We have lots of activities for kids of all ages! There are the Drawing Competitions from ages 2 -16yrs, Tuff Truck Lolly Guessing Competition, Mini Tuff Trucks (Remote Control car Tracks to test) and we also have Face Painters coming. NOTE: All children must be supervised by an adult at all times.

Q. What restrictions are there in place?

A. Alcohol Restrictions Apply: For spectators entering the site on Friday, Maximum combined total of 2 of the following , (24 can) Beer cases, Mixed Spirits cases or Spirits Bottles per adult is allowed ( Note all bottles must be transferred into plastic). If you’re entering the site on Saturday from 1am, only 1 of the above per adult is allowed. Any excess alcohol will be have to be surrendered at the gate.. We reserve the right to refuse entry of any person wishing to abuse these restrictions. Don’t get any smart ideas thinking that you will be allowed to exit the grounds to return with more alcohol, we will have security on the exit gate monitoring all vehicle movements.

Quad Bikes: As well as modified & motorised ride-on mowers, esky’s, benches, seats etc. these vehicles will NOT be permitted at Tuff Truck for use by spectators. Please do not bring them. They will be confiscated by Tuff Truck Officials, Security Staff or Police if found in use. This is in the interest of your safety and other patrons whilst at the event. People, who use the assistance of a wheelchair, manual or motorized and would like our assistance into the competition stages area, please contact Site Managers Jo McAuliffe jom@tuffevents.com or Darren Page darrenp@tuffevents.com and we can arrange easy options for you. Please note that only Event Officials and Security Personnel will be riding around on quad bikes to get to all areas of event site.

Glass: Tuff Truck 2010 is strictly a NO GLASS EVENT. This means for everything. This is not our rule but insisted upon by the property owners. We will be searching each and every vehicle coming into the Tuff Truck event site and this will be done by Police and Security officials hired by Tuff Truck Management- any glass bottles/containers found will be confiscated. The property is normally a working farm, and has cattle roaming over the site and thus can and does cause major issues for these animals.

Pets: There is a strict no pets policy (especially dogs).The property owners are extremely strict on pets and will NOT allow any pets on the property. Their own animals are extremely territorial and we want insure that there are no incidents between farm animals and patrons pet/s. We have to respect property owner’s wishes.

Firearms, Fireworks etc: Absolutely, positively prohibited. DO NOT BRING THEM. You could face some serious charges by police if found.

Vehicle Movement: No vehicles are to be moved unless entering or leaving the property. No excuses. Remember that if you have been drinking alcohol and get in your car to drive, Police will have full power to charge you for DUI. Don’t Do It.

*Anyone found to be breaking any of the event rules; you will be escorted and evicted from the event or even arrested by police.

Q. What are the camping areas like?

A. The camping areas for both Family and General your basic bush camp grounds. Each camping area are flat, grass & tree-lined with some spots having a gentle slope. All camp sites have no power, so if you need power please supply your own.

Q. Can I get my 2wd car into the camping/event grounds?

A. Yes, absolutely. You will have no problems.

Q. Can I bring my caravan / camper trailer?

A. Yes. All we ask is that you only take up as less space as possible, we do need to fit everyone in.

Q. We come from QLD; can we camp on the Sunday night?

A. No. Unfortunately due to previous years of people/groups abusing the privilege and goodwill of Event Managers, it was decided not to allow spectators to camp the Sunday night. Also as a matter of course, we actually don’t have insurance for spectators to stay the Sunday night. We apologise if this causes some inconvenience, but we do have alternatives if you would like to contact Jo or Darren the Site Managers (under Contact Us), they will be more than happy to help you. * refer to next question for alternative.

Q. What happens if we get to Tuff Truck Thursday night? Can we line up then?

A. If you arrive to event site Thursday through to 6am Friday, you will not be permitted to line up at our gates (there will be security personnel on the cattle grid at Welshes Rd). We suggest that you head to a park in Broke (approx 10mins from Tuff Truck site) called MacNamara Park. It is located on the corner of Paynes Crossing Road and Milbrodale Rd, Broke. It has toilet facilities and is free to camp there and is fairly large in area. We will allow people to start lining up at 6am AEST.

