This is the only event in TTC's seven-event repertoire that doesn't require mud bogging, rockcrawling, or deep water navigation. Nonetheless, this kickoff event instills fear in competitors because it has the potential to annihilate weak components. The Tow Test is like a truck pull that drank a case of energy drinks. It takes place on a dirt hill that climbs approximately 13 feet in elevation over its 150-foot length and it has a maximum angle of approximately 16 degrees. Each competitor's rig was fastened to a 36,000-pound cement mixer and each competitor was allowed one pull. There was no time limit and a pull was completed

The brutal Frame Twister has evolved through the years, and for 2013 it changed again. In 2012 we cut almost 100 feet of fat from the Frame Twister for Top Truck Champions' Challenge, and this year we hacked off another 100 feet or so, which left us with 201 feet of condensed chaos. The course began just a few yards prior to the infamous Squeeze Rock section with its nasty dogleg that likes to flip vehicles. Once clearing the Squeeze, competitors made a left turn and came face-to-face with the gut-wrenching, suspension-bending log section. This section included six strategically placed logs that are perpendicular to the direction of travel and each was separated by deep, water-filled trenches. The log section may only be a few yards in length, but it's an evil section that has ruined the day of many TTC competitors over the years. Each team had 10 minutes to complete the course. Cones marked the boundaries and a competitor was considered out of bounds if the inside of any one of their vehicles tires traveled past the outside edge of a cone. Hitting a cone resulted in a 30-second penalty and a two-minute penalty (per occurrence) resulted if the competitor violated the winch safety guidelines. It would be really boring if we constructed our infamous Mud Pit the same each year. Besides, then competitors would know what to expect, and that's unacceptable. Last year, the course was fast and nearly all of the competitors made it through with no problem. This year, we mixed it up (no pun intended) by combining thousands of gallons of water and our special dirt. With a water quotient higher than last year, our 135-foot pit was a delightful, soupy, tire-swallowing mess. Competitors were allowed to run until they ceased forward momentum or crossed the finish line. Running over a cone netted a 30 second penalty for those who completed the course and a 5-foot penalty for those who did not finish. Traveling out of bounds meant disqualification and a two-minute penalty was assess

We've renovated the Obstacle Course for 2015: no long downhill section and an entirely dry course. But is it easier? Nope. Our demented course builders made sure this event would be a real eye-opener for competitors. Competitors begin in the lower section, which is pockmarked with evil holes, off-camber sections, and gobs of loose dirt. They then travel to the upper section that includes a pair of deep, nasty holes and the infamous “U-Turn Hill.” From there, it is into a ravine that stands guard over the finish line. Even with a 10-minute time limit, this event is less about speed and more about accuracy. Who will be

The Tank Trap is legendary, often spoken of in hushed, reverent tones. Tank Trap is a regular feature at the Hollister Hills SVRA, but for one day each year it's significantly modified for Top Truck. In its basic form it's a quarter-mile-long natural valley that climbs approximately 195 feet in elevation. For our once-a-year thrashathon we dig seven giant holes and we fill 'em with 120,000 gallons of water, which significantly increases the challenge level of the course. Here's how it works: Shortly into the course, competitors have to navigate two deep water holes that are preceded by steep dirt hills. Next up is the "Canyon." This evil 100-yard section is quite narrow and bordered by steep walls. The Canyon contains slippery rock waterfalls, ledges, and the ghosts of former competitor's hopes and dreams. But the worst is yet to come. Ahead are five more strategically-placed water holes, each separated by steep dirt hills. And if that doesn't suck the will out of competitors, there's a nasty, often underestimated thing we call the "Crevice" located between the fifth and sixth water holes. But wait, there's more. The crown jewel is the final hill, which steeply rises just past the last water hole and guards the finish line. Add to all of this the fact that competitors are given only 30 minutes and you have a recipe for some world class action and drama. And no, we don't let competitors see the course in advance. Strategically, Tank Trap is a major player because it's worth more than double the points of the other events. Catch the entire week of Top Truck Challenge 2013 right here!

The legendary Tank Trap event continues! In its basic form it's a quarter-mile-long natural valley that climbs approximately 195 feet in elevation. For our once-a-year thrashathon we dig seven giant holes and we fill 'em with 120,000 gallons of water, which significantly increases the challenge level of the course. Here's how it works: Shortly into the course, competitors have to navigate two deep water holes that are preceded by steep dirt hills. We wrap up the week with handing out the award of the Top Truck at this year's event! Catch the entire week of Top Truck Challenge 2013 right here!