4/30/09

- General Tire to Sponsor 2009 Monster Truck Thunder Drags!!

- Monster Spectacular Tour Update!!

4/27/09

- Doug Noelke, Jocelyn Perrin Clinch 2009 Monster Nationals Championships!!

- Obsession Racing
Press Release!!

4/26/09

- Creten, Sturges Complete Weekend Sweep @ Firebird!!

4/25/09

- Creten, Sturges Winners Night One In Firebird!!

4/22/09

- NAPA Monster Truck Nationals & Lakefest This Weekend!!

- Monster Truck Racing Super Series Returns to Fort Smith, AR!!

4/20/09

- Monster Spectacular Opens 2009 In Montreal!!

- Wichita, KS Monster Truck Spring Nationals Recap!!

4/17/09

- Checkered Flag Opens New Arena In Wichita This Weekend!!

4/16/09

- 2009 Monster Spectacular Tour

Kicks Off In Montreal This Weekend!!

- Slingshot Debuts
New Paint Scheme!!

4/09/09

- TMB TV Episode 2.5 Pocatello, ID Monster Truck Grand Nationals!!

- CBS Sports to Showcase Monster Jam April 12th @ Noon EST!!

4/05/09

- Larry Swim Sweeps Pocatello, Wins Championship!!

4/04/09

- Saturday Updates From Pocatello!!

4/03/09

- Friday Updates From Pocatello!!

4/02/09

- CFP Championship Decided This Weekend In Pocatello!!

Be Sure To Visit

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General Tire to Sponsor 2009 Monster Truck Thunder Drags!!:  (Indianapolis, IN) General Tire has agreed to sponsor the Monster Truck Thunder Drags coming to six 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals venues across America in 2009 as well as the Truck & Jeep Fest in Canfield, Ohio. The General Tire Monster Truck Thunder Drags features straight-line side-by-side drag racing and axle-wrenching "freestyle" competition among the top touring monster trucks. These shows are included in the admission price of full weekends devoted to lovers of the 4-Wheel Drive lifestyle. General Tire becomes an official sponsor of these weekend spectaculars, creating great value for families with all-day, low-priced entertainment.

     "General Tire is proud to be an official sponsor of the 4 Wheel Jamboree Nationals Series and the General Tire Monster Truck Thunder Drags Competition. These events draw fans that are serious about their trucks and are the perfect venue to showcase the General Tire Grabber line of light truck and SUV tires," said Travis Roffler, General Tire's director of marketing. "The new General Grabber HTS tire was built on the same technology that goes into the Grabber off-road competition tires. These tires were specifically engineered to provide an ideal blend of comfort, durability, and performance for the light truck market and we are excited to reinforce General Tire's commitment to light truck and SUV enthusiasts, on-road or off, through this partnership."
     Mike Moore, president of Family Events, producers of the 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals Series and General Tire Monster Truck Thunder Drags, said: "General Tire's sponsorship of the 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals Series and title sponsorship of the Monster Truck Thunder Drags is a fantastic development and a significant step-forward for our events. We are honored to join in this new partnership with a brand that is popular with and respected by the thousands of truck enthusiasts we'll be hosting. General Tire's partnership with us will allow us to continue to bring America's top monster trucks to our shows for an admission price that leaves our enthusiasts left with enough money to shop and invest in tire and accessory upgrades for their vehicles. Sponsorships are vital to our events and we are thrilled to welcome General Tire."
     For more information on the 2009 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals and Monster Truck Thunder Drags, check out www.FamilyEvents.com!! (04/30/09)

