Monster Truck Radio With Host Ross Z. Bonar & Co-Host Chris Parrish
Date: Monday, January 9th, 2011
Guest #1: Zane Rettew, owner/driver of the Stinger monster truck (22:00-36:00)
Guest #2: Ryan Anderson, driver of Son Uva Digger (38:00-85:00) [Read more…]
Monster Truck Radio 01/09/12 – Ryan Anderson & Zane Rettew
January 9, 2012 by 4 Comments
Monster Photos: Monster X Tour – Daytona Beach, FL 2012
January 9, 2012 by 2 Comments
Event: Monster X Tour
Venue: Ocean Center
Location: Daytona Beach, Florida
Date: January 6th-7th, 2012
Photographer: Rajeana Bonar
Lineup: Fly-N-Hi (Mike Moon Jr.), Stinger (Zane Rettew), Summit Bigfoot #18 (Dan Runte), Sweet Tooth (Dave Rife), The General (Travis Thompson) [Read more…]
TMB’s “Road to the World Finals” Power Rankings Return for 2012
January 9, 2012 by 4 Comments
One of our most popular features each year on TheMonsterBlog.com is back for 2012, as we once again rank drivers competing in Monster Jam week to week in our “Road to the World Finals” Power Rankings/Unofficial Point Standings. Fans always wonder exactly how USHRA selects its 24 competitors for the annual Monster Jam World Finals, and so do we. We also often wonder just how all the drivers stack up against each other throughout, and at the end of the Monster Jam season. Without a national points system for the Monster Jam series, it is awfully hard to do so as they often run events in up to 10-15 different venues in a single weekend. So for the 6th year in a row, TMB will be operating our “Road to the World Finals” power rankings/unofficial point standings for the Monster Jam series based directly on the results available at MonsterJam.com. This is our way of ranking the drivers based on their performance throughout the season and gives us a good idea of which drivers have most earned a spot in the World Finals, whether they ultimately end up being selected or not.
If you didn’t follow along last year, we’re sure that you have many questions about how we put this together: How does it work? Which events are we including? How are the points awarded? etc. At the bottom of each week’s update, you’ll see the detailed rationale and explanation that should answer most of these questions. Last year Dennis Anderson prevailed in one of the wildest “Road to the World Finals” battles ever as he just edged out son Adam and Tom Meents, both by less than 5 points! Who will be tops in 2012? Follow along and let’s find out together!
Ryan Anderson and Son Uva Digger are out front on the "Road to the World Finals" after week one of 2012!
Our first rankings for the 2012 season include the early December Minneapolis Monster Jam event and this past weekend’s action at arenas all around the country. After being sidelined during the 2011 season due to injury, Ryan Anderson is making it known that he will be the driver to beat in the Monster Jam 2012 season. Son Uva Digger is on top of the standings after nearly doubling-down in Minneapolis to start off the new season, and picking up several wins to start off 2012 in Des Moines. Brother Adam Anderson, who was nearly the 2011 Road to the World Finals winner, is in 2nd after strong showings in Minneapolis, and Tulsa this past weekend. Morgan Kane sits third after winning racing in Minneapolis and picking up a couple wins in Evansville to start off 2012. Gary Porter and Tom Meents round out the top 5 after week one.
The battle for the last spot has yet to take shape after only one week of competition as nine drivers are currently tied for the 21st overall position. Once a couple weeks of the season are in the books, we’ll have a better picture of who is most deserving of a shot at the World Finals in 2012.
Check out the Road to the World Finals unofficial rankings after Week 1 below:
Here is how points were scored in the only Elite Level event held to date:
12/10 – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Racing Finish – Driver – Truck – Points Earned
1st – Morgan Kane – Monster Magic – 20
2nd – Ryan Anderson – Son Uva Digger – 15
Semi-Finals – Linsey Weenk – Lucas Oil Crusader – 7.5
Semi-Finals – Adam Anderson – Grave Digger The Legend – 7.5
Freestyle Finish – Driver – Truck – Points Earned
1st – Ryan Anderson – Son Uva Digger – 20
2nd – Adam Anderson – Grave Digger The Legend – 15
Tie 3rd – Marc MacDonald – El Toro Loco – 7.5
Tie 3rd – Tom Meents – Maximum Destruction – 7.5
For results from Normal Level events, check out the 2012 Results Tracker January 6th-8th Weekend Results page (drivers earn 5 points for a racing or freestyle win, 2 points for a wheelie or donut win).
Keep following TMB’s “Road to the World Finals” for all the results and current standings each week. Keep in mind this is all unofficial and is just for fun, and enjoy as we track the Monster Jam series all the way to the World Finals in March!
About TMB’s Road to the World Finals:
For some time, fans across the country have wondered why the USHRA does not run a public points system of some kind for their Monster Jam series. We are included in the group that would love to be able to follow the standings of such a series each week. We are of the belief that a berth in the Monster Jam World Finals should be earned based on performance throughout the year in both racing and freestyle. Regardless of what portion of the monster truck industry you favor, there is no denying that the Monster Jam World Finals is the biggest and highest profile event our sport has to offer. A chance to compete at this event is a big deal for many drivers out there, and it is our opinion that they should be able to earn their way in. We’re not saying that Feld Motorsports doesn’t pick the World Finalists based on performance currently–we’re simply saying that we don’t know how they make up the field because the process isn’t made public.
So with that in mind, we have created an UNOFFICIAL points system that is simple (although it may seem complicated) and that rewards performance in all Monster Jam events across the country leading up to the World Finals. In our Standings, we will show the cut-off after the 24th truck, indicating that IF entry to the World Finals was based SOLELY on performance, these are the drivers that would be headed to Las Vegas. Keep in mind that this is just for fun and has no actual bearing on the selection of World Finals participants. See below for a breakdown of our points system and our rationale for the decisions we made in creating it.
Elite Level Events
What is an Elite Level event? We define an Elite Monster Jam event as any with a field of 12 of more trucks. We have chosen to award these events the highest amount of points, because these are the highest profile Monster Jam events. These events are the ones held in the major stadiums in front of the biggest crowds, some of which are even televised on SPEED. It is our belief that performance in the highest profile shows should be weighted most heavily toward a World Finals berth because these events are most similar to the World Finals itself. The most points any one driver can score in an Elite Level event (and thus in any event) is 40. If an event meeting all of this criteria holds 3 or more shows over the course of a single weekend, the points for each show are worth half of what is listed below.
