We asked Monster Jam drivers Colt Stephens, Charlie Paukin and Tom Meentz to talk us through the unique experience of driving a 10,000 pound, 1500 horsepower monster truck (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag.com)
11 times Monster Jam World Champion, Tom Meentz (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag.com)
Monster Jam driver Colt Stephens (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag.com)
Monster trucks make over 1500 horsepower ... and a great deal of noise (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag.com)
10,000 pound trucks that can leap more than 30 feet into the air require some serious suspension (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag.com)
Monster Mutt before the show (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag.com)
Monster Mutt before the show (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag.com)
Monster Mutt before the show (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag.com)
A cage around the drive shaft is an example of the safety measures taken (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag.com)
Monster truck controls include rear-wheel steering (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag.com)
Max-D is driven by Tom Meentz (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag.com)
(Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag.com)
Max-D .. D is for destruction (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag.com)
10,000 pound trucks that can leap more than 30 feet into the air require some serious suspension (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag.com)
Madusa is driven by Debrah Miceli (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag.com)
Close-up of Madusa's shock absorbers (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag.com)
The stadium is transformed ahead of the car squashing spectacular (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag.com)
Another truckload of dirt arrives to prepare the Monster Jam arena (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag.com)
Monster truck can leap 30 feet into the air (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag.com)
Madusa makes use of those 66-inch tires (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag.com)
Metal Mulisha hits a jump (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag.com)
Madusa is driven by Debrah Miceli (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag.com)
We asked Monster Jam drivers Colt Stephens, Charlie Paukin and Tom Meentz to talk us through the unique experience of driving a 10,000 pound, 1500 horsepower monster truck (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag.com)
El Toro Loco gets sideways at the Monster Jam (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag.com)
Grave Digger spins the dirt (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag.com)
We asked Monster Jam drivers Colt Stephens, Charlie Paukin and Tom Meentz to talk us through the unique experience of driving a 10,000 pound, 1500 horsepower monster truck (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag.com)
Max-D .. D is for destruction (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag.com)
Monster Jam driver Charlie Paukin (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag.com)
Tom Meentz in the driver's seat (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag.com)
Monster trucks weigh over 10,000 pounds, make over 1500 horsepower, ride on 66-inch tires, and can leap more than 30 feet into the air. The Monster Jam show is an astounding experience – the racing part of the evening is an ear-splitting prelude to the "freestyle" event, where each driver competes on pure spectacle, jumping, rolling and crashing their US$250,000 vehicles until the clock runs out or the truck is totaled. We asked Monster Jam drivers Colt Stephens, Charlie Paukin and Tom Meentz to talk us through the unique experience of driving one of these beasts, and then to Madusa crew chief Lindsey Hilgendorf on how to put 'em back together after the drivers smash them to bits.
You can also see more Monster Jam action in our photo gallery.
Loz leads the New Atlas team as Editorial Director, after nearly two decades as one of our most versatile writers. He's also proven himself as a photographer, videographer, presenter, producer and podcast engineer. A graduate in Psychology, former business analyst and touring musician, he's covered just about everything for New Atlas, concentrating lately on clean energy, AI, humanoid robotics, next-gen aircraft, and the odd bit of music, motorcycles and automotive.
2 comments
Mel Tisdale
I don't know about who would be wearing the small underpants, I would consider it a success if mine were still clean afterwards.
Jay Finke
I remember once in early 90's in Orlando Fl , they had a magic player as a guest MC. ha ha it was hilarious, he got booed right out of the arena. girls were fighting in the stands, guys were going at it, it was total mayhem. I loved it !