Monster Trucks Wiki
Advertisement
Monster Trucks Wiki
Tony Farrell (1963-2015)
9,507
pages
in: Leagues

Monster Jam

Sign in to edit

Monster Jam is a monster truck series officiated by the United States Hot Rod Association and owned by FELD Motorsports since 2008. The name was first used for a USHRA event in October 17th, 1992 and has since become the longest running and most successful monster truck competition series to date.

Even though Monster Jam was formed in 1992, some fans dispute the claim. While the name "Monster Jam" was first used in 1992, not all events officiated by the USHRA (outside of Thunder Nationals) were promoted as Monster Jam events. Names such as "Power Jam", "Ultimate Thrill Show", "Grand Slam Super Series", "Motor Spectacular", and "The Superbowl of Motorsports" were used intermittently for USHRA events during the 1990's, some even into the 2000's. Some events in 1999 were even given the name "USA Motor Spectacular", following the buyout of USA Motorsports the following year, despite being USHRA-officiated events. However, these are all considered "Monster Jam" events, due to them all being officiated by the USHRA and all part of the same monster truck series.

Due to the large scope of Monster Jam's event schedule and large roster of trucks, the series has also had many different tours throughout their history, including a European tour, a Canadian tour, an Australian tour, a concrete-only arena tour (Thunder Nationals), a freestyle-only arena tour (Freestyle Mania), and two summer tours (Path of Destruction and the Summer Heat speedway tour).

History[]

1992  []

The first USHRA "Monster Jam" event takes place in the Pontiac Silverdome on October 17th.

1993[]

Monster Jam events are televised as part of the USHRA Monster Wars series. The first non-numbered "Monster Jam World Finals" takes place in October in Pontiac Michigan.

1994[]

The second non-numbered "Monster Jam World Finals" takes place in October.

1994-1996[]

Monster Jam events would not be televised in any form.

1997[]

"Inside Monster Jam" is broadcast on ESPN 2, being the first televised USHRA program since 1993. Jerry Bernardo was the host.

In June, the first U.S. Truck Fest was held at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Later that year, SFX Entertainment buys Monster Jam/SRO-PACE Motorsports.

1998[]

SFX/Pace gains the naming rights to Grave Digger.

Inside Monster Jam airs its final season, and Monster Jam is broadcast on TNN's Motor Madness following the buyout of USA Motorsports.

In August, Bigfoot and Monster Jam part ways following an attempted buyout of the team by Monster Jam, with the former only returning once in 2003.

1999[]

SFX/Pace gains the naming rights to Bulldozer after acquiring USA Motorsports.

In April, the final non-numbered Monster Jam World Finals takes place in St. Louis, MO with Bear Foot winning the racing competition.

Monster Jam signs multiple independent teams to merchandising deals.

In November, Monster Jam holds its first scored freestyle competitions in Minneapolis and Houston, which would go on to become the league's staple competition.

2000[]

Hot Wheels begins producing Monster Jam die-cast toys.

Monster Jam then partners with WCW to create trucks based on popular wrestlers, debuting Goldberg, nWo, Madusa, Sting and WCW Nitro Machine.

In March, the very first officially numbered World Finals takes place in Las Vegas at Sam Boyd Stadium, where Tom Meents wins racing over Scott Hartsock in Gunslinger and Dennis Anderson wins freestyle with the only perfect 40 in World Finals history.

Clear Channel later buys SFX and gains the naming rights to Monster Jam.

In November, the final USHRA tractor-pulling competition is held in November at the Houston Astrodome during a Monster Jam event.

2001[]

Monster Jam would debut their first original trucks, Ragin Steel and El Toro Loco, alongside a side event exclusive truck Mr. Destruction.

They would also start two partnerships during the year. One would be with Ford Trucks, where they debut the "Built Ford Tough" Blue Thunder. The other partnership would be with Marvel comics, where they would create a Spider-Man and Wolverine truck. Another original truck, High Roller, would also debut at the end of the year as an advertisement for the World Finals events.

Monster Jam's contract with WCW is bought out by World Wrestling Federation (now WWE), leading to the retiring of all the WCW trucks by the fourth quarter, with the exception of Madusa due to Debra Miceli trademarking the name. Team Meents debuts as a replacement for Goldberg.

2002[]

Two short-lived original trucks also debut, those being Radical Rescue and Vette King, the latter replacing Sting. Monster Jam also formed a short-lived partnership is also formed with fish food company Tetra Cichlid, debuting Firemouth, which ran exclusively this year. Inferno debuts as a replacement for WCW Nitro Machine. Power Forward also debuts in partnership with Karl Malone.

In March, a Hot Wheels sponsor truck is created and debuted at the third numbered World Finals.

In October, the first Monster Jam show outside of North America takes place in Paris, France.

2003  []

Two of Monster Jam's most famous original trucks would debut, those being Maximum Destruction and Monster Mutt. Demolition Man would also debut as another original truck which would be used exclusively for side events.

Monster Jam also starts two more partnerships. One with FOX to debut Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and one with PepsiCo to debut the SoBe sponsored truck, with a Suzuki sponsor alongside it.

Werner Warrior runs a one-off event in September.

“Lost 2003 season”[]

The 2003 season would be infamous as their original television partner TNN would step down, causing the entirety of the 2003 season to not be televised, with a majority of shows becoming lost. They would then partner with the SPEED channel, first televising World Finals IV.

This season also marks the final points series until 2015.

2004[]

Monster Jam debuts two trucks, one being a short-lived original truck called Ameriquest Freedom, and SoBe being rebranded as Team Suzuki. Monster Jam also began their partnership with Advance Auto Parts, though they only create an exhibition truck.

In September, a one-time Nokia sponsored truck also debuts exclusively in Antwerp, Belgium.

