Before entering an arena for Monster Jam, lay aside any preconceived notions you have of it. While it does cater to an audience that could be described as redneck-esque, this event offers much more than simply racing trucks around a track.
This show offers truck, speedster and group ATV races as well as freestyle events that give drivers a chance to show their stuff.
Racing
Monster Jam may conjure images of modified vehicles with large tires racing through crowds of spectators and smashing through cars – but there is more to this high-octane motorsport than meets the eye.
Monster Jam University drivers receive extensive training, becoming intimately acquainted with their trucks over time. While there have been isolated incidents where pieces have fallen onto spectators during freestyle performances, none has caused serious injury to spectators or drivers alike.
Feld Motor Sports of Palmetto, Florida owns and operates 38 trucks that tour on the Monster Jam circuit, along with a 100,000 square-foot shop where maintenance and repairs take place.
Monster Jam is an event suitable for the whole family; kids are encouraged to come cheer for their favorite drivers like Brianna Mahon of Whiplash (a Western-themed truck) after the show has finished. Additionally, many drivers such as Brianna are happy to sign autographs or pose for photos post-show.
Two-Wheel Skills Challenge
At Two-Wheel Skills Challenge (or Great Clips Skills Challenge, in stadium shows as of late 2019), drivers use either their front or rear tires to perform stunts that captivate an audience and impress judges. This event follows racing competition and precedes freestyle competition.
Monster truck drivers are trained athletes equipped with both physical strength and mental stamina needed to operate 12,000-pound machines that perform backflips, vertical two-wheel skills and race at speeds reaching 70 miles per hour. Their dexterity and precise movements make a Monster Jam show truly remarkable and extraordinary.
Monster Jam World Finals marks the climax of each season and features drivers competing for world championships in both racing and freestyle disciplines. This was its inaugural World Finals under its new rotating host location schedule; Jimmy Creten won racing Bounty Hunter over Bari Musawwir in Fire Zombie while Tom Meents claimed both Great Clips Two-Wheel Skills Challenge honors as well as freestyle maximum Destruction honors respectively.
Donut Competition
Donut Competition is an event available only at Arena Series events and not Monster Jam World Finals events. Here, drivers spin their truck in one spot while trying to score as many points by touching the ground with their tires – the truck with the highest scoring tires is declared the winner of this competition.
The Donut Competition gives fans an exceptional opportunity to witness their favorite drivers up close, while giving an insight into just how 12,000-pound trucks perform incredible tricks. Plus, meet and get autographs from your favorites before the show; bring a camera or phone along so you can capture every moment! Additionally, don’t forget the Pit Party before each show where all of the action and activities unfold live before being joined by some of your favorite Monster Jam drivers and crew members for autograph signings or photo ops!
Freestyle
Freestyle competition is where trucks that don’t compete in racing or donuts can show their skills to wow the audience. Fans love witnessing trucks jump over each other, get big airtime and perform incredible tricks – all hallmarks of excellence for any show.
At the encore, all the trucks would return out and perform for their fans – marking a historic first at World Finals! Additionally, Rosalee Ramer made her first appearance with two monster trucks created by herself: Wild Flower and Time Flys.
This event took place on March 6, 2006. John Seasock in Batman won racing over Jimmy Creten in Bounty Hunter while Dennis Anderson in Grave Digger and Tom Meents from Maximum Destruction won freestyle competition. It was the inaugural World Finals where judges could add half a point to their scores; additionally it marked the first time other trucks than Grave Digger and Taz were represented at these World Finals.