Monster Spectacular Tour Update: Party Like a Rock Star!!:  (By Doug De Nance) Overwhelmed by the deafening screams of Monster Spectacular fans, the battered monster truck lurched to a stop on a shattered car stack. Bill Payne, the 26-year-old rock star driver of Rockstar, leaned out the driver side window with his index finger raised. One more he signaled, just one more hit. The clock had just run out on his Saturday night freestyle run. And he was begging for one more – one more hit just for the fans.
     The fans had been extraordinarily entertained by this point over both Friday and Saturday nights in Red Deer. The town in central Alberta, Canada had been set ablaze by the incredible line up of motorsports entertainment presented by Chris Arel, the brilliant mind behind Monster Spectacular. Friday’s show dominating the front page of the newspaper. That meant that Saturday night had to at least as amazing. Bill Payne knew this as he begged for one more hit for Rockstar.
     Payne had dominated the Monster Truck Wheelie Contests in both shows. Friday night saw Rockstar tilt backwards beyond vertical on his very first wheelie hit, barely balancing on the truck’s massive wheelie bar. Just before the truck ended up in a “timber” crash to the floor, Payne simply did what he does best and stomped the throttle through the floorboards. Somehow the back tire bit the crush cars and Payne had straightened out Rockstar into a 12 o’clock tail walk across the car stack. He won the Wheelie Contest cheer off in dominant fashion.
     Racing was a slightly different situation. Payne beat his teammate Terri Olson in Miss Behavin', by flying higher and faster than the pretty girl from St; Joseph, Missouri. But breaking a sway bar in the semi-final, Rockstar looked like it was in a freestyle run rather than a straight ahead drag race as Payne crossed the finish line on two wheels in spectacular fashion, but as the loser. He lost to a familiar truck in Canada, but to an unfamiliar driver.
Don Frankish, the groomer of some of the biggest names in monster trucks today, including Linsey Weenk and Kristy Edge, was at it again. Frankish had blown up the engine of Maniac the weekend before in Reno, so he had all his attention on his latest protégé. The latest young gun benefiting from Don’s decades of experience was Gary Schott, Jr., a 22-year-old sparkplug from San Diego. Here he was in his first big show in Canada and for the first time in serious competition driving Jurassic Attack. With Don’s guidance, he went all the way to the racing final on Friday night. As Schott said later, he need about another 2 feet added on to Jurassic’s front horn to have been able to beat one of the best drag racers in the game – Darren Migues in Bounty Hunter.
     Perhaps Payne insistence for one more freestyle hit was because he was still smarting from the racing losses he suffered both nights, but Payne’s’ pain set up a Monster Truck Racing dream matchup on Saturday night. Joe Miller, the 27-year-old Airborne Ranger, fresh off a tour of the Middle East, was sharp as the snipers he trains inside Iron Outlaw. He leveled his steady deadly gaze across the starting line, locked like a laser sight on his team mate in Bounty Hunter. Both trucks were virtually identical, the two Ford Expeditions rated at close to 1800 horsepower. With the trucks at even advantage, this would be a battle of driver skill. Migues experience looked to put the odds on his side. But Miller had the adrenaline pounded through his 18 inch biceps and his trigger finger instantly transferred to his right foot as the flag dropped. Crossing the finish line first, Miller had beaten his teammate for the first time in 2009. Migues was gracious in his congratulations of Miller, saying what counted most was not winning, but entertaining the fans.
     A few minutes later, a man who very purpose on earth is to entertain monster truck fans was stopped amidst the screams, begging for one more freestyle hit. Payne had already provided plenty of the destruction he is known for during Saturday’s Wheelie Contest. Risking it all by going beyond vertical again, this time like giant pine under a logger’s saw, Rockstar slowly collapsed upside down on the concrete floor. Payne promised the fans the shattered Rockstar roof would be gone by the end of the night. He still had to deliver that promise as he begged for his final freestyle hit.
     His wish granted, Payne eased the 11,000 pound Rockstar gently over the stack. But he didn’t turn an inch. Lining up the back end of the monster truck, Payne floored the throttle and blasted into a massive “reverser” sky wheelie, launching Rockstar into an arc two stories in the air… backwards! Clearing the stack and crashing down on the back wheelie bar, the truck flipped over and slid across the floor upside down, the engine roaring and belching flame as Rockstar’s roof disintegrated.
     At any other monster truck show, the sacrifice of Rockstar would have easily been enough for fans to have received more than their money’s worth. But Monster Spectacular has always over delivered - and this two night stand in Red Deer was no different. The Canadian Chaos team had three of the top sport bike freestylers in the country performing impossible street bike stunts on the slick concrete. And fans thrilled to the sight of four top freestyle motorcrossers flying high in an elimination competition. California rider Dustin Nowak hit multiple back flip variations, culminating each night in a no hander that sparked the crowd into a standing ovation.
     Standing ovations are different than standing room only. Don’t wait and risk that. Check the show schedule right here, right now to be sure you have your tickets for the Monster Spectacular show that comes to your area in 2009. After all, just like the radio and TV commercials say, “You can have the whole seat, but you’ll only need the edge”. (04/30/09)

Doug Noelke, Jocelyn Perrin Clinch 2009 Monster Nationals Championships!!:  The 2009 Monster Nationals indoor season is in the books and Doug Noelke & Tail Gator and Jocelyn Perrin & High Maintenance have successfully defended their respective racing and freestyle titles!!  Each driver absolutely dominated in their respective category this year, and Doug and Jocelyn were crowned champions once again this past weekend at the Monster Nationals event in Erie, PA. A big, heartful congratulations from all of us at TheMonsterBlog.com to our friends on their accomplishments. Thanks to Paul Harry for the great photos from Erie this weekend below, be watching for a full gallery coming soon!  (04/27/09)

Obsession Racing Press Release!!:  (Menifee, CA - By Jill Swanson)  In the last two weeks Obsession Racing has done one display and three racing events. The display we did was one of the most interesting and unique displays we have ever done. AmeriGas was having a Managers meeting for their all of their Southern California stores. They wanted to show off their new local office building by having the monster truck on display inside of their conference area. Not only were they impressed by seeing the truck fitting in the building, it was also a treat for them to see the new truck, OBSESSED on display. All of the managers were very excited to know early next year they will have their second sponsored Hot Wheels to use in their marketing and promotions.

