Saturday's entertainment came to a close with hydro circuit veteran Jamie Kelly and his elaborate bed dancing S-10 called "Schizophrenia." Jamie always has something new for the crowd and this year, after raising the bed almost 20 feet in the air, it opened to release dozens of helium balloons. While the bed was spinning at high rpm, pyrotechnics on each corner sent out streams of sparks, a 5-foot column of flame burst from the center, and the smoke machine behind the cab added to the fun. It was obvious that Jamie had as much fun doing it as the crowd did watching it.
Although the hydraulic events on Saturday were exciting, all of the competitors knew that it was the final high score that won the cash. That meant that there was no holding back on Sunday. The Radical Hop began with the white Cadillac and Daniel Davis at the controls, trying to improve his numbers. Moving from his original 28 inches to 32 inches, the effort was good enough for Third Place and $300.
Chris Ponder and his Pro Hopper-equipped Olds turned in a solid performance of 62 inches, but even though he did not better his Saturday score of 64, he still captured Second and $700. Jason Garrett, with the highest score of 71 inches on Saturday, managed to maintain his lead into the final round. Planting the bumper several times on his way to victory, Garrett duplicated his high score on Sunday, guaranteeing the win and pocketing $2,500.
The Radical Dancers also put on quite a Sunday show. Jason Grimes, with his trademark straw hat was the first of the class, and turned the orange T&D Customs S-10 every way but over. For his efforts, he received a 20 on Sunday, but retained his Saturday score of 22, good enough for second place and $700. Brandon Smith had a few mechanical problems, but still managed to raise the Pathfinder's score from 15 on Saturday to 21 on Sunday, strong enough for a Third Place finish and $300.
Jason Grimes came back, this time with the blue T&D S-10, clinching his lead in the Radical Dance by rolling the truck not once, but twice during his routine. His score of 26 was enough for a First Place win and $2,500. Fans were treated to another amazing bed dancing display from Jamie Kelly before the hydraulics competition came to a close for NOPI 2005.
In addition to all of the fun, there was also a serious side to the show. NOPI Motorsports teamed up with the Red Cross and the Salvation Army, establishing drop-off sites for Hurricane Katrina relief. Both spectators and manufacturers donated to help the homeless victims in the Gulf Coast states. If you'd like to be part of one of the biggest car shows in the country, put the 2006 NOPI Nationals on your September calendar now. Check out the details at www.nopi.com.