2005[]

In Atlanta, Monster Jam debuts two new trucks: One would be an original truck designed for George Balhan with a mysterious theme, but would later be simply dubbed "An Escalade". The other would be a new Superman truck, made with a new partnership with DC comics.

The following two weeks, two new sponsor trucks would debut. One would be created in partnership with Travis Pastrana called Pastrana 199, and the other would be the Safe Auto Minimizer created in partnership with Safe Auto.

Monster Jam would partner with Bob Kevoian and Tom Griswold to create a truck based on their radio show, The Bob & Tom Show, which debuts in Indianapolis.

In July, Monster Jam would partner with Warner Bros. and would debut Taz, based off the Looney Tunes character of the same name.

2006[]

Live Nation gains the naming rights to Monster Jam.

At the start of the year, three sponsor trucks debuted: The first would be the U.S. Air Force Afterburner with Air Force, the second would be Batman, created with the DC Comics on-going partnership, and the third would be a short-lived Del Taco sponsored Del Scorcho.

WLLZ partner with Monster Jam to create 106.7 The Drive for the first Ford Field Detroit event.

2007[]

Monster Jam would also debut their first variant of Monster Mutt called the Monster Mutt Dalmatian at the beginning of 2007. Later at World Finals VIII, Monster Jam would debut Captain's Curse, a successor to Blacksmith, which would go on to win the freestyle title, notably doing so at its debut show, being the only truck in history to ever do so.

106.7 The Drive is rebranded as 106.7 The Fox for the Detroit show.

At the World Finals, Monster Jam would start airing shows internationally, mainly in Europe, partnering with Jetix and also debuting a truck for said channel.

In October, Hot Wheels ran its final show in Lexington, and retired.

In December, Monster Jam would partner with Nintendo and would debut a new Donkey Kong truck.

2008[]

Future Monster Jam recordings, mainly for TV broadcast, were now being recorded in high 720p quality, as well as in a fullscreen ratio. DVDs, however, were still limited to 480p and a 4:3 ratio.

Spitfire controversy[]

At World Finals IX, two original trucks would later debut during the encore, those being Backwards Bob and Spitfire. While Backwards Bob later began competing full-time in 2009, the Spitfire name, however, would receive a lawsuit from an unknown party, resulting in the truck being renamed to "Spitfire Monster Truck" and eventually being retired. It would also cause the encore to be omitted from both the DVD and TV broadcast.

In June, a one-off sponsored truck, BiFi, runs for one show in Belgium.

In September, FELD Motorsports later gains the naming rights to Monster Jam, who are the current owners to this day.

In December, Team Suzuki runs its final event in Minneapolis and retires.

2009[]

Tacoma incident[]

On January 16th, during a freestyle event in Tacoma, Washington, Natural High, which was owned by Living the Dream Racing, was freestyling, when a driveshaft loop accidentally broke off and flew into the stands. It would strike six-year-old Sebastian Hizey and a forty-year-old man. Both of the spectators were immediately rushed to the hospital. Although the man would eventually make a full recovery, Sebastian would pass away the following day from his sustained injuries. This would lead to a massive surge of media attention surrounding the event. The aftermath led to colored driveshafts being mandatory on all trucks and a list of stronger safety measures that are to be taken at all events that followed. It would also lead to the retirement of the Natural High body and name. No results for the show were posted onto Monster Jam's website out of respect for the family of Sebastian Hizey.

At World Finals X, Captain's Curse and Alex Blackwell would famously suffer one of the most violent crashes in history during the championship race again Tom Meents, where the truck would lose the brakes at the final turn, causing the truck to fly across the track and land in the safety barrier. The crash and two others would be omitted from the DVD and the SPEED broadcast, due to two fatal accidents that took place earlier in the year, one of which was at a Monster Jam event prior to the World Finals. After the racing championship, Nitro Circus would debut with Travis Pastrana as a successor to Pastrana 199.

In May, a one-off Verva sponsored truck is run in collaboration with fuel brand PK Orlen sponsoring an event in Poland. The same month, Disney XD debuts as the replacement for Jetix.

In December, Advance Auto Parts becomes the title sponsor at the end of the year, and their sponsor truck called the Advance Auto Parts Grinder, debuts.

2010[]

Monster Jam renews their contract with Marvel Comics, reviving Spider-Man and debuting a new Iron Man truck.

Monster Jam later introduced a short-lived "Freestyle Mania" tour for arenas only, which consisted of only freestyle-based competitions.

Monster Jam would partner with Rod Ryan, and would create a truck sponsoring his radio show "The Rod Ryan Show" which has since been run at every Houston show.

In February, The first backflip in a competition is then performed by Cam McQueen in Nitro Circus at Jacksonville.

In March, World Finals XI would take place and would be controversial for its large obstacle size and difficulty. This would eventually cause Monster Jam to start calming their tracks down, notably their World Finals track for next year, being designed by multiple drivers. At the encore, Mohawk Warrior would debut as a successor to An Escalade, retiring said truck.

The Ford Trucks sponsorship would also end after 9 years.

Late in the year, Monster Jam ended their partnership with PEI, and would begin outsourcing chassis from Carroll Racing Development (CRD).

2011[]

Multiple truck debuts throughout the year:

At World Finals XII, a second Grave Digger spin-off debuts during the encore called Son-uva Digger, which was originally a mud truck owned by the Andersons.

In November, Monster Jam debuts a new Canadian themed truck for Cam McQueen called Northern Nightmare after Nitro Circus' retirement. Blue Thunder is retired at the end of the year.

2012[]

Monster Jam begins running uniform color schemes for tracks, rather than using multiple designs, using a red/yellow scheme with occasional flames/slime/checkerboard.

Three new sponsor trucks also debut:

Marvel would also begin creating more trucks, reviving Wolverine, and creating a new Captain America truck, as well as a Thor and Hulk truck which ran internationally only.

