Late January extravaganza was held at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
Like everyone else on the planet, even the whimsical and rugged world of Monster Trucks felt the impact of the extreme weirdness that we have all experienced these past two years. But, the circuit and their Monster Jam tour celebrating its 30th Anniversary in 2022 have a secret weapon revealed as big crowds returned to enjoy the festive family fun at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena for a thrilling three-pack of events on January 29 and 30 in Music City.
Grave Digger, the winner
To highlight just how big the wrench that was thrown into the machine is – the showdown in Tennessee is just one of a series of competitions leading up to the 21st incarnation of the Monster Jam World Finals scheduled for Orlando on May 21 and 22. This two-day championship – which is always the biggest event of the season and showcases the best trucks and drivers in Racing, Freestyle, High Jump, and Skills competitions – was initially scheduled for 2020.
But, now, with hindsight and the restrictions in the rear-view mirror, Monster Jam was refueled for its return to Nashville. The secret weapon??? The always capable Adam Anderson, who was at the helm of Grave Digger – one of the world’s most famous Monster Trucks that is celebrating its 40th Anniversary this season – did the heavy lifting to dig out Saturday night’s single event championship on the strength of his well-earned tally during a climactic freestyle showing.
Monster Jam was a family-friendly event that clocked in at just over two hours, including an intermission and a half time provided by a group of skilled BMX riders who did tricks and jumps while the Monster trucks and their drivers geared up for the second half. But, it is loud as the bootleggers selling industrial strength ear muffs outside would indicate. Once inside, the normal hockey horn was tuned down a bit to sound more like one on a big rig, and it blasted quite a few more times than you would typically hear at a Predators match … LOL.
Mark List (El Toro Loco) and Tom Meents (Max-D) also shared the spotlight with single event championships throughout the weekend. But, the biggest joke of Saturday night was the hapless Jester who turned over twice in two events requiring the assistance of a lift and crane to exit the arena. The vehicle ultimately blew its engine on its final event drawing laughter and ridicule from the fans in the stands who were amused at the clown-like antics of the aptly named machine. While this troubled truck provided an outlet for spectator-based schadenfreude — there’s no doubt everyone took some pleasure in getting a bit back to normal.
Now – on to Orlando!
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Co-authored with Laura Lynch and published originally at MUSIC CITY NASHVILLE.