Q. What does the entry fee to Tuff Truck include?

A. With your entry for the weekend, you get 2 nights camping in our bush camp grounds. Each camp site is flat grassy tree-lined with easy access for all vehicle types. We provide the best portable toilet and shower facilities (subject to pre-purchase and availability) and have disabled toilets as well. We provide two camping areas, one for Families needing an earlier night and morning, and a General camping for those who like to party late and sleep later. Then of course you get to experience the unique atmosphere that is Tuff Truck. You get to witness the amazing driving and navigating of our competing teams, the thrills and spills, the crunching and grinding of these amazing trucks as they work their way through each of the stages trying to be the Best of the Best for the weekend. Also you get access to some of the top Businesses in the field who will be exhibiting their wares – you may just pick up a bargain or two!

Q. Are there showers available?

A. Yes. We do have a weekend pass + showers available for sale on our online store. However there are limited numbers for this, so get in early to avoid disappointment. There is also the possibility, subject to pre-sale numbers, to purchase a shower pass at the gate. There is no guarantee though. If you have purchased a shower pass, we ask that you be sensible as to how many showers you have a day. 2 showers maximum will be permitted per day and please keep them to no more than 5 mins in length of time They are supplied by owners spring fed dam and as such that water needs to be conserved as much as possible. Please also be aware that the property at the time of event may experience a water shortage, therefore a limit of one shower per person per day will be adhered to.

Q. How close from the campsites, are the competition stages?

A. The competition stages are no more than 200 meters from both campsites! However, we do have 2 buses cruising through the event site and camping areas all day picking up and dropping off spectators for your convenience.

Q. Can you clarify your No Glass rule?

A. No Glass Rule is exactly what it means. We are cracking down on everyone from bringing in glass bottles, containers etc. Not only is it a pain to clean up after being smashed everywhere, it is also a major risk to the farm animals that normally live on the site. We are employing police and security personnel to search each and every vehicle entering the site during the weekend, for any glass bottles/ containers etc. If found, it will be confiscated. We suggest that anything that normally comes in glass, be put into metal or plastic containers. With regard to alcohol, find a beer or mixer etc that comes in a can or again put it into plastic or metal containers. The property owners have insisted that this year we crack down on the glass issue as they are concerned for farm animal’s welfare after the event.

Q. We have a group of people coming to Tuff Truck but we are all going to be arriving at different times, can I rope off an area big enough for my group?

A. Yes, we are fine for you do that, but we must insist that you don’t take any more space than is absolutely necessary and once all your party is in and camped to then remove the rope. We do need to fit everyone in.

Q. Can we come and set up our campsite earlier than the opening time Friday?

A. No, besides the ethical reason, our insurance does not allow for spectators to come on to site before the advertised opening time. So not before 10am Friday 19^th march.

Q. Is there any phone reception at the event site?

A. Unfortunately No for GSM mobiles. If you do leave the site, drive the 6kms to local township- Bulga or alternatively 5kms down Milbrodale Rd, but please make sure to pull over in a safe zone, and you will get reception there. Those with Next G enabled phones should get fair reception on the site.

Q. Can we have fires? If so, is firewood available?

A. Yes you can at this stage. We are under the jurisdiction of the local RFS at Bulga and if they announce a total fire ban at event time, we will try and have it up on this website ASAP so that people can come up with alternatives for cooking meals etc. If a Total Fire Ban is in place at Event time, then everyone must adhere to this. Fire = Arrest by police. We may and is not guaranteed, have firewood near each entry to 2 camp areas – Family and General and it is first in best dressed. There will also be firewood available for sale on site. The use of explosive devices, gas bottles/canisters etc on fires will result in immediate eviction from event site and possible arrest by Police.

Q. When can we start lining up at the entry gate?

A. You may start to line up at the front entry gate (marquee) from 6am Friday 19^th March AEST. People will be turned away if you try and turn up any earlier.

Q. My friend is disabled & wheelchair bound, what facilities/services are there provided?

A. We have basic facilities for disabled/wheelchair bound people such as a Disabled toilet. The camping grounds are predominantly flat, so camping shouldn’t be an issue as long as care is taken. We also have courtesy buses travelling around the site which people can use if able. Around the stages area can be tricky for a wheelchair if there hasn’t been much rain fall before the event, therefore we do allow motorised scooters only for this purpose (but only if organised with Site Managers beforehand. We do have other arrangements in place if you would like to contact the Site Managers Jo McAuliffe – jom@tufftruck.com.au or Darren Page- darrenp@tufftruck.com.au directly for alternatives.