The World Finals would also debut a new championship called the Young Guns Shootout, which Bari Musawwir become the first winner of, in Spider-Man

In June, a summer stadium tour also debuts, called the "Path of Destruction" tour.

2013[]

Monster Jam debuts three new trucks. Two of them would be original trucks, Zombie and El Diablo. The third would be a Scooby-Doo! truck created in partnership with Warner Bros, with their partnership returning. Blue Thunder also returns under FELD with an updated scheme. It was driven by Dan Evans.

Two variants of El Toro Loco would also debut, one being a black version of the truck run by Marc McDonald and a yellow version run by Becky McDonough, and later Kayla Blood.

Maximum Destruction celebrates its 10th anniversary, with Neil & Kreg's trucks running special spiked bodies, which would go on to become the full-time design of the truck. Tom Meents ran a special LED version of the updated scheme, notably without the spikes. The truck is also rebranded as "Max-D", a common abbreviation for truck used prior to the anniversary.

At the end of the year, the Advance Auto Parts' contract ends and their title sponsor ends, as well as resulting in Grinder's retirement.

2014[]

Following AAP's departure from Monster Jam, the league would update their track paint schemes, replacing the red/yellow with purple/yellow.

Monster Jam would also depart from the SPEED channel after 10 years and would move to Fox Sports 1, which the SPEED channel was rebranded to, and as part of the partnership, they would debut a new FS1 Cleatus sponsored truck. They would also partner with BKT tires, where they would begin producing tires for monster trucks.

Monster Jam would also debut four new trucks: Man of Steel, a short-lived successor to Superman, two original trucks called N.E.A Police and Doom’s Day, two inverse trucks with the same custom body, with one representing good and one representing evil and had a “mystery driver” gimmick, and the last of the four would be Dragon, a successor to Dragon's Breath which wouldn't debut until the summer, due to the body's complications.

In December, Monster Jam would debut their own Carolina Crusher truck with original owner Gary Porter driving.

At the end of the year, both Marvel and DC comics' partnership would end, retiring all superhero trucks.

2015[]

Monster Jam debuts two new trucks: Soldier Fortune, and Zombie Hunter, which was created after a failed Ram Trucks partnership.

As a part of BKTs partnership, BKT would start producing monster truck tires, which a majority of trucks running Monster Jam would start using. Monster Jam then begins redesigning their tracks to feature smaller yet steeper ramps, as well as notably lowering the amount of crush cars, and give almost every stop a backflip ramp.

Points championships would also return for the first time since 2003, with a FS1 Stadium Series taking place and a special arena series called #MoreMonsterJam debuting, where drivers would also drive ATVs and Speedsters. Max-D would dominate both tours with Neil Elliott winning the FS1 series and Morgan Kane winning the #MoreMonsterJam series.

In August, rookie driver Dalton Millican was involved in a fatal motorcycle accident.

In November, Monster Jam would receive a new updated logo, which is used currently.

2016[]

Monster Jam would debut four new original trucks:

They would also debut two new sponsored trucks, one being the VP Racing Fuels sponsored Mad Scientist, and the other being Gas Monkey Garage, created in partnership with Richard Rawlings.

The #MoreMonsterJam tour was rebranded to the AMSOIL series, and comprised of an east and west tour.

World Finals XVII controversy[]

World Finals XVII would be very controversial for its judging, causing Monster Jam to work on a compromise to the judging system.

In September, it was announced that 2017 would be Madusa's "Farewell Tour", as Miceli was set to retire by the end of that season. To celebrate Madusa’s “Farewell Tour,” the truck was to be given a new chrome paint scheme for the occasion. However, Miceli suffered another injury that resulted in her being unable to drive for the season. The paint scheme would ultimately be scrapped, and Madusa would ultimately be retired following Miceli’s retirement from competition.

2017 (25th anniversary)[]

The 2017 season would be the first season to have all seasons be a part of a points tour. Mohawk Warrior is now sponsored by Great Clips. Bryce Kenny becomes the new driver. Monster Jam also celebrates their 25th anniversary and Grave Digger celebrates its 35th anniversary, with all trucks running a special hood variation. Dennis Anderson's daughter, Krysten makes her debut along with Justin Sipes in Megalodon & Armando Castro in El Toro Loco. Monster Jam later debuts two new original trucks Megalodon and Earth Shaker.

Monster Jam also removing guns from the designs of Soldier Fortune, Metal Mulisha and most notably, Gunslinger, causing the truck to be rebranded "Slinger" which was later revealed to be Hartsock’s personal decision. The Young Guns Shootout was also rebranded to “Double Down Showdown”.

World Finals XVIII would feature a new judging system created as a compromise to the controversial judging system called "judgeszone.com". At said competition, the first frontflip in competition is performed by Lee O'Donnell in the VP Racing Fuels' Mad Scientist, where he would win the title. Neil Elliot would also perform the first reverse backflip at said show.

DC would later return to Monster Jam, with the debut of Wonder Woman and the temporary return of Superman in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In June, Monster Jam would introduce the “2-Wheel Skills Challenge”, a competition that has since become a mainstay.

Announcer Scott Douglass would later retire from commentary and announcing at the end of the year.

2018[]

Monster Jam debuts a new original truck called Whiplash, created for Brianna Mahon.

In February, it was announced that the World Finals would become a rotational event starting in 2019, making World Finals XIX the last World Finals to take place at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas. That same month, they would ban the corkscrew move, following failed attempts of said move leading to driver injuries.

A new truck debuts in the summer, created in partnership with the Diesel Brothers called BroDozer, being Monster Jam's first diesel powered truck. It was supposed to debut at the start of the season, but there were problems with the engine.

At the end of the year, two of Monster Jam's biggest sponsors would depart, those being Hot Wheels and Fox Sports 1, retiring both Team Hot Wheels Firestorm and FS1 Cleatus in the process.

