Friday, January 30, 2015 at 7:30 PM
*Pit Party from 5:30 – 6:30 PM
Saturday, January 31, 2015 at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM
*Pit Party from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Carl Van Horn, driver of Monster Jam machine Grave Digger®, kindly answered the following questions for us this season.
Q. How long does it take you to perfect the tricks that you must perform during the shows?
A. I’ve been driving for 12 years and the tricks still aren’t perfected, mainly because every track and ramp is a little different so we have to adjust our driving according to that.
Q. What is the biggest challenge about navigating the Grave Digger?
A. The biggest challenge starting out was getting used to turning the rear wheels at the right time with the front. Also, using the throttle and brake at the right time to avoid breaking parts and not being able to complete in the event.
Q. What do you think it is about the Monster Jam show itself that finds both adults and children equally delighting in it?
A. It’s still an amazing thing to see such a huge piece of machinery launch 20 to 30 feet in the air! The Sky wheelies, donuts, and crashes keep everyone on the edge of their seat. Also, Monster Jam is a fan friendly sport and we are always happy to meet the fans and talk about what we do.
Q. What type of training regimen do you complete prior to traveling with the tour?
A. I mainly just do basic exercises to stay in shape and spend some time on an exercise bike every week in the hotel fitness rooms while traveling.
Q. What is one thing about the show you'd like to share with potential audience members?
A. Monster Jam is an event that the whole family can enjoy! We have so many parents that say they go to the events because their son or daughter wanted to see it, and they ended up having a great time as well!
Q. What is the most rewarding part of being a part of Monster Jam as the driver of Grave Digger, and why?
A. I enjoy the competition the most because this is what I love to do. I also enjoy meeting Grave Digger fans and hearing how they love the truck and stories about coming to Monster Jam events. The most rewarding part is seeing the fans reactions after a great Freestyle and hearing about it at the post show autograph session.
The Monster Jam event will feature some of the most powerful Monster Jam trucks in the circuit, including Grave Digger®, Crushstation, Stinger, Bounty Hunter®, Iron Outlaw, Storm Damage, Hurricane Force and brand new Dragon. Standing at 12 feet tall and about 12 feet wide, Monster Jam trucks are custom-designed machines that sit atop 66-inch-tall tires and weigh a minimum of 10,000 pounds. Built for short, high-powered bursts of speed, Monster Jam trucks generate 1,500 to 2,000 horsepower and are capable of speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. Monster Jam trucks can fly up to 130 feet (a distance greater than 14 cars side by side) and up to 35 feet in the air.
The Party in the Pits on Friday, January 30 from 5:30 – 6:30 PM and Saturday, January 31 from 11:00 AM– 1:00 PM gives fans the opportunity to get autographs, view the massive Monster Jam trucks up close and meet the drivers. For more information on Monster Jam, please log onto www.MonsterJam.com.
One very lucky Macaroni Kid Lincroft-Holmdel-Tinton Falls subscriber will win a family four pack of tickets to see Monster Jam at the Izod Center later this month on Friday, January 30, 2015! In order to enter to win this contest, please complete these 2 steps:
(1) Answer this question in the comments below to be eligible to win.
Q. Who was the first Monster Jam World Finals Freestyle Champion?
Possible Answers: Dragon's Breath, Grave Digger, Bull Dozer, or Blue Thunder
(2) Complete the Official Giveaway Entry Form here.
You must complete both steps by January 22nd at 12pm to be eligible to win. Good luck!