Q. What time does the competition finish on Sunday?

A. The competition usually finishes up around 4- 5pm on the Sunday and then not too long after the event presentation of event winners begins. Everyone is more than welcome to stay and applaud the winners. Once presentation is over and finished ALL spectators must vacate the event site.

Q. Is there any catering for spectators during the event?

A. Yes. We have two catering teams working for us at Tuff Truck. First is the local RFS group providing Breakfasts, lunches and dinners from Friday midday through to midafternoon Sunday. They do great bacon and eggs for Breakie, Sausage or steak sandwiches for lunches & Chicken schnitzel with vegies or steak and vegies for dinner as examples and all at great & reasonable prices. Or you can go for the catering team that the Officials use- Grinners Catering. There are packages starting from Friday dinner to Sunday lunch if you go and check out prices on our online store here – www.tufftruck.com.au/store and check out the menu on offer here.

Q. My husband is dragging me along to Tuff Truck, is there anything else I can do besides staying and watching the competition?

A. Absolutely there are!! There are heaps to keep you occupied, you just might need to wrestle the keys to the rig from the boss and do a bit of exploring.

Some options include:

1. Visit a local winery, and sample some of the Hunter’s best there is to offer – but make sure you have a designated driver, cause you don’t want to over-do it a bit too much and have no way of getting back to the site – the local constabulary WILL be out in force.
2. Drive back along Milbrodale Road towards Broke and you will pass the alpaca farm, where you might be able to drop in and have a quick visit. A cross between a sheep and a camel, and not too much smarter either – if you see them after they have been shorn, they look even sillier.
3. On the way back, stop in for a coffee and some macadamia’s just before the turn-off to the site and chat to the locals.
4. Head into the “big smoke” of Singleton and have a look around – some retail therapy is sure to ease the time.
5. While you’re in Singleton, check out the real estate offices – from the drive around the area, you will see it is a great place, and you might just find a nice little hobby farm to call your own.
6. A short drive past Broke is Wollombi – famous for its hotel, history, and of course, Dr Jurds Jungle Juice – there are usually markets on Sundays and lots of bric-a-brac shops to wander through.
7. Turning left at Broke will take you towards Pokolbin and Cessnock, with the zoo an option, but you also have some more wineries.
8. Stay at camp, find a nice shady spot, and open the latest best-selling book and lose yourself.
9. The Broke shop does a great light meal and coffee, and you can also stock up on things you may have forgotten.
10. Just 6km’s up the road is Bulga, with a well-stocked shop, bottle shop, and of course, the Cockfighter Tavern, set just back from the river – we’ve had the odd cleansing ale there, and can highly recommend it.
11. If all else fails, just wander up to the events, and you just might find that you enjoy the spectacle – where else can you see grown adults doing stuff you used to do as kids, just with much bigger toys – it will certainly get you smiling.

As you can see, there really is something for everyone, and everyone is sure to enjoy not just the event, but also the surrounding area.

We look forward to welcoming you through the front gate for a special weekend.

Q. I have heard that unless you bought weekend tickets online, you can’t stay for the weekend. Is this right?

A. No that’s not quite right. There will be No weekend passes sold at the gate but that doesn’t mean that you can’t come. What we are allowing people to do if they wish to come and camp at the event and haven’t bought tickets online, is to purchase consecutive day passes 2 or 3, and they will be allowed to come and camp. But bear in mind, these people will be charged a lot more than what others were charged online. We want to be able to keep up with the times and technology in terms of selling passes to the event, these days you can’t take in a concert unless you have bought the tickets online. Also we are trying to reduce the amount of time people have to line up at the gate once we have officially opened the event. It’s us trying to ‘educate’ everyone to the future of Tuff Truck.

