Bobby G Takes on Jeep Beach 2024

Being Bobby G certainly has its perks! I’ve had the opportunity to share numerous great experiences and meet countless people along the way. This month, I had the pleasure of delving into the ins and outs of the Jeep Beach 2024 Main Event held at Daytona International Speedway. It was an incredible gauntlet of dirt and obstacles, with tracks of varying difficulty levels. The event featured food vendors from all over the state, as well as specialty vendors offering everything one could ever want to customize their Jeep to fit a specific personality.

Jeep Beach is an event that has flourished since its inception in 2009. It operates as a nonprofit organization, raising funds for hundreds of charities. To date, they have raised 4.3 million dollars and have contributed to a wide range of charitable causes. Additionally, the event benefits from the dedicated efforts of countless volunteers who generously donate their time year after year, elevating the event to new heights. Their unwavering dedication and hard work are integral to the event’s ongoing success.

We arrived, and as we drove through the gate, all we could see were countless rows of Jeeps, each with its own unique style, making their way to their designated areas. Some were heading to test the obstacle course, while others were there to enjoy the food, live music, and mingle with fellow Jeep enthusiasts. Walking through the gates, we were amazed to find ourselves standing on the infield of one of the most iconic raceways in the world: Daytona International Speedway! It was incredible to realize that we were actually walking on the same track where some of motorsport’s greatest athletes have raced at speeds exceeding 200 MPH.

Jeep Beach Food Truck Fest

We decided to grab a bite to eat at the area with all the food trucks, where there was an abundance of options to choose from. I opted for an incredible burger from a food truck based out of Jacksonville called To Be Frank (@tobefrank), while Tiffany found her favorite: teriyaki chicken skewers. Live music filled the air in that area, so we grabbed a table, sat down, and took the opportunity to take in the surroundings. There were so many food choices available, including Chick-fil-A, kabobs, Asian cuisine, burgers, hot dogs, pizza, and even our very own The Ice Queen Truck from NSB.

It was almost time for the main event to begin, and what a fantastic opening to the festivities it turned out to be! The National Anthem filled the air as The Leapfrogs, the airborne Navy SEALs demonstration team, jumped out of planes overhead, parachuting in while proudly flying the American flag. Upon landing on the course, they passed the flag to the SEALs on the ground, who then brought it to the center of the obstacle course, atop the tallest hill, recreating the iconic moment of the flag being planted at Iwo Jima during World War II. It was an awe-inspiring sight that captivated everyone’s attention as it unfolded.

Meet Charlene Greer: The Visionary Behind Jeep Beach’s Rise to Fame

Now it was time to meet Charlene Greer, who has been the CEO of Jeep Beach since 2018 and has been involved since 2012 when she started as a volunteer. We discussed the inception of Jeep Beach and its evolution to its current state. The Mid-Florida Jeep Club began as a simple Jeep club in 2009, but it has since grown into a 10-day event that attracts approximately 250,000 people. When Tiffany and Kelsey mentioned I would have full access, I never anticipated the incredible journey I was about to embark on. After learning about the history of Jeep Beach and the numerous charities it supports, I had the opportunity to check out Charlene’s custom Jeep, a one-of-a-kind vehicle made exclusively for her!

Charlene then introduced me to Jerry Strickland, the mastermind behind the obstacle course, along with his core build group consisting of about six people and a dedicated team of volunteers and crew. Together, they work tirelessly to ensure the course is designed to challenge participants while maintaining a level of safety. It strikes just the right balance, providing enough excitement to push both drivers and their Jeeps to their limits. Setting up the obstacle course is no small feat, taking seven to 10 days to complete. They haul in 4,000 square yards of dirt, 32 jersey barriers, 21 dump truck loads of concrete and rock, as well as numerous telephone poles and tires acquired through donations over the years.

Jerry signaled for us to come closer to the largest mound of dirt, and without a word, he swiftly led Tiffany and me up to the very top where the American flag was planted. From this vantage point, we were kings of the hill, overlooking the bustling crowd of people, tractors, and Jeeps on the course, eagerly anticipating our chance to experience the course from the rider’s perspective. While waiting for Jerry to arrange for a driver to take us through the course, I took the opportunity to cool off by getting sprayed by the water truck driven by Kelly, a volunteer from Tampa. After soaking me, he approached Tiffany and asked for her help in refilling the truck with water. Surprisingly, he then allowed her to take the wheel and spray the course herself – a classic Tiff moment. She always seizes the opportunity to drive any kind of truck, especially a lifted one that shoots water out the sides. This water is crucial for packing down the course and helps to keep the dust levels low during use.

I hopped into a white Jeep named Sergeant MudMaster, with Jay at the helm. At first, it felt like a slow dance from junior high – a bit nerve-wracking, maybe even a yawn slipped out unnoticed. But then things took a wild turn. Mud was flying, gears were shifting, tires were peeling out, and my head was banging as if I were in the pit of a punk rock show! We tackled track 2 first, then 3, where I was convinced we might either get stuck on a hill or flip over. However, Jay remained cool and composed throughout the entire ride, offering me guidance on navigating the course while effortlessly conquering each obstacle. It was an experience unlike any other I’ve ever had.

Then, without warning, we headed straight onto track 4, the most challenging level in the obstacle course. Cement obstacles were embedded in the first hill, alongside big gnarly tires, broken telephone poles, steep drops, mud, and an abundance of pure fun! If you were nearby, all you would have heard was me screaming, “Woooooooooo!” It felt like being on a roller coaster. Truly, it was yet another unforgettable Bobby G experience that will stay with me forever.

Whether you own a Jeep or a minivan like me, Jeep Beach is undoubtedly an event worth experiencing! It’s organized by individuals who are committed to giving back and have transformed an idea shared by like-minded Jeep enthusiasts into a fantastic event for Volusia County, both now and for years to come! Thank you Charlene, Jerry, Johnny Nomad, Jay and all the wonderful people that make Jeep Beach so amazing for all of us. See you all there next April!

Bobby G, out!