Monster Truck Tour Roars Into SoCal
What once started as a sideshow attraction at tractor pulling events in the United States has quickly become one of the most popular family entertainment tours in the country. Operated by Feld Motor Sports, Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam is a fast action, high octane-fueled, family-friendly event that is a perfect mixture of racing and showmanship that fulfills the ultimate fan experience. More than 4 million fans attend the Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam shows each year, which are held at the biggest and best stadiums and arenas throughout the country.
At Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam shows, the larger-than-life monster trucks face off in two different kinds of competition: high-speed racing and best of freestyle. Monster Jam freestyle is the result of decades of evolutionary technical advances and has become a fan favorite around the world. During Monster Jam freestyle performances, drivers push their 1,500 horsepower motors and high-impact suspensions to the limit with death-defying jumps, stunts and frenzied maneuvering. Points are awarded by judges to the best use of creativity, style and degree of skill during the 90-second freestyle performances.
This year's Monster Jam includes the world premiere debut of the all-new Hispanic truck "El Diablo," named by the Monster Jam fans themselves during an online poll in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. The El Diablo Monster Jam truck driver, Jean Paul, was born and raised in Southern California and has a background as a professional stuntman and stunt driver and with off-road racing.
During a CBSLA phone interview with Jean Paul, he stressed the importance of the fans on the Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam shows.
"Fans have a huge bearing on what we do individually, we don't want to let them down. We love what we do and we do it for the fans," Paul said.
Unlike Paul's off-road racing past, Monster Jam shows are performed for the fans and are much more emotionally involved for fear of upsetting the fans. If they push the Monster Jam trucks too far and it rolls, fans can get upset that their favorite truck can no longer compete. Paul is excited to debut in his hometown of Anaheim, where he is excited to show off to more than 60 friends and family members in attendance.
Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam
Angel Stadium - Jan. 12 and 26, Feb. 9
2000 East Gene Autry Way
Anaheim, CA 92806
(714) 940-2000
Qualcomm Stadium - Jan. 26
9449 Friars Rd
San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 641-3100
www.monsterjam.com
Desiree Eaglin blogs at Sarcastic, Funny and Brutally Honest. You can find her on Twitter too.
