Monster truck driver living childhood dream

Saturday's sights and sounds at the Curry County Mounted Patrol Arena included loud cheering drowned out by thousands of horsepower, along with dirt and cars flying everywhere.

CNJ staff photo: Kevin Wilson

Jack Koberna of Albuquerque drives his truck, Tuff Enuff, during the wheelie competition at the Cycle City Promotions Kicker Monster Truck Show Saturday night at the Curry County Mounted Patrol Arena.

It sounded like a career calling for Larry Quick, and a chance to reminisce for Jack Koberna.

The two longtime monster truck drivers have more than 40 years between them — Koberna comprising about 30 of them — on various truck circuits, including the Saturday edition of the Cycle City Kicker Monster Truck Show.

"For me, it was really just a childhood dream," said Quick, as he prepped to drive his Ghost Ryder truck. Growing up, the Illinois native went to every truck show he could, then started mud racing and got a break when a show was short a racer. That was 11 years ago.

Koberna has a longer history in the sport, and a long history at the Mounted Patrol Arena. His first year in the sport, he did an event at the arena, and said it has the exact same layout as before.

"We would build a house in the center and run over it," Koberna said.

Numerous other racers joined in the festivities, including a "California vs. New Mexico" four-wheeler team race and dune vehicles.

"A lot of people and a lot of talent drove a long way to be with you tonight," promoter Tod Hammock said.

Hammock estimated between the Friday and Saturday shows, 5,000 people attended.

Prior to each show, drivers had a "pit party," where an extra $5 gave entrants a chance to see the vehicles up close and talk to the drivers while they caught up with each other. Koberna and Quick had known each other for years, but Clovis was their first show together in four years.

Once 7:30 came around, though, social hour was over. Racers get a base pay, Hammock said, but there is extra money for winning individual shows and more money is tied into season standings.

"Put your helmet on, and there are no friends," Koberna said. "There's not a driver that here wouldn't help a guy in trouble, but once you get to the line there are no friends."