     Last weekend we were in Fresno, California for three sold out Monster Jam events. It was a very tough field of trucks consisting of King Krunch, El Matador, Bounty Hunter, TMNT, and Grave Digger. Friday night Rick set second fastest qualifying time where he made it all the way to the Finals with an extremely close call with Grave Digger taking the win.

     On Saturday night Rick was there to backup Friday night’s winning streak. Rick set fastest qualifying time and marched right down the brackets all the way to the final round and won the show! On Sunday Rick was determined to repeat Saturday night but unfortunately in the semi final round against Bounty Hunter he blew a differential landing in no mans land in between the first and second set of cars that forced us to finish the show there. One of our highlights for the show was that Eric put on a cool freestyle going over the cars in his trophy cart and rode it on two wheels a couple of times which made the fans cheer!
     Our next event is in Roseburg, Oregon on the weekend of May 1st and 2nd. Our schedule has been updated on our web page with more dates to be added in the future as they become available. Check us out at www.ObsessionRacing.com!!  (04/27/09)

Creten, Sturges Complete Weekend Sweep @ Firebird!!:  The 11th Annual NAPA Auto Parts Monster Truck Nationals wrapped up Sunday at Firebird International Raceway and it was Jimmy Creten and Sam Sturges completing a clean sweep of the weekend's events. The event kicked off with the wheelie and high jump contests, which would see strong efforts from all the trucks and drivers. Sam Sturges pulled Unnamed & Untamed up into three great slap wheelies, riding the last one way down the drag strip to complete a sweep of the weekend wheelie contest.

     The high jump contest would once again see solid efforts from Dan Runte in Summit Bigfoot and Jim Koehler in Avenger, but there would be no touching Jimmy Creten in Bounty Hunter, as he caught some huge air on his way to sweeping the weekend's two high jump contests.

     Freestyle would once again see the drivers put on a show within the tight confines of the Firebird drag strip. Ronnie Sturges would wow the crowd twice in Nasty Boy and 1/2 Pint, while Dan Runte in Summit Bigfoot and Sam Sturges in Unnamed & Untamed both turned in strong efforts.

     Freestyle would come down to a Koehler vs. Creten battle, as both drivers put on a great performance for the fans. In the end though, there would be no matching the unofficial "King of Firebird" Jimmy Creten as he picked up the win to sweep freestyle for the weekend.

     A big thanks to Dwayne Harksell and the entire Firebird International Raceway staff for their hospitality this weekend, and to all the drivers and teams for their hard work in putting on a great show. Tons of coverage coming your way from Firebird, including a huge photo gallery from Ross and Lauren Bonar, and another episode of TMB TV with video work by Shane Skinner and Lynette Bonar. Stay tuned!!  (04/26/09)

Jimmy Creten, Sam Sturges Winners Night One In Firebird!!:  The first night of the 11th Annual NAPA Auto Parts Monster Truck Nationals at Firebird International Raceway proved to be a wild one with eight top trucks in an all-out battle on the drag strip!!  The evening would begin with four trucks competing in a wheelie contest while the other four would go head-to-head in a high-jump contest. Sam Sturges stood Unnamed & Untamed up on its tailgate twice, riding down the strip in a shower of sparks to take the wheeelie contest win.

     The high-jump contest would see huge air from Jim Koehler in Avenger and Dan Runte in Summit Bigfoot that would set the bar high for Jimmy Creten in Bounty Hunter. Creten cleared the bar and much more in an awesome leap that would nail down the victory.

     All eight trucks would be competing in freestyle, and Ronnie Sturges in 1/2 Pint set the bar extremely high with a great opening run. Ronnie blasted through the RV camper not once but twice, the second time going past vertical in a wheelie through the camper. Throw in a near rollover and some other nice hits, and Ronnie put forth a run that would be difficult to overcome.

    After contact with the wall ended Brutus and Chris Bergeron's run early, Sam Sturges roared to the track and laid down a great run in Unnamed & Untamed. Donuts, nice air, and wheelies would make for a strong effort, but not quite enough to defeat 1/2 Pint.

    After short runs from Nasty Boy, Rick Long in Bigfoot #15 and Jim Koehler in Avenger, Dan Runte rolled to the track in Summit Bigfoot, turning in a solid effort that would be good for third behind the Sturges team with only one truck left to go.