Racing Finish – Points Awarded
1st – 20
2nd – 15
Semi-Finals – 7.5
Freestyle Finish – Points Awarded
1st – 20
2nd – 15
3rd – 10
4th – 5
Normal Level Events
What is a Normal Level show? The majority of Monster Jam events held around the country are Normal Level shows. These events are typically held in smaller arenas around the country, consisting of multiple shows held over the course of the weekend (anywhere from 2-5), with fields of anywhere from 5-10 trucks. Looking at the points awarded for these shows, you will notice they are much less than the upper levels. We equate the significance level of an entire 4 show weekend of Normal Level events with the significance of one Elite Level show–thus, the maximum points a driver can earn in racing/freestyle each weekend at a Normal Level event is 40 (this based on the usual maximum # of shows being 4–a couple events being the exception with 5–and an available 10 points per show (10×4=40)). Beginning in 2012, we are also awarding 2 points for wheelie/donut contest wins as that information has become more readily available than when the Road to the World Finals was first started.
Wheelie/Donut Finish – Points Awarded
1st – 2
Racing Finish – Points Awarded
1st – 5
Freestyle Finish – Points Awarded
1st – 5
January 6th-8th Weekend Results
January 8, 2012 by 2 Comments
MONSTER JAM – Feld Entertainment
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Columbus, Ohio – Nationwide Arena – 01/06-07/12
Truck/Driver Lineup:
Avenger – Jim Koehler
Bad Habit – Joe Sylvester
Batman – Norm Miller
Brutus – Chris Bergeron
Grave Digger – Carl Van Horn
Grinder – Nicole Johnson
Monster Mutt – Joe Miller
Samson – Dan Patrick
Superman – Sean Duhon
Tasmanian Devil – Taryn LaskeyFriday Night – Wheelie Contest:
Avenger – Jim Koehler
Friday Night – Racing:
Samson – Dan Patrick
Friday Night – Freestyle:
Grave Digger – Carl Van Horn
Saturday Afternoon – Wheelie Contest:
Tasmanian Devil – Taryn Laskey
Saturday Afternoon – Racing:
Grave Digger – Carl Van Horn
Saturday Afternoon – Freestyle:
Grave Digger – Carl Van Horn
Saturday Night – Wheelie Contest:
Batman – Norm Miller
Saturday Night – Racing:
Grave Digger – Carl Van Horn
Saturday Night – Freestyle:
Avenger – Jim Koehler
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Birmingham, Alabama – BJCC Arena – 01/06-07/12
Truck/Driver Lineup:
El Toro Loco – Chuck Werner
Grave Digger – Dennis Anderson
Grave Digger The Legend – Rod Schmidt
Gun Slinger – Scott Hartsock
Iron Man – Lee O’Donnell
Maximum Destruction – Neil Elliott
Mohawk Warrior – George Balhan
Monster Energy – Damon Bradshaw
Monster Mutt Dalmation – Candace Jolly
Northern Nightmare – Cam McQueenFriday Night – Wheelie Contest:
Maximum Destruction – Neil Elliott
Friday Night – Racing:
Maximum Destruction – Neil Elliott
Friday Night – Freestyle:
Grave Digger – Dennis Anderson
Saturday Afternoon – Wheelie Contest:
Maximum Destruction – Neil Elliott
Saturday Afternoon – Racing:
Iron Man – Lee O’Donnell
Saturday Afternoon – Freestyle:
Grave Digger – Dennis Anderson
Saturday Night – Wheelie Contest:
Mohawk Warrior – George Balhan
Saturday Night – Racing:
Grave Digger – Dennis Anderson
Saturday Night – Freestyle:
Grave Digger – Dennis Anderson
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Manchester, New Hampshire – Verizon Wireless Arena – 01/06-07/12
Truck/Driver Lineup:
Crushstation – Greg Winchenbach
Grave Digger – Gary Porter
Monster Mutt – Whit Tarlton
Raminator – Mark Hall
Rammunition – Mat Dishman
Thrasher – Pat SummaFriday Night – Wheelie Contest:
Crushstation – Greg Winchenbach
Friday Night – Racing:
Grave Digger – Gary Porter
Friday Night – Donut Contest:
Monster Mutt – Whit Tarlton
Friday Night – Freestyle:
Grave Digger – Gary Porter
Saturday Afternoon – Wheelie Contest:
Crushstation – Greg Winchenbach
Saturday Afternoon – Racing:
Grave Digger – Gary Porter
Saturday Afternoon – Donut Contest:
Raminator – Mark Hall
Saturday Afternoon – Freestyle:
Grave Digger – Gary Porter
Saturday Night – Wheelie Contest:
Crushstation – Greg Winchenbach
Saturday Night – Racing:
Grave Digger – Gary Porter
Saturday Night – Donut Contest:
Raminator – Mark Hall
Saturday Night – Freestyle:
Grave Digger – Gary Porter
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Trenton, New Jersey – Sun National Bank Center – 01/06-07/12
Truck/Driver Lineup:
Aftershock – Bob Robbins
El Toro Loco – Becky McDonough
Grave Digger – Randy Brown
Grinder – John Seasock
Shockwave – Bill Braukmann
TMNT – Joey ParnellFriday Night – Wheelie Contest:
Grinder – John Seasock
Friday Night – Racing:
TMNT – Joey Parnell
Friday Night – Freestyle:
Grinder – John Seasock
Saturday Afternoon – Wheelie Contest:
Grinder – John Seasock
Saturday Afternoon – Racing:
Aftershock – Bob Robbins
Saturday Afternoon – Freestyle:
Grave Digger – Randy Brown
Saturday Night – Wheelie Contest:
Grinder – John Seasock
Saturday Night – Racing:
