The season started out in Birmingham, AL on January 7th. The night was great for Lionel, going to the semi-finals in racing and taking 3rd place in the wheelie competition. He finished off freestyle in 5th place, but that wasn’t going to spoil his remaining runs for the weekend. He was pleased with the outcome for his first show of the season. Two shows on January 8th, makes for a busy day. Lionel went out the first round of racing, but was strong in the Wheelie competition. He received a score of 26, leaving him tied with Maximum Destruction, a silent judge made the call giving the win to Lionel. During freestyle, Lionel rolled the truck on his last jump at the end of his 60 seconds, scoring a 20 along with El Toro Loco & TMNT. The only score to beat them was Grave Digger with a 27. The Saturady night show didn’t seem to fall in his favor, as he was taken out first round of racing, finished wheelies in 6th place, and freestyle in 5th.

San Antonio bound for 2 more shows scheduled for January 15 and 16. With a field of 20 trucks and cold weather, it was going to be a tough competition. During Saturday night’s show (which will be televised later in the year), Lionel advanced to the 2nd round of racing by taking out Grave Digger: The Legend, but was soon removed from the bracket. He ended the night in 12th place during freestyle. With 1 more show to go on Sunday, temperatures will still low. Lionel and the truck seemed to be struggling with the cold. He was taken out the first round af racing, but hoping to step it up in freestyle. Due to the number of trucks and time limitations, Lionel did not get to back out for freestyle.

Lionel’s weekend began witha display, on Friday, at Bill Currie Ford. January 22 is when we all headed to Tampa to watch him perform. With all his family in the stands to support him, and lows in the mid 30s, there was going to be pressure. He was able to set that aside and relax, going all the way to the semi-finals in racing, where he was taken out by Grave Digger. First one out for freestyle, he knew he had to set the bar. Being first always makes it tough, but he did what he needed to do. Attempting to do a donut near the end of his time is where he struggled, rolling the truck over. As he climbed out, he went straight to the rear of the truck, ripped off the flag and ran it into the crowd of screaming fans. You can see the excitment, from the jumbotron, as they stretched the K & N flag out across the seats for all to see.

Orlando, FL (1/30/10) A hometown event makes for more pressure, but Lionel was giving it all he had. Quick off the line in racing was what everyone wanted to see, but the final turn had him sliding in the corner, losing his lead and going out first round. Max D was repaired in time, keeping Lionel from coming back as fastest loser. Things weren’t in his favor in freestyle. Halfway through his time, the front steering broke. He tried to continue, but the next hit tore apart the rear steer, too. The night ended for him with 12th place in freestyle.

Tampa, FL (2/6/10) Racing wasn’t in his cards, but freestyle was. He came out to please the crowd with some big air. And big air he got before his run ended with a roll over. A lucky fan received the K& N flag that was flying on the back of his truck during the event. He didn’t win freestyle, but he was happy placing 5th.

Video courtesy of William Greene