On December 26th, Monster Jam sued Mattel.

2019[]

Monster Jam partners with Spin Master to produce merchandise for them following Hot Wheels' departure. Part of so would be the creation of Bakugan Dragonoid in sponsorship of Spin Master's Bakugan series.

Monster Jam also moves to NBCSN for television broadcast, with Scott Jordan becoming the main host of Monster Jam.

The first World Finals outside of Las Vegas takes place, doing so in Orlando, Florida at Camping World Stadium. The event would also add new world championships, those being skills, high jump, ATV & speedster titles. This would be the only World Finals to feature said championships (minus the high jump).

Monster Jam also creates the All-Star Challenge, which would be a team-based competition, with the two teams being Fire vs. Ice. There would be lots of controversy at the event due to short runs getting high scores, resulting in a "30 second rule" being created. If you don't complete 30 seconds of your freestyle, you won't get a score. This was later amended in 2023 where a run shorter than 60 seconds will result in a 1 point deduction.

2020[]

Monster Jam would debut its new stadium tour format, which would feature color themed tours. The 2020 stadium tours would feature a red, green and yellow tour. The Diesel Brothers later continue their partnership by creating and debuting BroCamino. St. Jude also announces its partnership with the league.

In March, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all tours would be postponed and eventually cancelled for fan and worker safety, most infamously cancelling the World Finals. This halt would cause hundreds of drivers, workers, and trucks to be let go, retired, or put on hiatus. The pandemic would lead to the retirements of Pirate’s Curse, BroDozer, Brocamino, Wonder Woman, and Gas Monkey Garage (who was slated to compete on that year's international tour).

In August, Monster Jam hosted an event in Branston, Florida, where various trucks would attempt to break world records.

In October, Monster Jam would later return in Arlington, which would also be the final show for the Lucas Oil Crusader, with their partnership ending for the time being.

2021[]

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many drivers to have to fill-in and drive different identities for the season, the most notable examples being Ryan Anderson in Bakugan Dragonoid & Adam Anderson & Tristan England in Megalodon.

The season also featured only one point tour, being a short stadium tour with a limited schedule, competing in only two states. At the end of the tour, a galaxy variant of Monster Mutt Dalmatian to promote the Spin-Master toy-line release.

In August, Alien Invasion made a brief return, before retiring in September.

At the end of the year, Monster Energy's partnership ends, retiring their truck.

2022[]

Monster Jam returns to running more than one points series, running two stadium tours and five arena tours. The stadium tours would also feature two new track designs, with the yellow tour featuring a new "paperclip" style track, and the red tour featuring an updated Chicago styled track.

Monster Jam also celebrate its 30th anniversary and Grave Digger would celebrate its 40th anniversary, with all trucks running a special variation of the scheme.

Lucas Oil would also renew their contract with Monster Jam, creating a new Lucas Stabilizer truck.

The World Finals would later return for the first time since 2019, excluding the Showdown, ATV & Speedster titles.

In June, Monster Jam gets a theme song, which is sung by Sydney Mack.

Soldier Fortune Black Ops runs its final season, before eventually retiring.

2023[]

A new truck debuts, called ThunderROARus, with Colt Stephens and Tony Ochs driving.

Max-D celebrates its 20th anniversary, with the truck running a special paint scheme throughout the season.

Marvel Comics partnership was also renewed, with former and new trucks being created. A revived Spider-Man would be the first of these trucks to be revealed. The others were a new designs for Thor and Iron Man, as well as a new truck would be Black Panther.

In July, Blue Thunder runs its final season on the International tour.

In October, Elvis Lainez would be let go after a failed bicycle attempt in Hampton where he hit the wall. New drivers would debut late in the year:

Also late in the year, some arena shows that didn't have a donut contest would have a sky wheelie contest instead, where the drivers got one hit, as well as getting one attempt in the skills challenge.

In Spokane, a relay race competition debuts, which was currently the only time is was used so far.

In November, The Superstar Challenge debuts in November in Anaheim, California.

2024[]

Monster Jam debuts a new truck called JCB DIGatron, driven by Tristan England, leaving Earth Shaker.

Monster Mutt Rottweiler makes its return for the first quarter season, and driven by Berto Treviño on Team Throttle Monster's Kamikaze chassis.

Brianna Mahon returns to Scooby Doo! after Whiplash was retired in 2022.

Linsey Read temporarily drove Lucas Stabilizer on the east stadium tour as Cynthia Gauthier was on maternity leave.

Tom Meents runs his final competitive season before becoming the full-time instructor at Monster Jam University, as well as the stunt coordinator. However, Meents was injured after a hard landing in Indianapolis, ending his season prematurely.

In March, On the international tour, the ''Monstergon'' made its debut in Manchester, England, it's a 6 sided metal ramp with a miniflip that will be used in arenas were dirt can't be used. That same month, Monster Jam would start live streaming events starting in Birmingham, Alabama.

In San Jose, Costa Rica, Blake Granger in Max-D would record the highest winning skills score ever, which was a 9.998, beating the previous high score held by Randy Brown, where he scored a 9.986 in freestyle on Saturday night in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 2018.

At World Finals XXIII, Sparkle Smash, driven by Kayla Blood, debuts for a stunt at the World Finals along with Fortnite, which was driven by Charlie Pauken. The racing competition previously known as the Double Down Showdown, returns under the new name of Last Chance Qualifying. Afterwards, Linsey Read announced her retirement. Soldier Fortune & Bakugan Dragonoid also retired following the World Finals.

In June, Sparkle Smash makes its competition debut in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

In the summer, the Fire & Ice Grave Digger does displays at Walmart on Pablo Huffaker's Grave Digger 28.

In August, a new video game is released, Monster Jam Showdown.

In October, Max-D runs its final event in Melbourne, Australia and is retired.

