Before attending a Monster Jam show, it’s essential to set aside any preconceived notions you may have of what it might entail. Some might assume monster truck shows cater to a group of rednecks (and that may be true to some extent), but the sport has much wider appeal.

Each driver brings something special to events, whether they’re racing, competing in two-wheel skills competition or freestyling. Continue reading to gain more insight into these event’s trucks, drivers and fan culture that keep events alive!

Track Design

Monster Jam events draw thousands of spectators each year around the world to witness Monster Jam drivers and trucks in action. Behind-the-scenes, hundreds of employees ensure its smooth running: monitoring driver safety; choreographing entry of trucks into hot pits (47 vehicles are staged between rounds with two in and out at any one time); attending to broken trucks both on- and off-track; assuring everyone has an enjoyable time; as well as monitoring fan satisfaction with every performance.

Each truck boasts standard truck features such as a roll cage and seats, in addition to unique customizations such as Earth Shaker’s firesuit that pays tribute to construction crews.

Before Feld Motor Sports purchased Monster Jam, there was no formal training program for drivers of Monster Jam trucks and trucks. Now they must complete a Monster Jam University basic course before driving in any stadium or arena; these courses familiarize drivers with local conditions as they focus on safety as they learn the ropes of driving Monster Jam trucks and tracks.

Safety

Monster truck drivers put in months and years of training to develop the physical strength and dexterity necessary to operate these massive machines. They wear fireproof driving suits, helmets and other protective gear during this process as well as using custom seats secured to their roll cage.

Monster Jam trucks are equipped with engine kill switches to shut down in case a driver panics or loses control. All venues require a 30-foot buffer zone between spectators and dirt track, and all trucks are evaluated prior to each show for safety features.

Discuss with your children the potential risks involved with monster truck shows and explain how Monster Jam trucks have been designed for maximum safety. Plan ahead to bring ear protection such as ear plugs or Snug Kids Ear Muffs because Monster Jam shows can get loud! Also wear clothing and shoes you don’t mind getting dirty as large trucks tend to kick up dust. Consider upgrading your ticket to attend the Pit Party before each show where drivers and their massive trucks can be seen up close!

Fans

Monster Jam participants own their vehicles unlike other motorsport series, where mechanics tend to them for them. Each truck stocked with about one million dollars worth of spare parts stored at Monster Jam’s 100,000-square foot shop in Palmetto, Florida (third largest single occupancy building in state and featuring an expansive chassis shop where each truck is created from scratch)

Thousands of employees work behind-the-scenes at Monster Jam events to ensure driver safety, orchestrate entries into hot pits (where 47 trucks are staged between rounds with two trucks coming and going at all times), and repair any broken vehicles on- and off-track. Feld Entertainment owns 56 trucks for its fleet-run Monster Jam events yearly; with its meticulous logistics planning for these 100+ events per year.

Fans get up close and personal at every event, giving them a unique opportunity to see their favorite drivers up close, take photos and obtain autographs – plus after each show there’s the post-event driver meet and greet which provides an exclusive opportunity to hear competitive insights directly from drivers themselves!

Technology

Monster Jam events have long been known for the sound and smell of engines and gas; now however, new technology is altering this game and even giving fans the chance to participate as part of the action on stage.

Monster Jam trucks require both exceptional driving skills and physical endurance to operate successfully, but also pose considerable risk. Although it often leads to injuries, driving one is an aspiration for many drivers.

Holley’s HydraMat provides fuel efficiency by acting like a diaper inside the tank; continuously drawing fuel out even when the truck is upside down.

Before COVID-19’s pandemic struck, fans used paper scoreboards to score performances – leading to perceptions that competition was unfair. Now, Feld Entertainment has established a system enabling anyone in an arena with access to smartphones to log-in and rate each driver via smartphone, with results displayed on a Jumbotron for all to view.