     For several years, Jimmy Creten has been nearly unbeatable at Firebird and he roared from the pits to defend this reputation. Huge air, crazy donuts, and a nice slap wheelie would make up a great run, but the question was, did he do enough to beat Ronnie Sturges in 1/2 Pint? The judges scores would come back and Creten just edged Sturges to take the big freestyle win.

     But to the surprise of the fans, the show wasn't quite over. The Sturges Motorsports team roared back to the track in tandem with Sam in Unnamed & Untamed and Ronnie in Nasty Boy. But the dual freestyle would be over before it really got started as trouble struck when Sam Sturges attempted to pull Unnamed up into a slap wheelie and the truck shot to the left, going up and over the wall and hitting the bordering k-rails.

     Sam was able to drive off and the truck would luckily suffer only minimal damage. Chris Bergeron in Brutus and Jimmy Creten followed with seperate encore freestyle runs to the delight of the fans to end the show. All in all, it was another great night at Firebird and we do it all again tomorrow at 2PM. Stay tuned for more coverage!  (04/26/09)

NAPA Monster Truck Nationals & Lakefest This Weekend @ Firebird!!:  (Chandler, AZ) Family fun, awesome power and blazing speed will all converge at the upcoming 11th Annual NAPA Auto Parts Monster Truck Nationals and Lakefest this weekend!!  This event is the truck enthusiasts' dream come true at Firebird International Raceway with everything trucks, including an all-star lineup of monster trucks including Jimmy Creten in Bounty Hunter, Dan Runte in Summit Bigfoot, Jim Koehler in Avenger, Sam Sturges in Unnamed & Untamed, as well as Bigfoot #15, Brutus, Nasty Boy and 1/2 Pint.

     In addition to the monster truck action, fans will see over 200 trucks in an amazing Show'N Shine competition, another 200 off-road vehicles tearing up the off-road course in Whiplash Off-Road Racing, Jet Dragsters topping out at over 225 MPH and the IHBA Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing season opener!
     It is all happening this Saturday and Sunday at Firebird International Raceway in Chandler, Arizona, located at I-10 and Wild Horse Pass. Gates open at 7AM Saturday and Sunday for IHBA Drag Boats and 11AM for all other areas.
     Tickets are $25 general admission at the gate or $35 with a Pit Pass to include IHBA Drag Boats. Reserved seats are also available for $35-$45. Kids 12 and under are free to general admission seating and pits with a paying adult. Hurry up and buy now to save $3 on advance ticket sales. Call the Firebird Raceway Ticket Office at 602-268-0200 or visit us online at www.FirebirdRaceway.com!!  (04/22/09)

Monster Truck Racing Super Series Returns to Fort Smith, AR!!:  (Battlefield, MO) The O’Reilly Monster Truck Racing Super Series storms into Harper Stadium in Fort Smith, AR for one wild, heartstopping weekend this Friday & Saturday, April 24th-25th at 7:30 PM both nights.
     Witness the top monster trucks in all out war, including Nitemare, Barbarian, Geter Done, Havoc and the Rislone Defender in head-to-head, no-holds-barred, side-by-side, wheel-to-wheel and Chicago-style racing competition. Plus see the monsters in the some of the wildest freestyle competition ever!  Additionally, kids of all ages can ride in the Sergeant Smash monster ride truck.

     You’ll see the Tuff Trux – Pro Stadium Trucks direct from TV as they fly over the obstacle course in all out motorized mayhem. Wild & crazy action you have to see to believe!! Also, see wild wheel to wheel Pro Quad Racing. See the spills and thrills of this wild racing action.
     Come to the Free Pit Party – Friday from 6-7 p.m. Meet the drivers, get their autographs and see these monster machines up close. (valid event ticket required)
     You’ve seen this motorized mayhem on TV…now experience it live. Let your senses experience the madness. Be a part of the wildest weekend of the year –welcomed by the Cumulus group of radio stations – Rock 100.7, Big Country & The Vibe. Your only chance this year to see monster trucks!!!
     Kid’s only 5 Bucks!!  Get your tickets early and save $5 per kids ticket. Regular price is $10. Don’t wait, get your tickets now!!  Tickets are just $18 for adults. All tickets higher at the gate. On sale now at all O’Reilly Auto Parts stores. On sale day of shows only at Kay Rodgers Park Box Office or charge 800-364-1080 or 479-783-2393. For more information on the O'Reilly Monster Truck Racing Super Series in Fort Smith, visit www.kayrodgerspark.com. (04/22/09)

Monster Spectacular Opens 2009 In Montreal!!:  (By Doug De Nance) You know spring time has officially sprung in Canada when Monster Spectacular takes place in Montreal in April. The sweet smell of methanol fumes float on the light breezes bringing the promise of Monster Spectacular summer to many parts of Canada. The subtle sound of the roars of 12 of the biggest, baddest monster trucks on the planet is sure to overwhelm the twittering of song birds and welcome the warm weather for Canadian motorsports fans.