In November, rookie drivers make their debut in Nampa, Idaho. Abe Galvan drove El Toro Loco & Khalil' La'Marr drove Megalodon.

2025[]

The World Finals will be in Salt Lake City on the 4th of July weekend.

Sparkle Smash enters its first full year of competition as Jamie Sullivan debuts a second Sparkle Smash & competes on the Central arena tour.

Kevin Crocker returns to driving to replace Cory Rummell in Megalodon since Cory left to focus on his welding business and travel the world.

Camden Murphy debuts the new Classroom Crusher on the east stadium tour. It is the first school bus themed truck that FELD has created.

Chris Koehler debuts the new Mayhem truck on his Brutus chassis on the east stadium tour.

Bryce Kenny returns to driving Monster Mutt & competes on the west stadium tour.

The skills challenge does not have a sponsor since the Great Clips sponsorship expired late in 2024.

Jester celebrates its 10th anniversary.

Alex Bardin leaves Monster Trucks Unlimited & will drive Earth Shaker on the west arena tour.

Armando Castro, Dalton Widner & Zack Garner make their stadium tour debut.

John Gordon, Ryan Disharoon, Chad Tingler & Monster Trucks Unlimited don't run the first quarter for the first time.

This will be Michael Pagliarulo's first full Monster Jam season in the first quarter. This will also be Excaliber's first time on a points tour & first time doing a first quarter Monster Jam season since 2012.

The FELD owned trucks get matching LED lights on the chassis along with a Monster Jam logo on the wheelie bar.

El Toro Loco gets a updated design with more vibrant flames, a rounded front end & dovetail backend.

In March, the sky wheelie & donut competitions would be discontinued, likely giving crew members more time to work on trucks.

Series champions[]

Thunder Nationals[]

Monster Wars[]

Motor Madness Points Series[]

Young Guns Shootout/Double Down Showdown[]

Fox Sports 1 Series[]

More Monster Jam[]

Amsoil Series (2016)[]

Triple Threat Series (2017-2020)[]

  • 2017 (West): Cole Venard (Grave Digger 31)
  • 2017 (East): Tyler Menninga (Grave Digger 23)
  • 2017 (Central): Justin Sipes (Megalodon)
  • 2018 (West): Tristan England (Earth Shaker)
  • 2018 (East): Justin Sipes (Megalodon)
  • 2018 (Central): Tyler Menninga (Grave Digger 32)
  • 2019 (West): Tyler Menninga (Grave Digger 36)
  • 2019 (East): Tristan England (Earth Shaker)
  • 2019 (Central): Brandon Vinson (Grave Digger 31)
  • 2020 (West): Brandon Vinson (Grave Digger 40)
  • 2020 (East): Tyler Menninga (Grave Digger 36)
  • 2020 (Central): Colton Eichelberger (Max-D)

Stadium Championship Series[]

Arena Championship Series[]

Monster Jam All-Star Challenge[]

  • 2019 - Ryan Anderson (Son-uva Digger)

Awards[]

Since 2001, an awards ceremony would take place either before or after the Monster Jam World Finals to appreciate the best performances, drivers, etc. from the past season.

Rising Star[]

Rookie[]

Sportsman[]

Mechanic / Technician[]

  • 2008 - Eric Schweikard (Donkey Kong)
  • 2010 - Tommy Powers (Stone Crusher and Mopar Magic (Sims))
  • 2011 - Jon Zimmer (Ams Oil Shock Therapy) / Mark Hanson (Advance Auto Parts Grinder)
  • 2012 - Coty Saucier (Monster Energy) / Aaron Basl (Racesource Racing)
  • 2013 - Cole Venard (Grave Digger the Legend)
  • 2014 - Mark Cole (Max-D) / Jimmy Tracey (Vaters Motorsports)
  • 2015 - Chris Fryman / Cameron Migues
  • 2016 - Steven Thompson (Hurricane Force)
  • 2017 - Buddy Young (Stinger)
  • 2018 - Tim Mente (Natural Disaster Racing) / Dennis Fultz (Fox Sports 1 Cleatus)
  • 2019 - Josh Dyche (Max-D) / Cory Rummell (Megalodon Fire)
  • 2021 - Andrew Blessing (Over Bored/Black Pearl)/Ryan Riddell (Bakugan Dragonoid/Son-uva-Digger)
  • 2022 - Jon Zimmer Sr. (Terminal Velocity) / Ken Stehling (Grave Digger 41)
  • 2023 - Matt Delsanter (Great Clips Mohawk Warrior) / Mitch Tulachka (Megalodon)
  • 2024 - Natalie Hill, Charlie Pauken lll & Bryce Langlois

Mechanic Moment[]

  • 2007 - Lori Evans (Destroyer)

Team[]

Improved Team[]

Humanitarian[]

Most Improved Driver[]

Outreach[]

  • 2018 - Camden Murphy (Pirate's Curse)
  • 2019 - Tanner Root (Monster Mutt)
  • 2021 - Bryce Kenny (Great Clips Mohawk Warrior)
  • 2024 - Cole Venard (The Black Pearl)

Fan Appreciation[]

Fan-Tastic[]

Sky High[]

  • 2011 - Neil Elliott (Maximum Destruction)

Leadership[]

Special Recognition for Innovations in the Sport[]

  • 2003 - Patrick Enterprises (Dan Patrick) / Racesource Team (Tina & Pablo Huffaker) / 2Xtreme Racing (Jimmy & Dawn Creten) / Deist Safety

Special Recognition Award[]

  • 2003 - Special T Tracks / Pro Tracks / Dirt Wurx

Extreme Air[]