Grinder – John Seasock
Saturday Night – Freestyle:
Grinder – John Seasock
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Evansville, Indiana – Ford Center – 01/06-07/12
Truck/Driver Lineup:
Amsoil Shock Therapy – Jon Zimmer
Bounty Hunter – Darren Migues
High Maintenance – Jocelyn Perrin
Iron Man – Scott Buetow
Iron Outlaw – Ben Winslow
Monster Mutt Rottweiler – Charles Benns
Stone Crusher – Morgan KaneFriday Night – Wheelie Contest:
Monster Mutt Rottweiler – Charles Benns
Friday Night – Racing:
Bounty Hunter – Darren Migues
Friday Night – Freestyle:
Bounty Hunter – Darren Migues
Saturday Afternoon – Wheelie Contest:
Iron Outlaw – Ben Winslow
Saturday Afternoon – Racing:
Stone Crusher – Morgan Kane
Saturday Afternoon – Freestyle:
Stone Crusher – Morgan Kane
Saturday Night – Wheelie Contest:
Iron Outlaw – Ben Winslow
Saturday Night – Racing:
Monster Mutt Rottweiler – Charles Benns
Saturday Night – Freestyle:
Monster Mutt Rottweiler – Charles Benns
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Tulsa, Oklahoma – BOK Center – 01/06-07/12
Truck/Driver Lineup:
Barbarian – Devin Jones
Captain America – Chad Fortune
El Toro Loco – Aaron Basl
Grave Digger – Pablo Huffaker
Grave Digger The Legend – Adam Anderson
Grinder – Lupe Soza
Madusa – Debra Miceli
Razin Kane – JR McNealFriday Night – Wheelie Contest:
Grave Digger – Pablo Huffaker
Friday Night – Racing:
Grave Digger The Legend – Adam Anderson
Friday Night – Freestyle:
Grave Digger – Pablo Huffaker
Saturday Night – Wheelie Contest:
Madusa – Debra Miceli
Saturday Night – Racing:
Captain America – Chad Fortune
Saturday Night – Freestyle:
Grave Digger The Legend – Adam Anderson
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Des Moines, Iowa – Wells Fargo Arena – 01/06-07/12
Truck/Driver Lineup:
Bounty Hunter – Jimmy Creten
El Toro Loco – Marc MacDonald
Grave Digger – Charlie Pauken
Hot Wheels – Dan Evans
Predator – Allen Pezo
Prowler – Lenny Kuilder
Scarlet Bandit – Dawn Creten
Son Uva Digger – Ryan AndersonFriday Night – Wheelie Contest:
Son Uva Digger – Ryan Anderson
Friday Night – Racing:
Son Uva Digger – Ryan Anderson
Friday Night – Freestyle:
Grave Digger – Charlie Pauken
Saturday Afternoon – Wheelie Contest:
Bounty Hunter – Jimmy Creten
Saturday Afternoon – Racing:
Son Uva Digger – Ryan Anderson
Saturday Afternoon – Freestyle:
Son Uva Digger – Ryan Anderson
Saturday Night – Wheelie Contest:
Bounty Hunter – Jimmy Creten
Saturday Night – Racing:
El Toro Loco – Marc MacDonald
Saturday Night – Freestyle:
Son Uva Digger – Ryan Anderson
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Rochester, New York – Blue Cross Arena – 01/06-08/12
Truck/Driver Lineup:
Backdraft – Jeremy Slifko
Eradicator – Andy Slifko
Grave Digger – Chad Tingler
Maximum Destruction – Tom Meents
Mopar Magic – Bryan Wright
Stone Crusher – Steve Sims
Spiderman – Bari MusawwirFriday Night – Wheelie Contest:
Spiderman – Bari Musawwir
Friday Night – Racing:
Eradicator – Andy Slifko
Friday Night – Donut Contest:
Maximum Destruction – Tom Meents
Friday Night – Freestyle:
Maximum Destruction – Tom Meents
Saturday Night – Wheelie Contest:
Stone Crusher – Steve Sims
Saturday Night – Racing:
Grave Digger – Chad Tingler
Saturday Night – Donut Contest:
Maximum Destruction – Tom Meents
Saturday Night – Freestyle:
Maximum Destruction – Tom Meents
Sunday Afternoon – Wheelie Contest:
Eradicator – Andy Slifko
Sunday Afternoon – Racing:
Grave Digger – Chad Tingler
Sunday Afternoon – Donut Contest:
Maximum Destruction – Tom Meents
Sunday Afternoon – Freestyle:
Maximum Destruction – Tom Meents
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Council Bluffs, Iowa – Mid-America Center – 01/06-08/12
Truck/Driver Lineup:
Black Stallion – Mike Vaters
El Matador – Daron Basl
Iron Warrior – Trey Meyers
King Krunch – David Smith
Lucas Oil Crusader – Linsey Weenk
Maximum Destruction – Kreg Christensen
Metal Mulisha – Todd Leduc
Wolverine – Alex BlackwellFriday Night – Wheelie Contest:
Maximum Destruction – Kreg Christensen
Friday Night – Racing:
Metal Mulisha – Todd Leduc
Friday Night – Freestyle:
Maximum Destruction – Kreg Christensen
Saturday Afternoon – Wheelie Contest:
Maximum Destruction – Kreg Christensen
Saturday Afternoon – Racing:
Wolverine – Alex Blackwell
Saturday Afternoon – Freestyle:
Wolverine – Alex Blackwell
Saturday Night – Wheelie Contest:
Maximum Destruction – Kreg Christensen
Saturday Night – Racing:
Lucas Oil Crusader – Linsey Weenk
Saturday Night – Freestyle:
Maximum Destruction – Kreg Christensen
Sunday Afternoon – Wheelie Contest:
Maximum Destruction – Kreg Christensen
Sunday Afternoon – Racing:
Black Stallion – Mike Vaters
Sunday Afternoon – Freestyle:
Wolverine – Alex Blackwell
MONSTER X TOUR – Monster Truck Entertainment
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Daytona Beach, Florida – Ocean Center – 01/06-07/12
Truck/Driver Lineup:
Fly-N-Hi – Mike Moon Jr.