     Monster Spectacular is known around the world and across Canada for bringing together the very best in motorsports entertainment at every show. The one-night-only show in Montreal on Saturday, April 18 was no exception. Over 50,000 fans gathered together to enjoy some of the best in the business. From the Pit Party – to monster truck freestyle in stereo - to the final all out destruction of a massive demolition derby, the fans were on the edge of their seats for over three hours. They must have expected as much since the commercials promised “You can have the whole seat… but you’ll only need the edge!!!” and Monster Spectacular delivered!!

     The two most exciting disciplines of monster truck competition were the main events of the evening at Monster Spectacular. Racing featured a massive “Chicago” style course designed by 20 year monster truck driving veteran Steve Hearely. Perhaps because he was not driving himself, Hearley really put the trucks through their paces – having them race around the outside of the demolition oval and twisting into two tight left hand turns on the tacky clay while leaping over a total of 5 car stacks. The flat track corners and sticky dirt did cause Chris Bergeron to turn Brutus over in the first turn. But the driver for the Avenger racing team “Team Scream”, lived up to the team name and hollered that destruction is what the fans were there to see. The racing final was a dream match up with Jimmy Creten’s Bounty Hunter defeating defending Monster Spectacular champion Mike Vaters and Black Stallion by less than one second.
     Prior to the show beginning, Vaters had been very aggressive in his comments about Black Stallion beating Bounty Hunter in the Pit Party interviews. The “wild child” had even crashed Creten’s on camera interview for the new Monster Spectacular DVD. After the racing win, Creten did his talking with Bounty Hunter, spinning into a massive “I told you so” donut. But during the intermission, Vaters rode on the back of a vehicle around the Olympic Stadium with red caution tape that read “Danger“ wrapped around his head like a bandanna – Vaters seemed to be sending a warning about what would happen when the trucks hit the floor for Monster Truck Freestyle.

     The fans were treated to superlative driving skills in Monster Truck Freestyle. Kristy Edge, the pretty 23-year-old originally from Abbotsford, BC, was driving her new ride Excalibur for the first time. She didn’t waste any time wowing the crowd with an incredible save. Dancing the 10,000 pound truck on its nose, she mashed the pedal to the metal and throttled out of what looked to be certain disaster. Steve Koehler skilfully saved Wrecking Crew after blasting through a cube van and tipping his truck up onto two wheels. Brutus performed a perfect Cyclone Donut, lifting the inside front wheel off the ground – this after tearing up his steering. Jon Zimmer wanted to make a statement after making it all the way to the semi-final in racing, and he didn’t let a flat tire stop him from trying to destroy Amsoil Shock Therapy.

     The final two trucks in Freestyle would see the re-match of the Monster Racing final. But fans had a chance to catch their breath as they waited until Montreal radio and TV star Badu took a tour around the track in his Fun Mobile motorhome. Very quickly it became clear what Badu had in mind. Badu was ready to sacrifice his ride for the fans, as he parked the motorhome in the centre of the track. Fans expected the next truck to take out the motorhome, but they were in for a surprise.

     Not one, but the last two trucks hit the floor simultaneously. Mike Vaters and Jimmy Creten had put aside their rivalry for what was far more important - the fans! Bounty Hunter and Black Stallion tore onto the track in unison. Flying over car stacks as they circled the outside of the track, Black Stallion shattered the BMX ramp that had featured riders during the Pit Party. Not to be outdone, Bounty Hunter took aim at Badu’s motorhome. Slamming into it, Creten became high centered and was unable to get his tires to bite. Vaters showed what an incredible entertainer he is by trying to tap the back bumper of Bounty Hunter to free Creten. When that didn’t work, Vaters backed up and smashed Black Stallion through the remainder of the motorhome. Creten tore loose and the two stars continued their Freestyle long after the 90 second clock expired.
     In a world full of hype and hyperbole, there is one brand that truly lives up to its name each and every time – the most “spectacular” show in motorsports entertainment…Monster Spectacular.
     Thanks to Doug De Nance for the great recap and www.FlagWorld.com with permission from Chris Arel Motorsports for the great photos. For more info on the 2009 Monster Spectacular Tour including more photos and video from the event, check out www.MonsterSpectacular.com!!  (04/20/09)

Wild Weekend of Monsters In Wichita!!:  The Checkered Flag Productions Monster Truck Spring Nationals added a new stop to the tour this past weekend, the brand new Hartman Arena in Wichita, Kansas. With three shows and an all-star lineup, it was sure to be a wild weekend and the fans didn't leave disappointed. Friday night would see Ben Winslow take the upset win in the wheelie contest to kick off the weekend's action.

