Universal Technical Institute and Dennis Anderson Announce 2016 UTI Grave Digger® Scholarship Recipient at

Monster Jam World Finals® XVII

Jared Sharp of Imperial, Neb., Receives $20,000 Award

ELLENTON, Fla. (March 21, 2016) – Universal Technical Institute (UTI) and four-time Monster Jam World Finals® champion, Dennis Anderson, announced the winner of the 2016 UTI Grave Digger Scholarship. Anderson selected Jared Sharp of Imperial, Neb., as the recipient of the $20,000 scholarship, which was awarded prior to the Monster Jam World Finals® Racing Championship at Sam Boyd Stadium on Friday, March 18. With this scholarship, Jared will be attending the NASCAR Technical Institute in Mooresville, N.C.

Established in 2005, the UTI Grave Digger Scholarship has been awarded to individuals seeking a career as a professional automotive, diesel, or collision repair technician. During that time, 12 students have been awarded this scholarship. Jared was chosen by Anderson because of his ambition and passion for the automotive industry. Currently, Monster Jam employs 19 technicians who are graduates from UTI and NASCAR Technical Institute, several of which are former recipients of the UTI Grave Digger Scholarship.  

Dennis Anderson and UTI’s Mark Harston presenting the UTI Grave Digger $20,000 Scholarship

Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports

“Interest in the Grave Digger scholarship has continued to grow each year since we launched it with Monster Jam® in 2005. We are very pleased to help Jared pursue his dream of building a successful career in the automotive, diesel or collision repair industry through this scholarship,” said Jocelyn Omen, Enthusiast Marketing Manager at UTI.

Anderson selected Jared after reviewing submission videos of the top 10 finalists that UTI officials selected from a pool of 195 applicants. Anderson is extremely excited to help further Jared’s vision of working in the industry.

For more information on Monster Jam, please log onto www.MonsterJam.com or follow us via our social channels below:   

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About Feld Entertainment

Feld Entertainment is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that lift the human spirit and create indelible memories, with 30 million people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment's productions have appeared in more than 75 countries and on six continents to date and include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®, Monster Jam®, Monster Energy Supercross, AMSOIL Arenacross, Disney On Ice Presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt, Disney Live! Presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt and Marvel Universe LIVE! More information about Feld Entertainment is available online at www.feldentertainment.com.

About Universal Technical Institute, Inc.
Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE: UTI) is the leading provider of post-secondary education for students seeking careers as professional automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians. With more than 190,000 graduates in its 50-year history, UTI offers undergraduate degree and diploma programs at 12 campus locations across the United States, as well as manufacturer-specific training programs at dedicated training centers. Through its campus-based school system, UTI provides specialized post-secondary education programs under the banner of several well-known brands, including Universal Technical Institute (UTI), Motorcycle Mechanics Institute, Marine Mechanics Institute (MMI) and NASCAR Technical Institute (NASCAR Tech).

For more information visit www.uti.edu. Like UTI on www.facebook.com/UTI or follow UTI on Twitter @UTITweet, @MMITweet, and @NASCARTechUTI.

MONSTER JAM WORLD CHAMPION DRIVER TOM MEENTS

WILL ATTEMPT TO JUMP MAX-D OVER SIX MONSTER JAM TRUCKS

IN RECORD-BREAKING STUNT ATTEMPT AT LEVI'S STADIUM

(Santa Clara, CA / March 21, 2016)  Making history this past weekend at Monster Jam World Finals^® in Las Vegas, 11-time Monster Jam World Champion and industry pioneer Tom Meents will next attempt to top his feat set last weekend by jumping his 10,000 pound powerhouse truck Max-D™ over six Monster Jam trucks at Levi’s^® Stadium in Santa Clara on Saturday, April 9^th.

With extensive preparation, Meents and his Max-D crew are ready for him to throttle his 1,500-horsepower engine to hit 6,200 RPMs on the approach to the dirt ramp in order to make the massive jump spanning over 100 feet to successfully clear the six trucks.

As fans have come to expect of him as a true driving daredevil, last summer Meents was determined to make his mark in the record books by completing the first-ever Monster Jam truck front flip at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, and then the following week landing a jaw-dropping double back flip stunt at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA.

On Friday April 8^th, media are invited for a special advance behind-the-scenes Media Day with driver Tom Meents and his crew to discuss preparing for the stunt and get some up-close views of his truck Max-D.