  • 2003 - Scott Hartsock (Gunslinger)
  • 2005 - Tom Meents (Maximum Destruction)
  • 2007 - Tom Meents (Maximum Destruction)
  • 2008 - Dennis Anderson (Grave Digger)
  • 2009 - Frank Krmel (Donkey Kong)
  • 2010 - Jon Zimmer (Amsoil Shock Therapy)
  • 2011 - Adam Anderson (Grave Digger the Legend)
  • 2012 - Jim Koehler (Avenger)
  • 2013 - Jim Koehler (Avenger)
  • 2014 - Jim Koehler (Avenger)
  • 2015 - Jim Koehler (Avenger)
  • 2016 - Jim Koehler (Avenger)
  • 2017 - Jim Koehler (Avenger)
  • 2018 - Rosalee Ramer (Wild Flower)
  • 2019 - Cory Rummell (Rage)
  • 2021 - Tom Meents (Max-D)
  • 2022 - Jim Koehler (Avenger)
  • 2023 - Kayla Blood (Soldier Fortune)
  • 2024 - Bryce Kenny (Great Clips Mohawk Warrior)

Crash Madness[]

  • 2001 - Eldon DePew (Bulldozer)
  • 2003 - Dennis Anderson (Grave Digger)
  • 2005 - Chris Bergeron (Brutus)/Scott Hartsock (Gunslinger)/Allen Pezo (Predator)
  • 2006 - Jim Koehler (Avenger)
  • 2007 - Chad Tingler (Grave Digger)
  • 2008 - Neil Elliott (Maximum Destruction)
  • 2009 - Charlie Pauken (An Escalade)
  • 2010 - Tom Meents (Maximum Destruction)
  • 2011 - Tom Meents (Maximum Destruction)
  • 2012 - Dennis Anderson (Grave Digger) / Tom Meents (Maximum Destruction)
  • 2013 - Nicole Johnson (Scooby-Doo)
  • 2014 - Linsey Weenk (Lucas Oil Crusader)
  • 2015 - Chad Fortune (Soldier Fortune)
  • 2017 - Dave Radzierez (Xtreme Diesel)
  • 2018 - Randy Brown (Grave Digger)
  • 2019 - Charlie Pauken (Grave Digger)
  • 2021 - Todd Leduc (Monster Energy)/Ryan Anderson (Bakugan Dragonoid)
  • 2022 - Kraig Champion (El Toro Loco)
  • 2023 - Nick Pagliarulo (Kraken)
  • 2024 - Colt Stephens (ThunderROARus)

Wreck[]

Upset[]

  • 2002 - Carl Van Horn (Spider-Man) defeating Tom Meents (Team Meents) (racing in Tampa, Florida)
  • 2006 - Adam Anderson winning freestyle (Detroit)

Save[]

  • 2002 - Charlie Pauken (Firemouth)
  • 2003 - Dennis Anderson (Grave Digger)
  • 2005 - Phil Foster (Maximum Destruction)/Pablo Huffaker (Grave Digger)
  • 2006 - Charlie Pauken (Monster Mutt)
  • 2007 - Tom Meents (Maximum Destruction)
  • 2008 - Don Frankish (Jurassic Attack)
  • 2009 - Steve Koehler (Wrecking Crew)/Andy Slifko (Eradicator)
  • 2010 - Adam Anderson (Taz)
  • 2011 - Lupe Soza (Advance Auto Parts Grinder)
  • 2012 - Chuck Werner (El Toro Loco)
  • 2013 - Tom Meents (Maximum Destruction) / David Smith (King Krunch)
  • 2014 - Ryan Anderson (Son-uva Digger) / Cam McQueen (Northern Nightmare) / Tom Meents (Max-D)
  • 2015 - Arena: Jon Zimmer (Grave Digger) / Stadium: Tom Meents (Max-D)
  • 2016 - Cam McQueen (Northern Nightmare)
  • 2017 - Kelvin Ramer (Time Flys)
  • 2018 - Arena: Justin Sipes (Megalodon) / Stadium: Morgan Kane (Grave Digger)
  • 2019 - Bryce Kenny (Great Clips Mohawk Warrior)
  • 2021 - Krysten Anderson (Grave Digger)
  • 2022 - Todd LeDuc (Blue Thunder)
  • 2023 - Cynthia Gauthier (Lucas Stabilizer)
  • 2024 - Tom Meents (Max-D)

Wheelie[]

Freestyle[]

  • 2003 - Tom Meents (Maximum Destruction)
  • 2005 - Tom Meents (Maximum Destruction)

Donut[]

  • 2007 - Jim Koehler (Avenger)
  • 2008 - Jim Bendzick (Rolling Thunder)/Ed Eckert (Fullboar)
  • 2009 - Tom Meents (Maximum Destruction)
  • 2010 - Chris Bergeron (Brutus)
  • 2011 - Marc McDonald (El Toro Loco)
  • 2012 - Marc McDonald (El Toro Loco)
  • 2013 - John Seasock (Grinder)
  • 2014 - Pablo Huffaker (Grave Digger)
  • 2015 - Lee O'Donnell (The Rod Ryan Show)
  • 2016 - Arena: Cynthia Gauthier (Monster Mutt Dalmatian) / Stadium: Tom Meents (Max-D)
  • 2017 - Tom Meents (Max-D)
  • 2018 - Tom Meents (Max-D)
  • 2019 - Arena: Kayla Blood (Soldier Fortune) / Stadium: Diesel Dave (BroDozer)
  • 2021 - Bari Musawwir (Zombie)
  • 2022 - Kayla Blood (Soldier Fortune)
  • 2023 - Bari Musawwir (Zombie)
  • 2024 - Adam Anderson (Grave Digger)

Wow Factor[]