     Racing would be fast and furious all weekend, with Mike Hawkins in Equalizer taking the wins in the Friday and Saturday afternoon events. Teammate Isaiah Morales in Hot Tamale took out Larry Swim in Equalizer for the Saturday night victory.

     Saturday night would feature something slightly different, as the trucks competed in a high jump contest. Isaiah Morales, Brandon Lagarde and Larry Swim all had great efforts, but Mike Hawkins aired out Equalizer to take the win.

     Freestyle would see great efforts from all the trucks in all three shows. Brandon Lagarde drove Cult Energy Activator to the Friday night win after a cheeroff with Equalizer, while Larry Swim picked up the Saturday afternoon victory in his first show driving Bigfoot #15 (the motor blew in Bigfoot Bad Boy Friday night and #15 was brought out as a replacement). Despite another great effort by Swim and an awesome from Devin Jones in Barbarian, it was "Mad" Mike Hawkins taking the final win of the weekend Saturday night.

     A big thanks to Ed Beckley and Zane Rettew for another great weekend on the Checkered Flag Productions tour, stay tuned for a highlight video from all three shows. Also, a big thanks to Tonee Boulware for the great photos from Saturday night's event!!  (04/20/09)

Checkered Flag Opens New Arena In Wichita, KS This Weekend!!:  The Monster Truck Spring Nationals will rock the brand new Hartman Arena in Wichita, KS this weekend with three shows and a stacked lineup!!  Headlining the event will be the newly crowned 2009 CFP Champ Larry Swim and the Bigfoot Bad Boy, but Mike Hawkins in Equalizer, Isaiah Morales in Hot Tamale, and Devin Jones in Barbarian along with Cult Energy Activator and Sudden Impact will be looking to take him down in Wichita. TheMonsterBlog.com will be on hand all weekend covering the action, so stay tuned for results and coverage. Head on over to the Checkered Flag Productions website for more information on the show, and we'll see you there!!  (04/17/09)

2009 Monster Spectacular Tour Kicks Off In Montreal This Weekend!!:  (Montreal, Quebec) Chris Arel Motorsports is gearing up for the biggest monster truck event ever presented in Canada this Saturday night at Olympic Stadium in Montreal!!  This event is also the largest monster truck competition in North East America. "Being the biggest Stadium in Canada with 55,000 seats, we have to give to these fans the best, and that is what we will do again this year," said Chris Arel.

     A new track design by HM tech will debut, including a high speed oval track with multiple sets of cars, very technical. 12 trucks will compete including:

- Black Stallion - Mike Vaters, who has accumulated the most victories in Montreal

- Bounty Hunter - Jimmy Creten suffered a roll over last fall

- Excaliber - Kristy Edge has just switched teams (formerly with Jurasssic Attack). Her 2nd time in Montreal.

- Amsoil Shock Therapy - John Zimmer, who received the Rising Star Award at the Monster Jam Banquet.

- Warrior - Bob Robbins, sponsored by the Mohawk nation

- Iron Warrior - Trey Myers, who definitely loves the Montreal nightlife!

- Brutus - Chris Bergeron, he did last year the highest monster truck jump ever done at the Olympic Stadium

- Avenger - Jim Koehler wants to clinch the racing part this year

- Iron Outlaw driven by Joe Miller

- Screamin Demon - Jay Snyder returns for the 2nd time at the Olympic Stadium

- Wrecking Crew & Spike make their first apperance in Montreal

     Other acts featured at the Monster Spectacular include car stunts featuring an 80 ft. jump with a pick up truck, double steel wall and a crash with a convertible; freestyle ATV with backflips; full contact oval car races (4 cyl. - Democross); American Thunder the jet jeep + the Jet Outhouse; The Jet Pack - Go Fast's flying rocket man; and Midget car racing (oval).
     For more information, check out www.MonsterSpectacular.com!!  (04/16/09)

Slingshot Debuts New Paint Scheme!!:  The Slingshot monster truck debuted a brand new look this past weekend during exhibitions at the International Styling & Tuning Show at Castle Donington's Raceway Park in the United Kingdom. A big thanks to Karl Swallow and the team for this great shot of the sharp new look, check out www.SlingshotMTRacing.co.uk for more information on the team!!  (04/16/09)

