Chicago Style

Chicago Style is a format for racing which is used by many leagues, and is arguably the most popular type of race. The name originated from the type of race used in a Monster Jam show in the Chicago area in 1999.

1999-2003
From the years 1999 to 2003, drivers would start their trucks at opposite ends of the track. They'd start by going over a car stack and then make a turn to hit the other car stack. Most races were 3-4 laps long.

2004-2008
From 2004 to 2008, Monster Jam would throw a twist to the popular racing format by having the trucks start in the middle of the track, and they'd have to drive out of the middle of the track. The race would then proceed as normal. Most races were 4 laps long.

2009
In 2009, the format changed to the original style of Chicago. In Monster Jam, every race was 4 laps long, and an extra lap was put in place for the championship race of any event.

2010-
In 2010, the number of laps was reduced to three. In 2011, an interesting twist was put into Monster Jam's San Antonio event. In the event, drivers would start in the middle of the track, and they'd have to take a turn and then proceed to the outside of the track, where the race would then proceed as normal. The style is still used to this day.