  • 2008 - Tom Meents (Maximum Destruction)
  • 2009 - Tom Meents (Maximum Destruction)
  • 2010 - Cam McQueen (Nitro Circus)
  • 2011 - Scott Buetow (Iron Man)
  • 2012 - Lupe Soza (Advance Auto Parts Grinder)
  • 2013 - Linsey Weenk (Lucas Oil Crusader) / Damon Bradshaw (Monster Energy)
  • 2014 - Neil Elliott (Max-D)
  • 2015 - Adam Anderson (Grave Digger the Legend) / Neil Elliott (Max-D)
  • 2016 - Ryan Anderson (Son-uva Digger)
  • 2017 - Chuck Werner (El Toro Loco)
  • 2018 - Ryan Anderson (Son-uva Digger)
  • 2019 - John Gordon (Bad Company)
  • 2021 - Ryan Anderson (Bakugan Dragonoid)
  • 2022 - Bari Musawwir (Zombie)
  • 2023 - Ryan Anderson (Son-uva-Digger)
  • 2024 - Camden Murphy (Bakugan Dragonoid)

Arena Wheelie[]

Arena Two-Wheel Skill[]

  • 2018 - Cam McQueen (Northern Nightmare)
  • 2019 - Tristan England (Earth Shaker)
  • 2021- Tyler Menninga (Grave Digger)
  • 2022 - Dave Olfert (Jurassic Attack)
  • 2023 - Tristan England (Earth Shaker)
  • 2024 - Weston Anderson (Grave Digger)

Arena Freestyle[]

  • 2007 - Chad Tingler (Grave Digger)
  • 2009 - Charlie Pauken (Grave Digger)
  • 2010 - Charlie Pauken (Grave Digger)
  • 2011 - Adam Anderson (Grave Digger the Legend)
  • 2012 - Dennis Anderson (Grave Digger)
  • 2013 - Greg Winchenbach (Crushstation)
  • 2014 - Morgan Kane (Max-D)
  • 2015 - Charlie Pauken (Grave Digger)
  • 2016 - Bari Musawwir (Zombie)
  • 2017 - Alex Blackwell (Megalodon)
  • 2018 - Tyler Menninga (Grave Digger)
  • 2019 - Tony Ochs (Soldier Fortune Black Ops)
  • 2021- Brandon Vinson (Grave Digger)
  • 2022 - Elvis Lainez (El Toro Loco)
  • 2023 - Weston Anderson (Grave Digger)
  • 2024 - Zack Garner (Wild Side)

Stadium Wheelie[]

Stadium Two-Wheel Skill[]

  • 2018 - Lee O'Donnell (VP Racing Fuels' Mad Scientist)
  • 2019 - Ryan Anderson (Son-uva Digger)
  • 2021- Tristan England (Megalodon)
  • 2022 - Ryan Anderson (Son-uva Digger)
  • 2023 - Tom Meents (Max-D XX)
  • 2024 - Tyler Menninga (Grave Digger 39)

Stadium Freestyle[]

  • 2006 - Tom Meents (Maximum Destruction)
  • 2007 - Adam Anderson (Grave Digger)
  • 2008 - Dennis Anderson (Grave Digger)
  • 2009 - Dennis Anderson (Grave Digger)
  • 2010 - Jim Koehler (Avenger)
  • 2011 - Charlie Pauken (Grave Digger)
  • 2012 - Neil Elliott (Maximum Destruction)
  • 2013 - Charlie Pauken (Grave Digger)
  • 2014 - Ryan Anderson (Son-uva Digger)
  • 2015 - Ryan Anderson (Son-uva Digger)
  • 2016 - Neil Elliott (Max-D)
  • 2017 - Todd LeDuc (Monster Energy)
  • 2018 - Ryan Anderson (Son-uva Digger)
  • 2019 - Ryan Anderson (Son-uva Digger)
  • 2021- Jim Koehler (Avenger)
  • 2022 - Cole Venard (The Black Pearl)
  • 2023 - Camden Murphy (Bakugan Dragonoid)
  • 2024 - Jim Koehler (Avenger)

Arena Racer Of The Year[]

  • 2023 - Coty Saucier (Dragon)
  • 2024 - Dalton Widner (Jurassic Attack)

Stadium Racer Of The Year[]

  • 2023 - Tyler Menninga (Grave Digger)
  • 2024 - Ryan Anderson (Son uva Digger)

Racing champions[]

Freestyle champions[]

Skills champions[]

  • 2019 - Tom Meents (Max-D Fire)
  • 2022 - Tom Meents (Max-D)
  • 2023 - Tyler Menninga (Grave Digger 39)
  • 2024 - Armando Castro (El Toro Loco)

High jump[]

  • 2019 - Cynthia Gauthier (Monster Mutt Dalmatian Ice)
  • 2022 - Ryan Anderson (Son-uva-Digger: Powered by Hoonigan)
  • 2023 - Ryan Anderson (Son-uva-Digger)
  • 2024 - Colt Stephens (ThunderROARus)

Speedster racing & Obstacle course champions[]

ATV champions[]

Sponsors[]

Current sponsors[]

  • BKT (2014 - present)
  • JCB (late 2023 - present)
  • Morgan & Morgan (late 2022 - present)
  • Shift 4
  • Spin Master (late 2018 - present)
  • NGK Spark Plugs
  • VP Racing Fuels
  • Lucas Oil Products (2011-2020; 2022 - present)
  • Magnaflow
  • Optima Batteries
  • CRD
  • Coan
  • ARP
  • Powermaster
  • University of Northwestern Ohio
  • Roxor Offroad (2020 - present)
  • NBCUniversal
  • The Original Super Glue (2019 - present)
  • Marvel Comics (2001 - 2003, 2010 - 2014, 2023 - present)
  • Ford (2001 - 2011, 2023 - present)
  • Losi
  • P&G
  • Circle K
  • Texas Roadhouse
  • Auto Meter
  • Derale
  • Dossier
  • Energy Release
  • Energy Suspension
  • FelPro
  • FK Rod Ends
  • Holley
  • Jaz Products
  • K&N
  • King Bearings
  • Lincoln Electric
  • Mechanix Wear
  • MSD
  • Renegade Race Fuel
  • Safety Kleen
  • Simpson
  • Tech Line Coatings
  • Total Seal
  • World Products
  • Northern Tool + Equipment (late 2024-present)
  • Zenni Optical (2025-present)