Stinger – Zane Rettew
Summit Bigfoot #18 – Dan Runte
Sweet Tooth – Dave Rife
The General – Travis RifeFriday Night – Wheelie Contest:
Stinger – Zane Rettew
Friday Night – Racing:
Summit Bigfoot #18 – Dan Runte
Friday Night – Freestyle:
Summit Bigfoot #18 – Dan Runte
Saturday Night – Wheelie Contest:
Stinger – Zane Rettew
Saturday Night – Racing:
Summit Bigfoot #18 – Dan Runte
Saturday Night – Freestyle:
Stinger – Zane Rettew
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Stockton, California – Stockton Arena – 01/06-07/12
Truck/Driver Lineup:
El Bandito – Ed Miller
Firestone Bigfoot #10 – Kyle Doyle
California Kid – BJ Johnson
El Perro Loco – Rod Wood
Play’n 4 Keeps – Tony Canedo
Rock Star – Bill PayneFriday Night – Wheelie Contest:
Rock Star – Bill Payne
Friday Night – Racing:
California Kid – BJ Johnson
Friday Night – Freestyle:
Rock Star – Bill Payne
Saturday Night – Wheelie Contest:
Rock Star – Bill Payne
Saturday Night – Racing:
Firestone Bigfoot #10 – Kyle Doyle
Saturday Night – Freestyle:
Rock Star – Bill Payne
MONSTER TRUCK WINTER NATIONALS – Checkered Flag Productions
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West Valley City, Utah – Maverik Center – 01/06-07/12
Truck/Driver Lineup:
Bigfoot Bad Boy #16 – Larry Swim
Daredevil – Corey Schlicher
Ghost Ryder – Larry Quick
Maverik Monster Trakkar – Ron DuncombeFriday Night – Wheelie Contest:
Bigfoot Bad Boy #16 – Larry Swim
Friday Night – Racing:
Bigfoot Bad Boy #16 – Larry Swim
Friday Night – Freestyle:
Bigfoot Bad Boy #16 – Larry Swim
Saturday Afternoon – Wheelie Contest:
Bigfoot Bad Boy #16 – Larry Swim
Saturday Afternoon – Racing:
Bigfoot Bad Boy #16 – Larry Swim
Saturday Afternoon – Freestyle:
Bigfoot Bad Boy #16 – Larry Swim
Saturday Night – Wheelie Contest:
Bigfoot Bad Boy #16 – Larry Swim
Saturday Night – Racing:
Bigfoot Bad Boy #16 – Larry Swim
Saturday Night – Freestyle:
Daredevil – Larry Quick
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Charlotte, North Carolina – Bojangles Coliseum – 01/06-07/12
Truck/Driver Lineup:
Odyssey Batteries Bigfoot #15 – Rick Long
Outlaw Clydesdale – Bennett Clark
Strait Jacket – Kevin KingFriday Night – Racing:
Odyssey Batteries Bigfoot #15 – Rick Long
Friday Night – Freestyle:
Odyssey Batteries Bigfoot #15 – Rick Long
Saturday Night – Racing:
Outlaw Clydesdale – Bennett Clark
Saturday Night – Freestyle:
Strait Jacket – Kevin King
EXTREME MONSTER TRUCK NATIONALS – Jim Morris
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Alexandria, Louisiana – Rapides-Parish Coliseum – 01/06-07/12
Truck/Driver Lineup:
Brute Force – Jerry Perry
Crashmaster – Jeremy Perry
Fatal Attraction – Jeff Murphy
Geter Done – Mitch Tulachka
RoboMachine – Shane Phreed
Temper Tantrum – Amy PerryFriday Night – Wheelie Contest:
Brute Force – Jerry Perry
Friday Night – Donut Contest:
Brute Force – Jerry Perry
Friday Night – Freestyle:
Brute Force – Jerry Perry
Saturday Night – Wheelie Contest:
Brute Force – Jerry Perry
Saturday Night – Donut Contest:
Brute Force – Jerry Perry
Saturday Night – Freestyle:
Tie – Brute Force – Jerry Perry
Tie – Fatal Attraction – Jeff Murphy
OUTLAW MONSTER TRUCK SPECTACULAR – Outlaw Monster Trucks
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Victoria, Texas – Victoria Community Center – 01/06-07/12
Truck/Driver Lineup:
Formula 1 Noni Iron Horse – Rob French
Outlaw – Michael Harper
Reptoid – Jim Jack
Wildfire – Kyle CarringtonFriday Night – Racing:
Outlaw – Michael Harper
Friday Night – Freestyle:
Outlaw – Michael Harper
Saturday Afternoon – Racing:
Outlaw – Michael Harper
Saturday Afternoon – Freestyle:
Outlaw – Michael Harper
Saturday Night – Racing:
Formula 1 Noni Iron Horse – Rob French
Saturday Night – Freestyle:
Formula 1 Noni Iron Horse – Rob French
Video of the Week – 01/07/12
January 7, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Week Ending: January 7th, 2012
Truck(s) Featured: Summit BIGFOOT #18 (Dan Runte)
Video Type: TMB TV Presents
Courtesy: www.YouTube.com
Description: The much anticipated debut of the all new Summit BIGFOOT #18 ended on a wild note as Dan Runte took the freestyle win, but ended up on his lid Friday night in Daytona!
Monster Truck Radio 01/02/12 – Scott Douglass
January 2, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Monster Truck Radio With Host Ross Z. Bonar & Co-Host Chris Parrish
Date: Monday, January 2nd, 2011
Guest #1: Scott Douglass, The Voice of Monster Jam on SPEED TV
Guest #2: N/A [Read more…]
Monster Truck Entertainment Announces 2012 Monster X Tour Championship
January 2, 2012 by Leave a Comment
(Eagle Point, Oregon – MTE PR) – Monster Truck Entertainment is very excited to announce that its premiere monster truck touring series, the Monster X Tour, will conduct a season long points series to determine its 2012 series champion.
The 2012 Monster X Tour Championship will be one of the most grueling points chases ever contested, with events beginning the first weekend of January and ending in November, using venues from the smallest indoor arenas to the largest outdoor fairgrounds & speedways, and spanning locations from Florida to Oregon, with stops everywhere in between.
The 2012 Monster X Tour Championship will be a grueling year-long battle, starting in January and running all the way through the season finale in November.
Drivers will compete for points at each and every event on the tour, all season long. Towards the end of the season, drivers scoring the most points during the year will be invited to participate in the Monster X Tour Championship, which will be held at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Portland, Oregon. Drivers accepting the invite to compete for the championship will battle it out in a thrilling, two-night title bout to determine the 2012 Monster X Tour Champion.
