Monster Jam: The Origin Story

With heated rivalries, giant monster trucks, and even bigger personalities, the adrenaline-packed phenomenon that is Monster Jam® is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

From humble origins in tractor pulling competitions in the 1970s, to becoming a global phenomenon appearing in over 30 countries, the origin story of this action-packed phenomenon is almost as unbelievable as the high-flying stunts performed during the event.

Today, world-famous 12,000-pound Monster Jam trucks such as Grave Digger®, El Toro Loco® and Megalodon® draw audiences and pack stadiums across the world for multi-day events.

In this blog, we’ll be delving into the origin story behind Monster Jam and sharing some key facts about this truly unique motorsport.

Monster Jam explained

In case you’re new to Monster Jam, let’s give you an introduction. It’s an adrenaline-fueled event where drivers navigate 12,000-pound (5,443 kilogram) Monster Jam trucks that are engineered to perfection, pulling off impressive stunts such as backflips, two-wheel skills, and racing at speeds of up to 70 miles per hour. Both male and female drivers compete against each other across a number of different disciplines, using physical and mental strength and dexterity to perform gravity-defying skills.

All of this action takes place in front of fan-packed stadiums and arenas across the globe.

How did Monster Jam start?

Although Monster Jam is now a mammoth event attended by millions of people across the world, this unique motorsport came from humble beginnings. The early pioneers of Monster Jam had no idea that these vehicles would prove so popular, or that it would evolve into such a popular motorsport in its own right.

The origins of Monster Jam emerged in the US during the modified truck craze of the 1970s, where heavily modified trucks with oversized tires reaching up to 48-inches became popular. These trucks were used for sports such as mud bogging and tractor pulling.

During the 1980s the monster truck craze truly hit off, and as technology and skills improved alongside a growing fan base, the sport began to develop into what we see today.

In 1992, the first official Monster Jam event took place, and in 1995, the American Hot Rod Association created the official Monster Jam touring event. For the past 30 years, Monster Jam has since continued to draw fans and has grown into what is now a thriving, global phenomenon.

What happens at a Monster Jam event today?

At a Monster Jam event today, you will see expert drivers and famous trucks tearing up the dirt and competing in intense competitions of both speed and skills.

There are a number of different disciplines that drivers can compete in during a Monster Jam event, including:

• Racing - trucks race along a prescribed course. The winners advance until only two trucks battle it out in the final.

• Skills Challenge - drivers battle it out to perform increasingly impressive stunts, bringing at least two wheels into the air.

• Donut competition - drivers compete to quickly rotate the truck as many times and as quickly as possible.

• Freestyle - competitors perform tricks and stunts throughout the floor area and have a set amount of time where they can do whatever tricks they like to surprise and wow fans.

You can check out some of the world record holders for these events via the BKT Network channel here.

Monster Jam is one of the most accessible sports for fans in the world, and this is a huge reason why Monster Jam has become so popular. Fans are put ‘in the driving seat’ of judging and can vote for their favorites during the event. They are also able to interact with drivers and get up close and personal with their favorite trucks during designated ‘Pit Parties’ at the events.

What makes a Monster Jam truck? Size

As we’ve already mentioned, Monster Jam trucks weigh an impressive 12,000 pounds. Each truck is approximately 10.5 feet tall, 12.5 feet wide and 17.5 feet long. This means that Monster Jam athletes have to demonstrate a huge amount of skill and expertise to allow these gigantic vehicles to perform tricks such as backflips.

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