Bear Foot--Fred Shafer's three-time-USHRA (United States Hot Rod Association)-Monster Truck Racing-Champion Bear Foot has made its mark on the monster truck world in unusual ways. The truck made an appearance on the "Knight Rider" TV series, in ZZ Top's music video "Sleeping Bag," and as the cover model for a popular children's coloring book—a claim no other monster truck can make.Fred Shafer was 14 when he built his first race car. He assembled the racing engine and chassis himself. In 1972, he won the first of his many Pro Stock Eliminator Championships.In 1979, he built one of the first monster trucks, and was the first to use the 66-inch Goodyear Terra Tires. He won his first USHRA monster truck championship in 1990, followed by back-to-back USHRA championships in 1992 and 1993.In the early days of competition, Fred was often seen driving his truck with his two pet American black bears, Sugar and Spice, in the truck bed. Fans who saw the bears started calling the truck "Bear Foot," and the name stuck.In addition to maintaining a dominating presence on the monster truck tour, Fred is also a national spokesman for the "Race Against Drugs" campaign. "The message to kids is the same wherever I go," says Shafer. "I really believe you should give your dreams a chance to grow—Just Say No! I keep physically fit, don't smoke, don't drink, and watch what I eat. These things all help you become a winner."Fred and the Bear Foot team have their sights set firmly on winning their fourth USHRA Monster Truck Racing Championship. "It only takes being a little faster than the competition," Fred says with a smile. "I'm an experienced driver, and when you combine that with our Dodge advantage, you've got a monster truck team that's tough to beat."Bear Foot Fast FactsOwner/Driver Fred ShaferHometown Pontoon Beach, Illinois, USAVehicle Body Dodge Ram pickupFrame Custom-made, tubularEngine 572 c.i. DodgeHorsepower 1500 @6000 rpmFuel System Blown, fuel-injected with alcoholSupercharger 871, 10% OverdriveGauges Mopar PerformanceSafety Equipment DeistSpark Plugs ChampionSuspension Nitrogen shocks, 30 inches wheel travelWheels Custom-made steelFrame Custom-made, tubularAxles ZF Axles with planetary gears in endsHeight 10 feetWeight 10,000 poundsTires Goodyear Terra Tires, size 66 x 43 x 25
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