The Regular Season Points System
Monster X Tour events include three monster truck competitions at each event where points will be awarded. The wheelie competition, where the object is to make the truck stand straight up and down, the drag racing competition, where trucks are placed in a bracket and race side by side, and the monster truck freestyle competition, where each driver has three minutes to lay down the best run using all the obstacles and performing the best tricks.
Wheelie Contest
1st – 25 points
Racing Competition
1st – 50 points
2nd – 25 points
Freestyle Competition
1st – 50 points
The monster truck wheelie and freestyle competitions are judged by crowd applause, with the winner being the driver/truck that receives the loudest response from the fans. In terms of points, these will be winner take all events with wheelie contest winners receiving 25 points and freestyle competition winners receiving 50 points.
The monster truck drag racing competition will award points to the two driver/trucks to make it to the final round in the bracket. The overall winner will receive 50 points while the runner-up will be awarded 25 points.
An important component of the Monster X Tour points series is the new practice that drivers will draw for the order in which they compete in wheelie & freestyle competitions prior to each event. Before the start of each individual event, the event director will go from driver to driver, having them randomly draw for their spot in the wheelie and freestyle order. This will ensure that favoritism or popularity does not determine the order in which trucks compete.
Each individual event will have a maximum available point total of 125 points if a driver was to sweep all three competitions.
The Championship Event Points System
The two-night Monster X Tour Championship event at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Portland, Oregon will utilize a special points scale to determine the champion. Drivers accepting the invite to compete in the championship weekend will have their points reset in advance of the event.
The driver scoring the most points during the 2012 season will enter the championship event with their total reset to 150 points. The driver scoring the second most points of those accepting the invite will have 100 points and the driver with the third most points scored will have 50 points.
The championship event will be held Friday and Saturday, with each night’s event consisting of wheelie, racing and freestyle competitions. Points will be awarded as follows for each competition:
Wheelie Contest
1st – 50 points
2nd – 25 points
3rd – 10 points
Racing Competition
1st – 100 points
2nd – 50 points
3rd – 25 points
Freestyle Competition
1st – 100 points
2nd – 50 points
3rd – 25 points
The driver with the most total points at the end of the Monster X Tour Championship Weekend will be crowned the 2012 Monster X Tour Champion and will have prevailed in one of the most intense and demanding points chases in the history of monster trucks.
Monster X Tour January-February 2012 Schedule
The series kicks off this coming weekend, January 6th-7th, with events at Daytona Beach, Florida’s Ocean Center and Stockton, California’s Stockton Arena. See below for the complete Monster X Tour January-February 2012 Schedule:
January 6th-7th
– Ocean Center – Daytona Beach, Florida
– Stockton Arena – Stockton, California
January 13th-14th
– City Bank Coliseum – Lubbock, Texas
– Nacogdoches County Expo Center – Nacogdoches, Texas
January 20th-21st
– Rabobank Arena – Bakersfield, California
– Mississippi Coliseum – Jackson, Mississippi
January 27th-28th
– Compton Arena – Medford, Oregon
– Lamar Dixon Expo Center – Gonzales, Louisiana
February 3rd-4th
– Hooker Creek Event Center – Redmond, Oregon
– Forest County Multi-Purpose Center – Hattiesburg, Mississippi
February 10th-11th
– Germain Arena – Ft. Meyers, Florida
– East Kentucky Expo – Pikeville, Kentucky
– Ike Hamilton Expo Center – West Monroe, Louisiana
February 17th-18th
– Garrett Coliseum – Montgomery, Alabama
February 24th-25th
– WNC Agricultural Center – Asheville, North Carolina
Fans, don’t miss out on your chance to see the Monster X Tour in 2012 as drivers compete for one of the biggest championships in all of monster trucks. Every competition at every event counts!
More event information and tickets are available now at www.MonsterXTour.com!
The Insider: Roger Stidell Acquires The Destroyer Monster Truck
January 2, 2012 by 6 Comments
(Article by Ross Z. Bonar) – The Destroyer monster truck has a new owner but he’s no stranger to driving monster trucks. Roger Stidell of Bellevue, Washington has driven part time for Jeff Bainter’s Captain USA team for over 6 years and now he’s got his own ride after purchasing Destroyer from Dan Evans last week.
“I’d say the first time I decided I wanted to have my own truck one day was probably back in 1978 when I first saw BIGFOOT,” said an excited Stidell. “It’s been a long road getting here and to pick up the truck the day after Christmas, that’s about the best Christmas present I could ever imagine getting!”
The 42-year-old Stidell first started talking to Evans about purchasing Destroyer nearly 6 months ago, but the deal wasn’t complete until early last week when Stidell flew to Michigan to pick up the truck. After a slow process working the deal to buy the truck, things are now moving very fast as Stidell and his new team are in full thrash mode getting the truck ready for their first event.
“I’m no savvy veteran behind the wheel by any means,” explained Stidell. “I’ve gotten some great experience over the years but I’ve only ever been a part time driver, so I’ve got a lot to learn. I’m probably about as nervous as I am excited about running my own truck, so I’m hoping things go well.”
Roger Stidell will debut his newly purchased Destroyer at the Tacoma Dome January 13th-15th.
With the Houston Monster Jam being pushed back a week and several trucks being pulled from the Tacoma, Washington lineup to fill Reliant Stadium’s new date, the door was open for Stidell. He got the call from Feld and Destroyer will be one of the replacement trucks for the January 13th-15th Tacoma Dome event.
Stidell and his friends have worked as crew help for the Tacoma Dome event for many years, so having the chance to debut his new ride at his hometown show, in front of all his friends and family, is an exciting, although nerve-wracking opportunity.
“I feel incredibly lucky to be able to run my first show in Tacoma,” said Stidell. “I’ve got a great family, amazing friends and I’m very excited about this opportunity. I just can’t express how lucky I really am and there are definitely some nerves about this being my debut with the truck.”
Along with the purchase of the truck, Stidell also acquired a second Patrick chassis, two Patrick axle housings and many other spare parts from Evans. This will eventually be a second team truck to Destroyer. For now though, Stidell’s main goal is to live up to the Destroyer standard Evans has set over the years.
“My biggest goal to start with is to try and keep the truck performing at the same high level Dan always did,” described Stidell. “He has built a great name for this truck and I just want to try to keep it going. He was from Michigan and didn’t get out this way too often, so I am excited about the chance to introduce some of the West Coast fans to the Destroyer.”