Q. Why did you put the entry fee up?

A. Due to rising costs of running the event like equipment and facilities hire, increased security as well as Police being at the next event and the all important insurance costs having risen dramatically, we unfortunately had to increase the entry fee to Tuff Truck. Please keep in mind that for the past 5 years, the only increase in fees has been $5 for the Weekend pass. For these prices where else can you go for this amount of entertainment with the option of camping available? Four hours of Monster Trucks costs an adult about $50.

Q. Can I bring my own generator?

A. Yes. The event site does not have power so we all must bring our own. With bringing your own, please be mindful & respectful of your neighbours and switch the generator off at a reasonable hour at night so as not to cause discomfort to those around you.

Q. What else is there for my wife and kids to do at night if they don’t want to watch the mud event?

A. We are having a fantastic band coming by name of Trilogy who are a 3 piece covers band and play all the classics as well as modern day music as well. You can check out their website here. www.trilogyband.com.au They will be “rocking the Catering tent house” located opposite the mud event. Trilogy will be playing 8pm to 12am for all to enjoy

Q. Do you have a child minding service during the event?

A. No. All children under the age of 18 must be accompanied and/or supervised by a responsible adult at all times. Parents you must know where your children are at all times. We recommend that when you get to the event that you work out a suitable meeting place should you and your children be separated during the weekend. E.g. whilst in ‘stages’ area, you can make your meeting point beside the Kids Tent (they can also alert the Kids Tent officials that they are missing their parents), or if they are older and more responsible, have them meet you back at camp etc. We also recommend that you give your children their own CB radio on an agreed channel for the weekend; you can keep track of them that way as well. For the little ones, write your surname and vehicle rego on their arm or you can purchase from some department stores, special kids tags that you put around their wrists in case of them being lost. Or if they are too frightened to approach an official looking adult, have them approach a police officer working at the event.

Note: Should you have any more questions that are not listed or covered here please email them to Jo – Site Manager jom@tufftruck.com.au and she will answer as best she can.

There is a map in your TTC2010 Official Program – PLEASE CHECK IT BEFORE SELECTING YOUR CAMP SITE!

Please see below for description of camping zones:

C1: Family & Relaxed Camping

These areas are designated for Family Camping. This means that no rowdy behaviour will be tolerated within these zones. This area is suited to families with children and those who wish to camp in a quieter and more strictly controlled environment.

C2: Reserved Camping

This area is not open to the general public and is for the sole use of officials, staff and contractors.

C3: General & ‘Boisterous’ Camping

You will note that whereas General Camping was on the left hand side of the map/property last year, this area has now been moved to the opposite side of the property.

This zone is aimed at people who wish to enjoy the party atmosphere of the event – including those who regularly camp in what was termed ‘Feral Hill’. It is important to note that the old ‘Feral Hill’ is now a Family Zone… please ensure you do not camp in this zone if you are in party-mode for the weekend – Security will be swift in having you removed.

C4: Competitor Camping

This area is for Competitors and their crew/family ONLY. This is a lock-down area and campers not wearing the correct wristband will be evicted.

Camp Fires

Campfires will be CLOSELY monitored this year, under instruction of the Rural Fire Brigade. This is due to current fire restrictions and campers are reminded that having fires at TTC this year is a privilege, not a right.

Fires must be kept small and manageable at all times and closely monitored. Wood is the only fuel deemed acceptable – the use of flammable liquids, tyres, plastics and furniture on fires will result in them being extinguished immediately.

Firewood will be available at the event. $15 per supplied bag, fill it as much as u can.

No Pallets are allowed onsite & if any are onsite, they cannot be used as firewood.

Please see the
Rural Fire Brigade Guidelines document to avoid copping a fine.

Marshalls

The Marshalling Crew are in place to ensure your safety and that the event is run within guidelines.

Instructions given by Marshalls are to be obeyed at all times – failure to do so will result in our nice Security guys dropping by and having a chat to you, and possibly escorting you out the front gate.

Police & Security

Security staff levels have been dramatically increased this year, with the local police also frequenting the event all weekend.

Orders by Security Staff are to be obeyed at all times and fighting, theft, rowdy behaviour and illegal activities will not be tolerated.

Please see EVENT INFORMATION for some great security tips.

**Substantial rewards are being offered this year in relation to information that leads to a conviction of persons responsible for activities involving fireworks, explosive devices, ammunition, firearms, gas cylinder/butane canister etc misuse. All information provided will remain anonymous. The Army will be onsite this year, please keep this in mind.

