Atlanta Thrills: Monster Jam Mayhem

Monster Jam rolled into Duluth, Ga over the weekend and I had the pleasure of taking my grandson Legend to check it out for the second time! He really gets excited when we pull up and he gets to attend the pit party and meet some of the cool drivers! It’s such a great experience for kids. This year we got to meet, Grave Digger driver Tyler Menninga, Tony Ochs who drives ThunderROARus and rookie female driver Chelsea VanCleave who drives the El Toro Loco truck. They were awesome to watch and cheer for throughout the challenges.

Monster Jam originated in the late 1970s when trucks with oversized tires were used for car-crushing stunts. The concept evolved into the high-octane motorsport we know today.

Monster trucks can weigh over 12,000 pounds and stand around 12 feet tall. Their tires are 66 inches tall and 43 inches wide!

In Freestyle events, drivers perform stunts and tricks for a set amount of time, and judges score them based on creativity, execution, and crowd reaction. It’s all about putting on a show!

Monster Jam features both racing and freestyle events. In racing, trucks compete on a dirt track with obstacles. In freestyle, drivers showcase their best stunts

Some of the most famous trucks include Grave Digger, Max-D (Maximum Destruction), and El Toro Loco. These trucks have become iconic in the world of Monster Jam.

Grave Digger, driven by Dennis Anderson, is one of the most recognizable and enduring trucks in the sport. It debuted in 1982 and has a huge following.

Before the main event, many Monster Jam shows feature a “Pit Party” where fans can get up close to the trucks, meet the drivers, and even take pictures with the massive vehicles.

Monster Jam isn’t just a US phenomenon; it has a global following and has held events in countries like Canada, Australia, the UK, and Mexico.

The trucks are custom-built for durability and performance. They have specially designed suspensions to handle the extreme impacts of jumping and crashing.

Monster Jam has partnered with educational programs to promote STEM learning. They often include behind-the-scenes tours and educational resources about the engineering and mechanics of monster trucks.