Don’t worry though all you Dan Evans fans, he’s not leaving the sport by any stretch of the imagination. Evans has been named as the driver of the new Hot Wheels ride for Feld Motor Sports after having driven for them on the European tours the last few years. This premiere seat should give Evans a great shot at returning to competition at the World Finals after several years not receiving the invite.
For more information on Roger Stidell and the Destroyer monster truck, be watching for their soon to be released new website at www.TheDestroyerMonsterTruck.com. You can also follow them on Facebook to stay up to date with all the latest team news.
Crushstation Wins Monster Truck Mafia Fan Vote, Razin Kane & Titan Also Added
January 2, 2012 by Leave a Comment
(Undisclosed Location, USA – Monster Truck Mafia PR) – The Monster Truck Mafia would like to thank all of the great fans who participated in the fan vote to decide our newest member. We had a great crop of candidates and after 1,743 votes were cast, we are proud to welcome Greg Winchenbach and the Crushstation “Monstah Lobstah” into the Monster Truck Mafia.
Greg Winchenbach and Crushstation won the Monster Truck Mafia's Fan Vote with 28% of the votes.
Greg and the Bottom Feeder Motorsports team had a great online campaign, receiving strong support from within the monster truck community and from local Maine fans after being featured in newspaper articles promoting the vote. See below for the full results:
1) Crushstation – Greg Winchenbach – 28%
2) Razin Kane – JR McNeal – 24%
3) Stinger – Zane Rettew – 23%
4) Titan – Donald Epidendio – 17%
5) Heavy Hitter – Derick Anson – 8%
During the Fan Vote process, we received an incredible amount of feedback that suggested we add more than one new member while we had the books open. We listen to the voice of the fans and so a plan was devised to expand the Mafia crew to a total of eight.
Picking from the 4 runner-ups in the Fan Vote, it was decided that the current Mafia members would vote to choose one new member and The Godfather would choose the final new entrant.
The 5 current, pre-fan vote members of the Monster Truck Mafia were polled and the results saw JR McNeal with Razin Kane receiving 2 votes while Donald Epidendio with Titan received 3 votes. Based on those results, the Mafia is very proud to welcome Donald Epidendio and Titan as part of the crew!
For the final new member, The Godfather reviewed the results of the Fan Vote and the Mafia Member Vote, as well as the performance level of the three remaining trucks. The Godfather ruled that the runner-up in both the fan and Mafia member votes, JR McNeal with Razin Kane, would be the final driver to be “made” prior to the 2012 season.
The Monster Truck Mafia is adding Crushstation, Razin Kane and Titan to its roster for 2012.
The Monster Truck Mafia would like to sincerely thank Zane Rettew with Stinger and Derick Anson with Heavy Hitter for being candidates and wish them the best of luck in 2012. We already know who is at the top of the list for the next time the Mafia opens its books!
The Mafia is a group of the most talented, most extreme and most daring monster truck drivers in the world. Only a handful of drivers have what it takes to be a part of the Mafia. Being invited to join means that you are one of the best in the sport and that you are wiling to put it all on the line in order to win. Mafia members don’t worry about crashing, broken parts, money or anything else – they only care about finding victory lane and making sure the fans go home satisfied.
The new additions to the crew effectively create a Mafia East consisting of Bad Habit, Crushstation, Ghost Ryder and Razin Kane, as well as a Mafia West consisting of Barbarian, California Kid, Rock Star and Titan. This gives fans all over the country a great chance to see a Mafia member in action and should also create a great rivalry between the two groups to see who can best put a hurting on the competition.
The Monster Truck Mafia is ready to take our “Elite 8” and show the competition how’s its done in 2012. For more information on the Monster Truck Mafia, visit us online at www.MonsterTruckMafia.com. To keep up to date with all the latest Mafia news and updates, follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mtmafia.
Monster Truck Radio Announces 2012 1st Quarter Guest Schedule
January 1, 2012 by Leave a Comment
(Saint Robert, Missouri – Monster Truck Radio PR) – Monster Truck Radio Presented by E3 Spark Plugs & Amerigas is very proud and excited to announce our guest lineup for first quarter 2012. Host Ross Z. Bonar and co-host Chris Parrish will keep you up to date with all the latest monster truck industry news, and bring you insight from some of the biggest names in the industry through in-depth interviews you just can’t find anywhere else.
Monster Truck Radio Presented By E3 Spark Plugs & Amerigas has put together an incredible guest lineup for first quarter 2012.
For first quarter, Monster Truck Radio Presented by E3 Spark Plugs & Amerigas will feature a different theme each Monday night and 1-2 guests scheduled to coincide with that theme. Using this practice, Monster Truck Radio will be able to cover the news, stories and goings-on with all of the major monster truck series running during first quarter 2012. See below for the complete first quarter guest schedule:
January 2nd: Monster Jam 2012 Preview Show
– Featuring legendary monster truck annnouncer and The Voice of Monster Jam on SPEED TV, Scott Douglass
January 9th: 2012 Week One Recap Show
– Featuring third year driver and early World Finals favorite, Ryan Anderson, driver of Son Uva Digger
January 16th: Monster Nation/Toughest Monster Truck Tour Night
– Featuring veteran Dan Runte, driver of the brand new Summit Bigfoot #18 and defending series champ Doug Noelke, driver of Tail Gator
January 23rd: Monster X Tour Night
– Featuring one of the wildest freestylers in the sport, Bill Payne, driver of Rock Star and Dave Rife, driver of the awesome new Sweet Tooth “I Scream” truck
January 30th: E3 Spark Plugs Monster Nationals Presented by Lucas Oil Night
– Featuring defending series champions Rick Long, driver of E3 Spark Plugs Bigfoot #15 and Bobby Holman, driver of Lucas Oil Stabilizer
February 6th: Monster Truck Winter Nationals Night
– Featuring 2-time series champ Larry Swim, driver of Bigfoot Bad Boy #16 and backflip superstar Larry Quick, driver of the all new Ghost Ryder
February 13th: Monster Jam “Road to the World Finals” Update Show
Featuring second year pilot Bari Musawwir, driver of Spiderman and veteran Scott Hartsock, driver of Gun Slinger
February 20th: Monster Truck Mafia’s Monster Jam Invasion Night
Featuring 2011 MTWN Champion Devin Jones, driver of Barbarian and the “Monstah Lobstah” himself Greg Winchenbach, driver of Crushstation
February 27th: Monster Jam Rookie of the Year Candidates Show
Featuring impressive Monster Jam newcomers JR McNeal, driver of Razin Kane and Donald Epidendio, driver of Titan
March 5th: Monster Jam “Road to the World Finals” Update Show #2
Featuring the Monster Truck Mafia’s Joe Sylvester, driver of Bad Habit and West Coast superstar Rick Swanson, driver of Obsession
March 12th: Monster Jam “Road to the World Finals” Update Show #3
Featuring longtime veteran Mike Vaters, driver of Black Stallion and young superstar Jeremy Slifko, driver of Backdraft
March 19th: World Finals Preview Show
Featuring former World Finals Freestyle Champ Jimmy Creten, driver of Bounty Hunter and defending World Finals Freestyle Champ Jim Koehler, driver of Avenger
March 26th: World Finals Recap Show
Featuring former World Finals Freestyle Champ Pablo Huffaker, driver of Grave Digger and 2-time World Finalist Jon Zimmer, driver of Amsoil Shock Therapy
* Schedule is tentative and subject to change
For all of our “Lugnutz” out there, be sure to tune in LIVE each Monday at 9PM Eastern and participate in the user chat where you can submit your questions for the hosts to ask on air. Simply go to www.BlogTalkRadio.com and sign in with your Facebook, Twitter or Google account or register for a listener’s account. Then go to our show page and click on the upcoming show. At the bottom of the page will be the live chat application where you can jump right in with your comments and questions!
