Ron from Black Magic Hydraulics...
Ron from Black Magic Hydraulics was first up in the Double-Pump Hop and stayed that way in the standings.
New on the Tour this year is a "locals only" Street Hop class. This class was created for amateurs and/or vehicles that don't fit into the other hop categories. There were two entrants in this class in Phoenix, and Mike Fajardo and his black '88 Olds Cutlass took first place and $250. His chromed-out suspension did get some abuse, though, and wound up being pushed out with a busted ball joint. Raul Cisneros and his '84 Cadillac was Mike's only other competition and he too broke a ball joint in the process of hopping.
With that new class done, the Single-Pump Hop got underway. With four competitors in this class, only three would place and Mike Moreno and his '63 Chevy Impala put up 50 inches, netting him a third place finish. Shorty's Hydraulics made the trip out from Texas and tapped out a 70-inch hit for second place. Dave Marquez continues to bring the heat after his 2007 Single-Pump record and he put up a 71, besting last year by an inch.
The Double-Pump Hop also saw four competitors vying for prize money and bragging rights for a couple of weeks until San Bernardino. Rogelio Loera was last year's record holder at 76 inches with his '87 Chevy Monte Carlo, but could only muster 70 inches this day, taking third place and $200. Dave Marquez placed second with his '87 Cutlass at 72 inches. Always the fierce competitor, Ron Eggers came in from Las Vegas on a mission with his Black Magic Hydraulics '86 Cutlass, smashing the bumper on the way to a first place finish. He also beat last year's record by three inches, so Ron is setting the bar pretty high right out of the gate, along with the fact that it'll be interesting to see if anyone has an answer for him in San Bernardino.
A few key players have dominated the Truck Hop in the last couple of years. Phoenix saw Gilbert Perez throw his hat into the ring, but he could only come up with 34 inches despite a valiant effort with his bright yellow '85 Chevy El Camino. Ariel Avilo of the Hi-Low Hydraulics camp had his candy red '86 Ford Ranger ready to strike, but could only get up to 62 inches, pretty far off of last year's Truck Hop record of 88 inches.
 Street class hopper Raul Cisneros...  Street class hopper Raul Cisneros was stranded with a broken ball joint. |  Juan tied with Andres for...  Juan tied with Andres for second in the Street Dance. |  In flight to a second place...  In flight to a second place finish for Alex. |
 Todd Land's super-clean '61...  Todd Land's super-clean '61 Impala didn't place but it's a show car that hops. |  Mike Moreno didn't place but...  Mike Moreno didn't place but made a cool picture. |  |