Monster Jam

Monster Jam is a live motorsport series built around purpose-made monster trucks: roughly 12 feet tall, about 12,000 pounds, and running on 66-inch tires with engines making around 1,500 horsepower. The trucks race head-to-head over dirt tracks, then go all out in freestyle, flying off ramps, rolling cars flat, and sometimes landing on their sides. Events fill stadiums and arenas across the US and beyond, and they work for first-timers and lifelong fans alike.

The sport grew out of 1970s and 80s truck culture. Bob Chandler's Bigfoot, a lifted pickup that crushed cars, helped start the craze. Dennis Anderson's Grave Digger later turned into a brand of its own. Promoters began putting trucks together on one bill, and the stadium tours that followed became the Monster Jam we know. Fans keep coming back for the noise, the rivalries, and the drivers who push these machines to their limits.

How it works

• Racing: two trucks line up side by side on a short dirt course with jumps and obstacles. The first across the line wins the round, and brackets narrow the field.
• Freestyle: each driver gets a short timed run on the full arena floor to show off jumps, spins, and crushes. Judges score it, so bold, clean runs get rewarded.
• Trucks are built for this: tube-frame chassis, fiberglass bodies, huge tires, and big suspension travel to survive hard landings.
• Crashes and rollovers happen. Drivers wear head-and-neck restraints and use safety harnesses and shut-off systems. Safety crews are always on standby.

Fan tips

• Bring ear protection, especially for kids. Indoors and in stadiums, engines and crowd noise are loud for hours.
• Arrive early. Ask whether the event offers a pit party or other pre-show access, because getting close to the trucks is part of the fun.
• Pick a driver or truck to follow before the show. Racing and freestyle are more fun when you have a favorite to cheer for.
• Check your local venue for seating and bag policies. Seats near the floor give a great view of the action but can mean flying dirt, so dress for it.

Legends of Monster Jam

Books, biographies and collectibles about the series' greats.

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