Anytime you’re not able to tune in live, don’t forget an archived version of the show is posted shortly after the live version is completed. You can find the archived shows on TheMonsterBlog.com and they are also available on iTunes. To find us on iTunes, simply do a search for “Monster Truck Radio”, click on our show page and then hit the “Follow” button to never miss an episode!
Monster Truck Radio is very proud to be presented by the fine folks with E3 Spark Plugs & Amerigas for 2012. E3 Spark Plugs and Amerigas have been strong supporters of TheMonsterBlog.com and after taking over Monster Truck Radio in late 2011, we are very excited to be able to feature these great companies on the show. Be sure to check them out at www.E3SparkPlugs.com and www.Amerigas.com and thank them for their support of monster trucks!
For more information on Monster Truck Radio Presented By E3 Spark Plugs & Amerigas, visit us online at www.MonsterTruckRadio.com.
TheMonsterBlog.com 2011 Year In Review Highlight Video
December 23, 2011 by 6 Comments
Event: TheMonsterBlog.com 2011 Year In Review Highlight Video
Videographers: Kaedon Berry, Ross Z. Bonar, Lynette Bonar, Michael Harry, & “Little Jon” Zimmer
Featuring Music From: Night Ranger’s “Somewhere in California” album including “No Time to Lose”, “Growin’ Up In California” & “Rock’n’Roll Tonight”
Lineup: All of the best action from 2011 as seen through the cameras of TheMonsterBlog.com! [Read more…]
TMB TV: MTU Behind the Scenes – BIGFOOT #18 Testing Session – St. Charles, MO 2011
December 23, 2011 by 5 Comments
Event: Summit Bigfoot #18 Testing Session
Venue: Midwest Recycling
Location: Saint Charles, Missouri
Date: December 17th, 2011
Videographer: Colby Marshall
Lineup: Summit Bigfoot #18 (Dan Runte) [Read more…]
Former Champ Eric Tack Returns as Hired Gun For BIGFOOT In 2012
December 23, 2011 by 2 Comments
(Hazelwood, MO – BIGFOOT PR) – When the signal goes out for a veteran wheelman on short notice, Eric Tack seems to be the BIGFOOT® team’s veritable monster truck “batman.” In 2010, he returned from his seven-year absence to retake the wheel of BIGFOOT #11 for the team’s triumphant return to the Pontiac Silverdome. In 2011, he pinch-hit in January and February in BIGFOOT #14 for the injured Larry Swim, and proceeded to carve a mile-wide path through the competition. And now, in 2012, Tack is set to retake the reigns of a BIGFOOT truck, not just as a driver, but as a tutor of sorts.
With the BIGFOOT team’s roster looking more like a musical chairs demonstration heading into the December off-season, the decision was made to bring the veteran Tack in to fill a dual-role purpose: win races and train on-deck driver JR Adams in the process.
The new Odyssey Batteries BIGFOOT body debuted at the SEMA show.
“Heading into the first quarter of 2012, we’ve got a driver heading into his sophomore season of racing [Darron Schnell] and a driver heading into his rookie season of racing [Kyle Doyle], and we want to make sure those guys get the attention and help they need to become the top-shelf racers we expect them to be,” explained BIGFOOT VP of Research, Technology, & Driver Development Jim Kramer. “We like to have a veteran guy help our newer guys out whenever we can, and with Rick Long and myself working with Darron and Kyle, the next logical move was to bring Eric in to help introduce JR into our racing program.”
Eric Tack has been driving (off and on) for Team BIGFOOT since the mid 90’s!
“JR has done a fantastic job for us running the Firestone BIGFOOT #8 display truck in 2011, so the next move up for him is going to be a race truck. But with him not having much time at all in our race trucks, and us needing an experienced driver on the roster for the first part of 2012, it just made sense to bring Eric in,” said BIGFOOT VP of Sponsorships and Business Development Bob Trent. He added that “Eric is extremely popular with fans, competitors, and promoters alike. Not to mention the fact that he brings an enormous wealth of experience to the table, and his ability to share that with newer drivers in our team is a huge plus!”
Legendary BIGFOOT driver Eric Tack is returning to the seat once again in 2012.
From a driving standpoint, Tack’s record behind the wheel of Team BIGFOOT’s trucks is excellent. Tack began his full-on racing career in the mid-1990’s behind the wheel of trucks like BIGFOOT #11, eventually graduating to BIGFOOT #15 by the end of the decade. In 2000, Tack captured his first championship, the inaugural ProMT title, and in 2002 and 2003 Tack would capture the Monster Nationals championships, in addition to helping the team as a whole claim the CFP Grand National crown in 2003. After his retirement from driving in 2003, Tack would not see action in a BIGFOOT truck again until his 2010 appearance in BIGFOOT #11 at the Pontiac Silverdome.