Former sponsors[]

  • Cadillac (January 8, 2005 - March 27, 2010)
  • Advance Auto Parts (March 20, 2004 - December 7, 2013)
  • Hot Wheels (April 5, 2000 - January 12, 2019)
  • U.S. Air Force (2003 - July 31, 2011)
  • Metro PCS (2014 - 2018)
  • Jack in the Box
  • DC Comics (2005 - 2014) (March 23, 2017 - 2019)
  • Wrenchead.com (2000 - 2001)
  • WCW (November 6, 1999 - March 26, 2001)
  • Safe Auto (January 15, 2005 - March 28, 2009)
  • FOX (2003 - March 24, 2018)
  • Nintendo of America (December 7, 2007 - May 30, 2010)
  • The Walt Disney Corporation (Europe only; June 9, 2007 - September 29, 2013)
  • Del Taco (2005 - May 21, 2006)
  • 4Kids Entertainment (April 5, 2000 - March 27, 2010)
  • ViacomCBS (May 24, 2008 - March 22, 2012)
  • Warner Bros. Media (July 11, 2005 - November 21, 2010) (January 14, 2013 - December 4, 2022)
  • Monster Energy (January 6, 2012 - November 11, 2021)
  • America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses (2017-2019)
  • Great Clips (late 2016 - Sept. 2024)

Controversies[]

With becoming the most well-known monster truck series to date, Monster Jam has become the most scrutinized as well, and is the target of much controversy in the monster truck industry.

Bigfoot's departure from Monster Jam[]

Aside from the Ford 100th Anniversary event in 2003, Bigfoot has not competed in a USHRA-sanctioned event since the summer of 1998. This is due to a falling-out between Bigfoot and Pace-SFX Motorsports/Monster Jam that took place over the course of multiple years in the mid-late 90's. The main reasons for the falling out were disputes over pay for appearances at USHRA events, Bigfoot wanting to film their own trucks at USHRA events and have full ownership over the footage, and Monster Jam's attempt to buy the team in the same way they would buy Grave Digger later in 1998. By the spring of 1998, all of these issues led to months of debating and negotiating as to what Bigfoot's future with Monster Jam would look like, but no agreements were met and both parties parted ways for good by the end of the summer. Despite the lack of a professional relationship, this does not necessarily mean that there is animosity between all those involved with both parties. Monster Jam-owned trucks have made pit stops at the Bigfoot compound for repairs and maintenance, and shots of Bigfoot have occasionally made their way onto Monster Jam programming or at live events. That being said, both sides go out of their way to not include each other's trucks in their videos/broadcasts as much as possible for the purposes of not paying royalties. In hindsight, Bob Chandler has stated that he most likely would not have left if he had to make the decision over again, and Bigfoot has since made multiple attempts to reconnect professionally with Monster Jam, albeit without much interest from Monster Jam themselves.

Monster jam 2018

Modern Monster Jam arena tracks. Note the lack of crush cars and how the track is almost completely made out of dirt.

Lack of crush cars[]

Monster Jam has received general criticism for the lack of crush cars and vehicles on their recent stadium and arena tracks. The act of crushing cars is often synonymous with monster trucks, so more casual or traditionalist fans tend to take umbrage with the decision to lessen their presence on tracks. In early 2019, Monster Jam declared that the usage of free-standing crush cars was going to be discontinued due issues regarding spectator safety (newer cars generate more debris). However, static crush cars that are embedded inside obstacles still remain on all of Monster Jam's current stadium and large-venue tracks.

Removal of gun references/themes[]

Slinger17 01-0

FELD's censorship of Gunslinger, transforming it into Slinger, has been criticized by fans of the truck.

Monster Jam has also been criticized among portions of its fan base for removing all references to guns and firearms from several trucks on their circuit, including Gunslinger, changing it to Slinger, as well as altering Metal Mulisha and Soldier Fortune to remove the guns as well. The Young Guns Shootout was also changed to the Double Down Showdown. While no official reason was given, the censorship of said imagery/references is still active indefinitely.

Judging[]

Most would say that Monster Jam's main attraction is the freestyle competition, taking place at the end of every event. However, this competition has almost never been judged professionally, and with the subjective nature of scoring a truck's performance, this has led to many controversial scoring decisions and debate over what the best method for scoring a freestyle competition really is. As a result, Monster Jam would introduce JudgesZone.com in 2017, being their main scoring method for their events. Rather than a select few judges, anybody with a cellphone can visit the website and submit their own scores when prompted. An inherent issue with letting the audience score a competition is the uncertainty in voter turnout, as well as biases toward more popular trucks, like Grave Digger, which is difficult to resolve.

Spectator injuries/death[]

Throughout the history of USHRA/Monster Jam events, there have been rare incidents where something has been unintentionally flung from the track into the stands and struck a spectator, whether it be a clod of dirt or a piece of shrapnel from a truck or crush car. Most of these incidents are anecdotal and haven't been discussed publicly, and none have been fatal or caused serious injury, save for one. In January of 2009 in Tacoma, Washington, a piece of the Natural High monster truck would fly into the stands during its freestyle performance and strike a small child in the head, killing him and injuring one of his parents. This incident would give Monster Jam and the sport in general a massive amount of negative publicity and lead to a major change in Monster Jam's safety policies, which would increase more and more as the years went on. Save for fiberglass damage, almost all visible forms of damage to a Monster Jam truck will mark the end of its performance.

Removal of zoomies[]

In mid-2018, FELD announced the removal of zoomies in Monster Jam.

Logos[]

2016-present[]

Late 2009-2015[]

1997-late 2009[]

Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted.
Advertisement