Monster jam in Kiwi debut

US-based Feld Motor Sports is bringing its truck juggernaut Monster Jam to New Zealand for the first time with four-metre-high trucks racing while ripping up obstacles. The line-up on November 1 and 2 at the QBE Stadium on Auckland’s North Shore includes 10 vehicles led by four-time world finals Champion Grave Digger and 11-time champ Max-D. The first “monster trucks” emerged as sideshows at tractor-pulling events in the US. In the beginning, they drove slowly over old cars. The development of Monster Jam motors and suspensions mirrored the improving abilities of drivers. As demand for racing grew, the first event was born and the racing machines have evolved. Steel bodies have been replaced by fibreglass and the old 7,500kg trucks now come in at about 4,500kg. An important technological advancement was the oversized, nitrogen-filled shock absorbers. Early trucks were equipped with steel leaf springs and small shocks. The new suspension system allowed them to jump high over obstacles at faster speeds. The trucks also have twin steering systems and 1,500kW engines powered by high-octane alcohol fuel.