Alcohol Free Zones

There will be designated Alcohol Free Zones at this years event, these will be clearly marked. There will also be Alcohol limitations for the 2010 Event. These will be announced in the coming months.

Children

Whilst TEPA take every effort to ensure safety of TTC patrons, it is the responsibility of parents to know the whereabouts of their children at all times.

Security will be making regular patrols of areas such as catering, toilets and showers – however it is advised that children are accompanied by a responsible adult at all times to ensure they remain safe.

Pets

No pets – no excuses. Visually impaired persons requiring the assistance of a guide dog will need to make prior arrangements. If you know someone in this situation, please advise them of this.

Please refer to the section EVENT INFORMATION on the website menu for further information.

But never fear – Grinners are here!!!!

That’s right, the team from Grinners Catering at Lake Macquarie have been booked for the event to ensure that all who take-up the catering package are fed well, fed often, and fed delicious and nutritious meals for the 3 days. You can choose from 2 different packages, depending on when you arrive.

Pack 1 starts with Friday lunch, and covers you for 7 meals right up to Sunday lunch, all for only $125.00 per adult (12 yrs to adult) or $77.00 per child (up to 11 yrs).

Pack 2 starts a bit later, and covers you from Friday dinner right through to Sunday lunch – 6 meals in all, for only $105.00 per adult (12 yrs to adult) or $66.00 per child (up to 11 yrs).

So you can arrive at the event, having savoured the last fast food meal on the trip to site, knowing that all your meals are catered for, everything is paid, and you can just relax and enjoy the meals – who wouldn’t want to take the hassle out of a weekend away, and for such great value too.

Below is a run through the menu, with several options available each night – you simply choose what you want, and the friendly staff fill your plate – how can you go wrong.

Friday Lunch:

• Variety of salad rolls with cold meat options
• Basket of whole fruits inc. apples, oranges, bananas and pears
• Tetra juice packs or soft drinks, tea and coffee facilities

Friday Dinner:

• Main: hot buffet of Mediterranean chicken breasts, roast beef, spinach and ricotta lasagne, served with hot gravy and/or mustard. Also sides include country potato bake, warm Italian pasta, gourmet tossed salad, coleslaw, Hawaiian rice salad, tropical fruit platter, and dinner rolls/butter
• Dessert: black forest cake or orange cake
• Tetra juice packs or soft drinks, tea and coffee facilities

Saturday Breakfast:

• Variety of cereals, pancakes, barbecued bacon, eggs, sausages, toast and condiments
• Fruit juices. Tea and coffee facilities

Saturday Lunch:

• Variety of fresh salad and cold meat sandwiches
• Basket of whole fruits inc. apples, oranges, bananas and pears
• Tetra juice packs or soft drinks, tea and coffee facilities

Saturday Dinner:

• Main: hot buffet of beef stroganoff, chicken mornay and vegetable curry. Also includes fried rice, pasta carbonara, julienne carrots, fresh beans, and dinner rolls/butter
• Dessert: summer trifle and cheesecake
• Tetra juice packs or soft drinks, tea and coffee facilities

Sunday Breakfast:

• Variety of cereals, pancakes, barbecued bacon, eggs, sausages, toast and condiments
• Fruit juices. Tea and coffee facilities

Sunday Lunch:

• Variety of fresh salad and cold meat sandwiches and wraps
• Basket of whole fruits inc. apples, oranges, bananas and pears
• Tetra juice packs or soft drinks, tea and coffee facilities

Vegetarian & Gluten Free options are available, however advice MUST be provided by 1st March 2010. Please contact Darren Page (Site Manager). darrenp@tuffevents.com.au

So don’t delay – book your catering packages pronto – you DO NOT want to miss out.

And if the little lady is joining you for the weekend, give her some time off and book a package for both of you – tell her you’ve arranged a master chef to cook for the entire weekend, and she’ll love you for it.

But don’t delay… book them NOW!. These packages are NOT available at the gate and must be pre-booked via the Tuff Truck online store.