TMB TV Episode 2.5 - Pocatello, ID Monster Truck Grand Nationals!!:  The Monster Blog's TMB TV celebrates its one year anniversary as we return to Pocatello, Idaho for another episode featuring the Checkered Flag Productions Monster Truck Grand Nationals championship event!!  You've seen action from the CFP Winter Nationals series all first quarter on TMB TV, now watch as eight trucks go head-to-head in big stadium racing and freestyle with five drivers dueling for the season title!!  You'll see Bigfoot Bad Boy, Amsoil Shock Therapy, Equalizer, Rock Star, Hot Tamale and more when you click below to check out the fifth episode of 2009. Host Ross Bonar and video master Colby Marshall keep the new season rolling with our biggest episode of the year thus far, with additional footage by Rajeana Bonar. Don't wait any longer, click the link below to watch all the action as a championship is decided!!  (04/09/09)

WATCH TMB TV EPISODE 2.5 FROM THE CFP MONSTER TRUCK GRAND NATIONALS!!

(VIDEO GALLERY)

CBS Sports to Showcase Monster Jam® April 12th Noon EST!!:  (Aurora, IL)  For the third consecutive year, CBS Sports will broadcast a one-hour special on the 2009 Monster Jam® season, including, the 10th annual Monster Jam NGK Spark Plugs World Finals from Las Vegas’ Sam Boyd Stadium. The one-hour Monster Jam highlight show will air Sunday, April 12 at Noon EST. CBS Sports will once again feature the top racing and freestyle highlights of the 2009 Monster Jam tour as well as highlights, behind-the-scenes footage and exclusive interviews.

     At this year’s Monster Jam NGK Spark Plugs World Finals, Monster Jam legend Tom Meents drove Maximum Destruction® to an unprecedented eighth Monster Jam World Finals Championship in the racing competition, marking the fourth racing crown of his illustrious career. Meents then stole the show when he flipped the 10,000-pound Maximum Destruction, raising the bar among his competition as the first driver to complete this feat. Like he’s done so many times during his professional motocross/supercross career, Damon Bradshaw dominated the freestyle competition in the U.S. Air Force Afterburner® monster truck en route to the first World Finals Freestyle Championship of his career.
     “I have to thank my crew for all of their hard work to help me get back on top at the World Finals. The field here keeps getting stronger and stringer and I’m so excited to be back on top. The fans in Las Vegas have been incredible and this win is for the fans,” said Meents after claiming the win.
     The 2009 Monster Jam season is on pace to match last year’s attendance record of over 4 million fans attending Monster Jam events worldwide. The 2009 Monster Jam season was filled with milestones from across the country. San Antonio’s Alamodome was the largest-two-day Monster Jam show in history, attracting 101,542 fans. At Jacksonville Municipal Stadium 70,215 fans showed up for the annual Monster Jam show. The inaugural Monster Jam at Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium sold out with 55,808 fans. Houston’s Reliant Stadium sold out three Monster Jam performances, attracting 162,000+ fans. Anaheim’s Angel Stadium once again sold out both Monster Jam tour stops, attracting 90,000+ fans. For the second consecutive season Monster Jam at New Orleans’ Superdome pushed the 60,000 mark by attracting 60,362 fans.
     “Year after year the Monster Jam NGK Spark Plugs World Finals holds in store the best-of-the-best at the culminating event where two well-deserving champions are crowned in front of the sold-out Sam Boyd Stadium,” said Charlie Mancuso, president, Feld Motor Sports. “Fans can watch highlights of the 2009 Monster Jam season in addition to the top highlights from the World Finals on CBS Sports this Sunday.”
     The Monster Jam NGK Spark Plugs World Finals is one of Las Vegas’ top yearly destination events, attracting attendees from all 50 states, every Canadian Province and over 12 countries. It is one of the top 10 sponsored yearly events in Las Vegas by the Las Vegas Visitors and Convention Authority providing a multi-million dollar economic impact to the city. For more information on Monster Jam, check out www.MonsterJamOnline.com!!  (04/09/09)

Larry Swim & Bigfoot Bad Boy Sweeps Pocatello, Takes Championship!!:  The Monster Truck Grand Nationals is in the books, and Larry Swim has swept racing and freestyle to clinch the 2009 Monster Truck Winter Nationals Championship!!  Swim drove Bigfoot Bad Boy to the big racing win over Bill Payne in Rock Star, who had been the fast qualifier and the dominant truck all night long.  Swim took out Jon Zimmer in Amsoil Shock Therapy in the first round in a huge match-up, and that was one of the big factors that has allowed Swim to clinch after racing.