Video footage of the recent Max-D truck jump at Monster Jam World Finals Las Vegas can be found here

MONSTER JAM EVENT INFO

WHAT: The world’s biggest and baddest monster trucks battle for supremacy as Monster Jam® returns to Levi’s® Stadium in Santa Clara with the ultimate dirt-flying, car-crushing explosive event of demolition, speed, power and unbelievable stunts.  Featuring an incredible collection of seventeen trucks including Monster Jam World Finals Champions Grave Digger^® (driven by Monster Jam legend Dennis Anderson) and Max-D® (driven by Meents) plus 2015 World Finals Racing Champ Metal Mulisha (driven by Todd LeDuc – last year becoming only the fifth Monster Jam driver to ever win both the Racing & Freestyle trophies).  Marking their Bay Area debut truck appearances will be the all-new 2016 season truck VP Racing Fuel’s Mad Scientist along with the next generation of the Grave Digger family, Son-uva Digger^® (driven by Ryan Anderson) plus more fan-favorite trucks will pump up the crowd with breathtaking stunts and the awesome spectacle of “rock-and-roar” that will bring fans to their feet cheering for more!

WHEN:           Saturday, April 9, 2016

                        Pit Party scheduled from 2:00 PM - 4:45 PM

                        Event Time – 7:00 PM

WHERE:         Levi’s Stadium– 4900 Marie P. DeBartolo Way, Santa Clara, CA 95054

TICKETS: Ticket prices start at $20 with limited seating for Gold Circle & VIP levels

Kids tickets (age 2-12) available for 50% off on select seating – prices range from $10 - $20 (price listed is advance purchase only; not valid for VIP seating levels; limit 2 discount kids tickets per one Adult ticket purchase)

Total Access Pass fan packages available for $135 each

Pit Passes available to purchase for $10 each– FREE Pit Passes can be picked up at participating
MetroPCS locations (while supplies last)

With more than 30 years on the circuit, Grave Digger® has become a name associated with championships, but the years past pale when compared to the accomplishments so far in 2016.

For starters, Grave Digger, with Adam Anderson at the wheel, captured the FS1 Championship Series in dominant fashion. Winning six of the nine racing events, Anderson secured the title before the final event at Syracuse. The accomplishment was significant because it carried an automatic bid to Monster Jam World Finals® XVII, giving the three-time champion a ticket to continue his successes.

Team Grave Digger then turned attention to the Monster Jam® featuring the AMSOIL Series East and West tours. Each tour had a Grave Digger truck right in the thick of the points battle that went to the final weekend events in Reno and Grand Rapids before a champion could be crowned. In the East Series, newcomer Cole Venard had to catch up to ZombieTM and veteran Bari Musawwir, then slip by with enough points for the championship. In the West, Morgan Kane, now in Grave Digger after a championship run in 2015 in Max-D™, had to fight off rival Colton Eichelberger once again. Kane got the job done to claim the title. This turn of events brought two more Grave Digger trucks to the “big show”. With four-time champion Dennis Anderson qualified on merit, there would be an unprecedented four Grave Diggers coming to Las Vegas.

Thursday’s qualifying rounds allowed Grave Digger to make an immediate impact. Kane was second fastest and Adam Anderson was fourth on the standings when the clock stopped for the field.

When the Friday competition hit the track, it was one and done for Venard, but the remaining three moved into the next round. Dennis Anderson had his work cut out for him, facing Tom Meents in Max-D. Both had a wild ride to the finish with Meents crossing the line first, marking the first time since 2003 that Dennis had lost to Tom in World Finals. Adam and Morgan were able to advance to the quarterfinals. Morgan would dispatch Monster Jam World Finals rookie BJ Johnson and Gas Monkey GarageTM in the third round while Adam would fall victim to defending champion Todd LeDuc in Metal MulishaTM. This turn of events left Morgan Kane as the standard bearer and a tough test with Ryan Anderson and Son-Uva Digger® next up. Both ran in fewer than 16 seconds, but Kane was quicker and advanced to the finals. Metal Mulisha would provide the opposition. In the fastest round in Monster Jam World Finals history, Kane (15.721) beat LeDuc (15.843) to add a World Racing Championship to his AMSOIL Series crown.