Meal package 1 (commences Friday lunch):

• Adult (12+) @ $125.00
• Child (4-11) @ $88.00

Meal package 2 (commences Friday dinner):

• Adult (12+) @ $105.00
• Child (4-11) @ $66.00

So who are you going to drag along – you know they’ll love it, and they’ll go home and do just the same as you. They may have even seen some of the footage form the official Tuff Truck Challenge DVD, but it’s not the same. Nothing looks as big, bad or ugly unless you’re there, and there’s so much more fun to be had than what’s on the DVD.

Maybe it’s a mate who’s not really into 4WD’ing? Or someone from work who has heard bits about it? Or maybe it’s one of the guys from the footy team or fishing club who you know would have a great time?. Then again, it could be a mate who’s girl has just dumped him, and you know he’ll feel better after a weekend away with the lads? It could be a fitting place to take a first date? Is there someone on your email list who needs to see the short video-clip from the front page of the website – email them the link.

Whatever the reason, you also know that the more people who are there, the more fun you have. And the more fun you have, the better the event ends up being, so think long and hard about this question – “Who’s Your Tuff Truck Challenge Virgin?”. You know that next year, they will be thinking the same.

With all this in mind, it’s pretty much expected that record number of nominations will be received for TTC09 ballot. So, if you’re up for the challenge of competing in the Tough Dog Tuff Truck Challenge of 2009, don’t delay! Remember, the cut off is 02/02/09.

In the meantime, voting slips are literally pouring in and those prospective TTC competitors who learnt lessons from the voting process in 2008, are touting themselves to whoever will listen to get more valuable votes in. The carrot dangling in front of their noses is not just making the cut – they are jostling for a good spot in the field as well.

It’s also been confirmed that all three place-getters from TTC08 will take their place at TTC09! Who will fill the other 37 places on offer? It’s all up to you, the voters… so get a move on and help your mates or favourite competitor along with your voting slips!

As for voting, well, the PO Box is looking pretty chock-a-block each time it is checked and voting is on in earnest. In early voting, the NSW teams have got bit of jump on the rest of the country, however the Queenslanders have vowed that they have an army behind them with a massive influence. The entrants from WA and Victoria have been a little slow out of the blocks but it’s expected that they’ll make up some ground in the next few weeks.

So, how do you do your part to vote in the best trucks and drivers in Australia?

Grab a copy of Dirtcomp Issue #15 and the current Australian 4WD Action, fill in the voting form you’ll find inside and post them in as fast as you can.

The Tuffest Trucks in the country are counting on you!

Cause Jeffie was a bit stir-crazy, a little bit “left of centre”, and he had a love for mud, grime and goo that just couldn’t be explained. Others are challenged by rock ledges, while some see the delight in tackling a steep climb to nowhere, simply because it’s there. But not Jeffie – he had to find mud, and once he did, the world was good – as if the planets had all of a sudden aligned, and the world made more sense – this was the type of chap he was.

So it was a natural for young Jeffie to take control of the mud-run stage at the 2005 Tuff Truck Challenge – who else could possibly do it justice, and have so much fun in making it happen. Well if you were there, you will know what I am talking about – it was HUGE – the crowd went wild, the competitors loved it, and Jeffie had a smile that seemed to light up the cold dark night.

Young Jeff is no longer with us, but his absolute legendary status lives on and will always be remembered. It was his love of mud, hence his nickname of “Mudrat”, that is now synonymous with the night stage at Tuff Truck. All who have taken on the challenge, either from designing the stage to inflict the most excitement, through to those driving and trying to stay out of trouble, have a very special man to thank for all the crazy, crazy stuff he started.

With the arrival of 2009, we deemed it time to re-vamp the Mudrat’s Revenge and try to make it bigger, better, tougher, and sure to bring more smiles to more dials. So we made a call to a man with some BIG equipment, and asked him to bring around his biggest excavator. “Would a 25 tonner be big enough???” he enquired. Have you seen what this beast can do – in the space of a few hours, the entire stage had been transformed, with an entirely new concept, using the age-old format of mud, mud and more mud. But it‘s not going to be deep sludgy stuff like in previous years – yes, there will be just as much – but it will be spread out a bit more, with what could be described as 4 “drag pits” about 12 inches deep ready for the earth shattering noise from the trucks to spray about the place.