Twice as tall as a fully-grown man and with an engine that’s double the size of the fastest sports cars, Monster Jam trucks are the ultimate four-wheel drive vehicles, complete with nitrogen-filled shock absorbers, front and back steering, two-metre tall tyres that can crush buses and 1,500 horsepower. In short this is all set to be one of the most spectacular vehicular shows ever to land in Abu Dhabi.
A global phenomenon
Now watched by around four million people worldwide and turning in 350 shows per year the Monster Jam tour had humble beginnings. The first monster trucks emerged as sideshow attractions at tractor pulling events in the USA in the late 1970s and early 1980s, where they’d drive slowly over old cars. Fast forward to today and these trucks, with a helping hand from technology (most notably with the introduction of those nitrogen shock absorbers that allow the vehicles to reach ridiculous heights at great speeds), are high-flying, high-speed, all-action beasts.
What are monster trucks?
Approximately four metres tall and four metres wide these custom-built machines sit on top of two-metre tyres and weigh around five tons. They can reach speeds of up to 160kmh and can jump more than nine metres high while travelling a distance of 40 metres flying through the air – roughly 14 cars lined up side by side! They cost around Dhs2.4million, if you fancy splashing out on one.
Monster Jam: the event
Monster Jam trucks face off in two different forms of competition – side-by-side racing and freestyle. The racing is pretty straightforward. The first truck to cross the line with the least number of penalties wins. In the freestyle event drivers are given the opportunity to show off their skills on an open floor as they spin the huge mechanical monsters in a display of punishing stunts and tricks.
The trucks
Captain America
Instantly recognisable thanks to its custom paintwork that reflects its association with the famous Marvel comic book hero, Captain America made its Monster Jam debut last year.
Iron Man
A big fan favourite, Iron Man possesses awesome power and has a reputation for wreaking havoc across the Monster Jam circuit.
Spider-Man
Designed to reflect the Marvel character namesake, Spider-Man is worth watching out for because it’s designed to bounce off the dirt and obstacles just like Spider-Man himself would. Expect it to make a real attempt to swing its way up the leaderboard.
Wolverine
The 2003 Monster Jam World Finals Champion, Wolverine only made its return to competition in January this year. It is driven by veteran Alex Blackwell.
Grave Digger
Possibly the most recognisable truck on the circuit, Grave Digger was originally developed in the mid-1980s as a mud bog truck. Made iconic in part by its creator Dennis Anderson, Grave Digger has notched up four Monster Jam World Finals championships. Look out for its distinctive paintwork, too which, among other things, features the tombstones of rivals it has defeated.
Maximum Destruction
Created in 2003, this truck is fondly known among fans as ‘Max D’ and its freestyle runs are legendary due to the beating it tends to take in an effort to provide some truly breathtaking stunts. Look out for its signature cyclone donut and side surf stunts. The Max D driver, Tom Meents has a record ten Monster Jam World Finals championships under his belt, making him the most successful driver of all time.
El Toro Loco
Possibly the most unique looking truck on the circuit thanks to its huge menacing horns! The co-freestyle champion in 2004, El Toro Loco also reached the Monster Jam World Finals in 2002 and 2003.
Monster Mutt
Weighing in at 4.5 tons with 5ft-long ears and a 8ft-long tail Mutt is a real beast and no mistake. It’s also the 2010 freestyle champion.
Mohawk Warrior
Making its debut in 2010, Mohawk has been ripping up the dirt ever since. Also, as you’d imagine from the name, has a giant mohawk on the roof, which is inspired by driver George Balhan’s very own ’hawk haircut. It’s the only truck to have such a fashion accessory.
The tricks
All the tricks happen on the freestyle run and are scored on a scale of one-ten by the judges. Here are some of the ways a driver can score points and where he might lose them
Points are given for
Variety of tricks.
Hitting the most obstacles.
Donuts.
Doing something unexpected.
Performing multiple tricks using multiple obstacles in one pass.
Deductions are made for
Rollovers: the idea is to save the truck not crash it.
Reversing.
Not using the allotted time.
Stopping.
Meet the driver
Tom Meents is the man behind the wheel of ‘Maximum Destruction’ and the most successful driver of all time
How did you get involved in driving monster trucks?
I’ve been a fan since I was about ten years old. I took that dream and, through a lot of hard work and determination, rode it all the way to the top.
Can anyone to do this? Is there a Monster Jam truck driving school?
It’s definitely possible for anyone to do this job and I think all the Monster Jam fans picture themselves driving.
Do you ever have accidents driving something so big and powerful?
Monster Jam trucks are so fast but over the past 20 years that I have been driving a Monster Jam truck, I have never been injured. Monster Jam’s safety guidelines are strict for a reason.
What sort of show can people expect from Monster Jam?
The fans in Abu Dhabi will be seeing some incredible tricks done by Monster Jam trucks. They can expect to experience a lot of fun.
Can you explain a little bit about how you actually win a competition like this for people who don’t know much about it or have never seen a Monster Jam show?
Freestyle competitions are judged by a panel of judges who score you on how exciting your two-minute run is. You get a score between one and ten. Racing is done in brackets; once you’re out, you’re out.
Do you ever get scared sitting in those big trucks?
I never get scared driving my Monster Jam truck, since it’s exactly what I’ve always wanted to do.
Are there real rivalries between the drivers?
Yes, we have a huge rivalry with Team Grave Digger.
How weird is it to go from driving one of these big brutes to driving your normal car?
There definitely is a difference when driving your normal car, because you can’t run over things or hit anything.
Do you have a favourite stunt?
The fans love a good cyclone donut.
For more information and tickets go to www.thinkflash.ae or simply call 800 FLASH (35274).
