By Bruce Madej - Okay, monster truck events and unlimited hydroplane racing probably do not have a lot in common on the surface, but Frank Krmel, driver of the Donkey Kong truck in the Monster Jam series, sure has a taste for the hydroplanes.

Nintendo's North American home is Redmond, Wash., and when Krmel gets back for the event in Tacoma it is a time for him to break bread with some of the unlimited hydroplane drivers.

Last year, he had Terry Troxell paint his helmet and now Krmel is not only a fan of unlimited hydroplane racing, he talks about his connections with the sport in his Monster Jam blog.

This year, Krmel again got a hold Troxell but this time, the Monster Truck driver spent more time trading 'war' stories with some of the ABRA drivers. And, of course, they found there was a common thread even between two sports that seem so different.

Krmel is a big time follower of the boats, so when he gets to the Northwest, during the off-season, he can sit back and watch the water fly.

To read more on Frank Krmel and his love for the Monster Trucks and Unlimited Hydroplanes, click to read his Monster Jam Blog.