The trucks in action that evening are much different from the original "monster trucks." During the 1970s, several chassis builders began to experiment by adding huge tires, beefy suspensions and powerful engines to regular production pickup trucks. These trucks often were used to promote off road specialty products and service centers.
However, motorsport event organizers saw the promise these trucks displayed as high-performance racing machines and several touring series were created for the vehicles. Truck owners began crossing the country, performing to sold-out crowds at county fairs and auto races. As crowds increased, drivers began racing in stadiums like the Pontiac Silverdome and the RCA Dome in Indianapolis.
In the mid-90's, racers, ready to demonstrate the extreme capabilities of their machines, began competing in freestyle competitions after the racing portion of their shows had concluded. The freestyle exhibition allows drivers to create their own course while crushing anything and everything on the racing surface. The drivers perform stunts including wheelies, long jumps and donuts, often called cyclones. Old school buses, motor homes, and even airplanes add to the craziness of freestyles, as drivers rip through the obstacles with ease and create an amazing visual of the power behind these brutes.
Now, several series stage events across the country and several monster trucks have become household names. Predator, Prowler and War Wizard, three of the over-sized vehicles that will be present at Monster Truck Madness, have competed on SPEED's popular show, Monster Jam.
Allen Pezo, owner of Predator, Prowler, Pouncer and Lone Eagle, will be among the drivers competing during Bristol Dragway's monster truck bash. Pezo says that many changes have taken place throughout his time in the sport.
"I"ve been racing monster trucks for 25 years," said Pezo, "and we're actually restoring our original truck. With the original-style truck, your back is what soaked up the landing. The new-style truck, compared to the original, is no comparison. Now we have 30 inches of suspension travel, and nine out of 10 times, you don't feel the truck land. It soaks it [the impact] right up."
Other technologies also have improved the safety of monster truck racing; chief among them is the Remote Ignition Interrupter. Pezo explained the importance of the RII and other safety enhancements.
"An official on the ground has a transmitter [RII] that gives them 100% control if something goes wrong," said Pezo. "They can push a button, and the truck shuts off. We also have a pretty stout roll cage system and five point safety harnesses. One thing we have that others don't is our seats which have a suspension system that absorbs some of the energy on landings. We have onboard fire extinguishers, firesuits, and everything safety oriented."
Not only have the trucks advanced, the tracks on which they compete are far different.
"Originally, we didn't have a lot of ramps," explained Pezo. "We just had cars out there, and we went over them. As speeds have increased, we've built ramps that help us hit the cars, and get the trucks flying right. Those are the two biggest differences compared to the old tracks.
"The sport has grown and is still growing. Our events, no matter where we go, are sold out just about everywhere. It is an amazing show to see. The old trucks barely drove over cars, and now we're flying 200 feet in distance at over 50 feet in the air. It is unbelievable the changes technology has brought."
At Bristol Dragway's Monster Truck Madness presented by 4-Wheels Unlimited, fans will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the same drivers and machines they have seen fly through the air on television. A pre-race pit party will give fans the chance to meet their favorite drivers, make pictures and collect autographs.
In addition to the monster trucks, the Team FMX freestyle motocross team will be demonstrating outrageous stunts between monster truck rounds and an exciting burnout competition heats up Thunder Valley.
Sonic Drive-Ins also will present the "Sonic Route 44 Challenge." If a monster truck successfully jumps two cars and drives 44 yards on its two rear tires, everyone in attendance will receive a free hamburger at participating restaurants.
Monster Truck Madness is sure to be a high-flyin' good time for folks of all ages.
Gates open at 6:00 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults and $5 for kids. Children five and under are free. The first 500 kids (12 and under) through the gate will receive a free 1/64th scale monster truck replica.
For more information about Monster Truck Madness, please call (423) 764-DRAG.