by AJT Santos
Destruction, havoc, and ear-shattering noise. These aren’t exactly words you’d associate with an event the entire family can appreciate but that’s exactly what Monster Jam delivered in its first ever Asian tour at the Mall Of Asia Arena this past weekend, June 20 and 21, 2015.
For two solid hours, local monster truck fans were treated to an INSANELY LOUD show of roaring engines, crazy stunts, and the smell of fuel wafting in the air. Six of the most popular Monster Jam trucks were brought over and reminded us why destroying stuff is so much fun.
The Monster Jam trucks
Grave Digger
Grave Digger was developed in the early 80s originally as a mud bog truck. Often referred to by the fans as simply “Digger,” it has since transformed into one of the most recognizable Monster Jam trucks in the world.
Max-D
Created in 2003, Maximum Destruction, better known as Max-D, is famous for its almost supernatural abilities in both racing and freestyle competitions.
El Toro Loco
El Toro Loco is one of the most unique trucks on the Monster Jam circuit. The massive and menacing horns sticking out from the sides of the cab have been goring competitors since 2001.
Zombie
Fan favorite Zombie was the result of an online poll back in 2013 where several names and designs were unveiled at monsterjam.com. Fans were given the opportunity to vote for any idea they most wanted to see created and Zombie was the number one choice.
Dragon
With spikes jutting through its skin, long horns curling back atop its skull and angled fins slicing the air as it glides across quaking dirt, Dragon is one of the most distinct trucks in the game.
Son Uva-Digger
Son-uva Digger was unveiled at the 2011 Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam World Finals as the next generation truck built to extend the Grave Digger legacy. Its attention grabbing purple murals adorning the 1950s Willy’s body style has made its mark with a series of high profile wins, especially in freestyle competitions.
Some quick facts:
Each of these trucks have a heavy-duty body approximately 12-feet tall, 12-feet wide, and sits atop 66-inch tires.
These trucks are incredibly powerful machines, capable of jumping more than 30 feet high and crossing more than 14 cars lined up side by side.
Each Monster Jam truck costs more than $600,000 per year to build, tour, staff, repair and transport. They have their own drivers, mechanics and specialized transport vehicles, which also houses a mobile repair shop.
Many expressed doubts on how the MOA Arena could be transformed into a dirt track but the Monster Jam crew pulled it off big time. Here’s how:
The Monster Jam track builders determine how to protect the existing floor.
The track construction crew covers the floor and manages the move-in of the dirt and sculpting the track.
The Monster Jam tech staff prepares the non-dirt obstacles and the decoration of the track and stadium walls.
The move-in and move-out process are quick and the venue is not damaged.
Wanna know how much work goes into each Monster Jam event? Here’s a typical arena track build by the numbers:
25,000 sq. feet of plastic and 1000 sheets of plywood
1,000 tons of dirt / 80 trucks loads
500 number of hours to build and remove track from beginning to end
400 gallons of fuel to fuel the machinery
660 feet of banners to dress the track
200 man hours to install and remove the plastic and plywood field cover
96 – 100 hours for the entire construction cycle from arena to racetrack and back to arena.
30 gallons of paint to paint obstacles and track
20 dump trucks used
10 crush cars
10 – 12 pieces of heavy machinery depending on venue
18 hours to paint logos and designs on track and obstacles
5 – 6 Dirt Crew members
4 – 6 dumpsters used as safety barriers
Pinoy Monster Jam fans cheered as their favorite trucks face off in two different forms of competition — side-by-side racing and freestyle. With hurdles strategically placed in the track, every competition is sure to offer something new and exciting.
Via Instagram/@carlchungunco
In the freestyle competition, the drivers are allowed a limited amount of time to show off their skills in doing cyclones, donuts, flips, and jumps.
Via Instagram/@karlpaolocano03
Jaws dropped as these 1500-horsepower beasts performed a bevy of punishing stunts and amazing tricks across the track.
Via Instagram/@anjiam
What made the Monster Jam show even more special was the Pit Party. It really added a family-friendly feel to the event. Fans were allowed to explore the actual racetrack, meet the drivers, see the Monster Jam trucks up close, collect autographs, take photos, and look at the obstacles they’ll jump over and eventually destroy!
The ATV races and motocross bike exhibitions added a lot of value to the event.
Monster Jam was definitely a kid-friendly show for the entire fambam. It brings sports, entertainment, showmanship, and the ultimate fan experience in one action-packed show. No other competition will have your heart pumping as hard! These monster superstars definitely gave their Filipino fans a show they won’t soon forget and we all hope the Monster Jam crew will be back next year!