     Zimmer got a tough draw for freestyle and had to lead off, but he laid down a jaw-dropping freestyle for a much too low score of 24. Next up was Bill Payne and Rock Star, and Bill put down a great freestyle run of his run before flipping violently off the bus and doing severe damage to the front end. Even though the run was a bit short, it was enough to give Bill the lead with a score of 27. That would hold as the huge obstacles would claim Snake Bite, Hot Tamale and Equalizer, ending their runs early with breakage. Then Larry Swim roared to the track and proceeded to put forth a great freestyle that last over 3 minutes before he finally got out of shape going over of the tour bus and rolled over. The scores came up for a 29 handing Bigfoot Bad Boy the lead with only the rookie Tim Messentis left. Messentis did an outstanding job earning a score of 25 and a tie for third place. That would clinch the sweep of the Grand Nationals to go along with the '09 title for Larry Swim and Bigfoot Bad Boy!!  Check out below for some preview photos and footage of some of the night's biggest moments courtesy of Rajeana Bonar:

Click each thumbnail to view larger image!!

     That's all for now from Pocatello, tons more coming your so stay tuned!!  A big thanks to Ed Beckley, Zane Rettew and the whole CFP staff for a great event. Also a thanks to "Roller" Jeff Richards for his great work on the first TMB Trackside Live program, and to all the fans who tuned into our live broadcasts today.  (04/05/09)

Saturday Photo & Video Preview Update!!:  Action at the track has begun to pickup, with arenacross practice starting. The radio show is coming up soon, here are a few more preview photos and a quick preview video!!

Click each thumbnail to view larger image!!

Friday Updates From Pocatello - $5,000 Championship Prize Announced!!:  After a long day of hard work stretching late into the night on Friday, the CFP crew has completed the base work on the track for tomorrow's Monster Truck Grand Nationals. The big news here in Pocatello today came when CFP President Ed Beckley announced a $5,000 bonus will be paid to the winner of the 2009 Monster Truck Winter Nationals Championship!!

Click each thumbnail to view larger image!!

     To win that prize however, the five drivers in contention will have to navigate a tricky race course and tackle some big freestyle obstacles tomorrow night.  The racing course will see the trucks start at the base of the bus hill in the middle of the track, race side by side over the top of it and drag to the end of the track where they will make a u-turn and race back on opposite sides over three dirt jumps and across the finish line. The most prominent freestyle obstacle is no doubt the metal mountain that features a bus and four full-sized vans stacked on a bed of cars. There are plenty more cars, vans and even a small tour bus that will be added to the track before freestyle.
     The TMB Trackside Live Pre-Show program will begin at 2:00PM local here in Pocatello, or 4:00PM Eastern, and will last for about an hour and a half.  Hosts Ross Bonar and Jeff Richards will talk to the championship contenders so you can hear what is on their minds just hours before we go green at the Holt Arena.  Then the TMB Trackside Live Event Coverage hosted by "Roller" Jeff Richards will begin around 7:15PM local time, or 9:15 Eastern.

Click image to launch TMB Trackside Live Player!!

     And when it's all said and done, you'll be able to see teaser photos and some select video footage from the event right here on TheMonsterBlog.com just hours later.  Following that over the next week will be a huge photo gallery from the event and yes, TMB TV from the Monster Truck Grand Nationals. So much more coming your way, be sure to tune in tomorrow to TMB Trackside Live at 4:00PM Eastern for the Live Pre-Show Program and again at 9:15PM Eastern for Live Event Coverage!!

Monster Truck Grand Nationals Championship Weekend In Pocatello!!:  The Monster Blog is in preparations to head out to Pocatello, ID for the Checkered Flag Productions Monster Truck Grand Nationals Championship Weekend!!  Eight strong trucks will battle it out in racing and freestyle Saturday night at the ISU Holt Arena including:  Larry Swim in Bigfoot Bad Boy, Jon Zimmer in Amsoil Shock Therapy, Isaiah Morales in Hot Tamale, Mike Hawkins in Equalizer, Bill Payne in Rock Star, Dan Runte in Snake Bite, Teri Olson in Miss Behavin and Tim Messentis in Excaliber.  The first five of those drivers listed above represent the top 5 in CFP points, and all will have a shot at the season championship this weekend.

     TheMonsterBlog.com will be on hand to cover the event bigger than we ever have before. Our plans include the biggest episode of TMB TV thus far in 2009, a huge event photo gallery, preview photos and footage Friday night, and the debut of TMB Trackside Live, a new radio style show that will allow us to bring you live coverage from select major events.

     The current plan is for two TMB Trackside Live shows Saturday, an afternoon preview edition jam-packed with driver interviews and pre-race analysis, and the main event...a live audio broadcast of the Monster Truck Grand Nationals. Our good friend Jeff "Roller" Richards, host of Motorsports Live Radio, will be joining us in Pocatello this weekend and will be anchoring our coverage Saturday night, along with co-hosting the preview show with TMB TV host Ross Z. Bonar. Air times will be announced Friday evening.
      We've got so much coming up for you from Pocatello this weekend, stay tuned and see who will return home a champion!!  (04/02/09)

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