Trent and Kramer agree that Eric showed, in 2010, that he could easily step back into a BIGFOOT truck and instantly be competitive. And, added Trent, “In 2011, Eric showed us that he was not only competitive, but consistent. And that is not an easy thing when you only jump into that seat once in a while!”
Erick Tack spent the first quarter of 2011 filling in for an injured Larry Swim in BIGFOOT “Bad Boy” #14.
Now, in 2012, we can all look to Eric to take all of his experience and build upon it both as a racer and as a teacher. So, what does the man himself have to say about all of this? Well, even through his cool demeanor and level-headed personality, his excitement about driving again in 2012 shines through.
“I’m pumped. Even though my days of doing this stuff full-time are long gone, it is such a treat to be able to come back and work with the team for awhile each year,” said Tack. “The trucks improve so much each year, so it is really exciting to see what Bryan, John, Chris, and the rest of the guys in the shop have come up with in between my driving stints. On top of all that, I’ve heard good things about JR and I’m excited to see if I can’t help get him ready to take the reigns of a BIGFOOT race truck.”
As the team’s starting lineup for the 2012 indoor season shapes up, all signs point towards Tack once again campaigning BIGFOOT #14 for at least January and February with JR Adams as his protégé. Should plans hold true for the team after February, rookie driver Doyle will move up into BIGFOOT #14 while Adams will trade in his pit crew gear for a driving suit and take the reigns of BIGFOOT #10. “We’re really excited about the first part of 2012, and really the year as a whole,” said Trent. “I think our fans are too. They’re getting an awesome mix of veteran drivers like Dan [Runte], Larry [Swim], Rick [Long], and of course Eric, plus they’re getting a glimpse of the future by way of Darron, Kyle, and eventually JR as well. These are exciting times.”
For more information on Team BIGFOOT, visit them online at www.Bigfoot4x4.com!
Monster Energy Latest Addition to Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam
December 22, 2011 by 6 Comments
(Aurora, Illinois – Feld Motorsports PR) – Feld Motor Sports® announced today the newest touring monster truck – Monster Energy – which will debut January 7th at Houston’s Reliant Stadium for the upcoming Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam® season.
With a rumbling that could only be created by a supercharged, methanol fed 540 cubic inch, 1500 horse power massive engine, the 10,000-pound beast of a monster truck that is Monster Energy has broken through its cage and been unleashed. Complete with a four link suspension and four feet of ground clearance, the ravenous mechanical beast that will crush anything getting in its way will be guided by driver Damon Bradshaw, a Monster Jam World Finals℠ champion and former championship-winning supercross racer. There are monster trucks and then there IS Monster Energy!
Damon Bradshaw's awesome new Monster Energy ride for 2012.
“Monster Energy has always had a passion for competing in the dirt,” said Bruce Stjernstrom, Vice President of Sports Marketing. “Our partnerships with Feld Motor Sports including Monster Energy Supercross, and most recently the highly popular Monster Energy Cup, have allowed us to grow even closer to the fans who make us who and what we are. Holding true to our roots, Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam is an all-new and natural extension for Monster Energy and fans to enjoy are shared enthusiasm for horsepower, methanol and dirt.”
“We are very excited to expand our thriving partnership with Monster Energy to Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam and we certainly expect big things for years to come,” said President of Feld Motor Sports, Charlie Mancuso.
Monster Energy will Compete at the Following Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam® Events:
Jan 7 – Houston – Reliant Stadium
Jan 14,15 – San Antonio – Alamodome
Jan 20,21 – Milwaukee, Wis. – Bradley Center
Jan 28 – Anaheim, Calif. – Angel Stadium
Feb 4 – St. Louis – Edward Jones Dome
Feb 11,12 – Denver – Pepsi Center
Feb 18 – Los Angeles – Dodgers Stadium
Feb 25 – Arlington, Texas – Cowboy Stadium
March 3,4 – El Paso, Texas – UTEP Sun Bowl
March 9,10 – Fresno, Calif. – Save Mart Center
*Schedule is subject to change
Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam is the largest touring monster truck property in the world, entertaining over 4,000,000 fans at 350 performances in 10 countries. Monster Jam events can be seen on SPEED and CBS Sports. For more information, log on to www.MonsterJam.com for the complete schedule and to purchase tickets for the select cities your favorite super heroes will be in. Also be sure to check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mjonline for all the latest news and photos of your favorite monster trucks.
Tickets for the 2012 Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam tour are available today at www.MonsterJam.com. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements at www.facebook.com/mjonline, and www.twitter.com/monsterjam.
About Monster Energy
Monster Energy supports the sport. Be it FMX, MX, snocross, road racing, supermoto, off-road, ski, skate, MTB, off-road, surf, snowboard, BMX – name it – the athletes are rockinʼ Monster Energy more than anything these days. Check out all the types – Original Monster Energy, Monster Lo-Carb, Monster Assault, Monster Khaos, the new Monster/fruit juice hybrid called “M- 80” and the ground-breaking Java Monster premium coffee & cream supercharged with our Monster Energy blend. For more information visit www.monsterenergy.com.
About Feld Motor Sports
Feld Motor Sports®, Inc. is the world leader in specialized arena and stadium-based motor sports entertainment. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. productions include Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam®, Monster Energy Supercross, AMA Arenacross Series, Nuclear Cowboyz®, and IHRA® Nitro Jam®. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a division of Feld Entertainment, the world’s largest producer of live family entertainment. For more information on Feld Entertainment, visit www.feldentertainment.com.
TMB TV: Highlights – 1st Annual IMTM Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony & Reunion
December 21, 2011 by 6 Comments
Event: International Monster Truck Museum Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony & Reunion
Venue: International Monster Truck Museum & Hall of Fame @ American Heritage Village
Location: Auburn, Indiana
Date: November 18th-19th, 2011
Videographer: Colby Marshall, Chris Parrish, Kaedon Berry
1st Hall of Fame Class: Bob Chandler (BIGFOOT), Jeff Dane (KING KONG), Dan Degrasso (BEAST), Everett Jasmer (USA-1), Fred Shafer (BEARFOOT), Jack Willman (TAURUS) [Read more…]