Not one to sit on their laurels, Team Grave Digger will be ready for the challenges ahead in the Monster Jam summer events and international competition. For now, Grave Digger domination serves as incentive for the rest of the field, setting the stage for great competition in the weeks to come.

When you have a collection of the finest talent in Monster Jam®, you can expect all of the stops to be pulled out to create the best entertainment that fans will never forget. Each year, the challenge is to amaze and thrill those who have gathered at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas. This year, it was time to turn to the Monster Jam “stunt master.”

As an 11-time Monster Jam World Finals® champion, Tom Meents has heard the appreciative crowd roar for his victories. While the Max-DTM driver would seek additional titles in 2016, he also had something else up his sleeve.

After bowing out in the Racing quarterfinals, Meents went to work on his secret weapon. His specially prepared Max-D truck was ready and the crew stood by to the end of the Friday night activity. Soon after 2016 Monster Jam World Finals Racing Champion Morgan Kane ended his celebration, the time had come.

Five Monster Jam trucks entered the stadium floor, lining up at the base of a ramp near the closed end of the bowl. Soon after, Max-D rumbled out of the pit, heading down Thunder Alley, but not bound for the finish line. After a quick pass to check the truck’s handling, Meents took aim on the ramp, built up speed and flew through the air. The 10,000-pound Monster Jam truck floated like a feather through the air, coming down safely past the final truck.

Meents wasn’t done. He stayed in the throttle and took aim at the backflip ramp directly in his sights. He topped the trick by completing a backflip that elevated the truck to great heights. The subsequent fireworks display gave the fans the indication that the night was over, but there was still one more night of competition…and one more surprise in store.

Fresno’s Save Mart Center will be the next stop as competitors from the West Tour of the 2016 Monster Jam® featuring the AMSOIL Series will reunite for exciting action. With the bid to the 2016 Monster Jam World Finals® no longer available, the athletes will focus attention on each of the three competitions to give fans some exciting action.

Each of the six teams is fresh from an appearance at the March 15-17 Monster Jam World Finals held in Las Vegas, which saw 2016 West Tour champion Morgan Kane and Team Grave Digger® capture the overall Racing championship. As second fast qualifier, Kane marched through the field to record his first stadium Racing victory since claiming the crown in Minneapolis in December 2011.

The experience gained in Las Vegas will serve everyone well as the weekend unfolds. With the point standings reset, all teams are shooting for the individual event championships as they return to utilize Monster Jam trucks, Speedsters and ATVs in the competitions. The athlete with the most total points at the end of the performance will claim the coveted title for that show with total points awarded at the end of the Saturday night finale.

Information about this event, which has hosted Monster Jam since 2006, can be found at http://www.monsterjam.com/events/fresno-ca

For the fifth consecutive year, Monster Jam® will be invading MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, bringing the excitement that only Monster Jam can deliver.

As a past host of countless concerts, sporting events and a Super Bowl, MetLife Stadium provides the perfect backdrop to allow Monster Jam drivers to showcase their abilities. The 10,000-pound Monster Jam trucks run hard and strong on the challenging course and leave nothing to the imagination for Freestyle action.

A top-notch lineup will be on hand in 2016 with 14 of the scheduled 16 drivers claiming previous experience at MetLife. Many of the competitors are fresh from their appearance at the Monster Jam World Finals® XVII and may have some unfinished business.

Former World Champions Dennis Anderson (Grave Digger®) and Tom Meents (Max-DTM) squared off in a rare head-to-head meeting and could repeat the feat on April 23. Meents claimed the second round win in Las Vegas. Todd LeDuc and Metal MulishaTM sidelined Chad Fortune in Soldier FortuneTM during the Monster Jam World Finals. Ryan Anderson with Son-Uva Digger® avenged his father’s loss in Las Vegas by defeating Max-D in the quarterfinal round.

The 2013 MetLife Racing champion, Linsey Weenk and Lucas Oil CrusaderTM, will attempt to double success against a strong field. The 2014 MetLife Freestyle champion, Ryan Anderson and Son-Uva Digger, will be seeking a seventh stadium Freestyle title in the 2016 season.

Past accomplishments will mean little, though, as the Monster Jam trucks face unique challenges each year. The race course will again be quick, but the obstacles for freestyle are expected to bring out the best in the competitors.

Information about this show can be found at http://www.monsterjam.com/events/east-rutherford-nj-2016

The return of Monster Jam® to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, will signal another great opportunity for competitors to showcase their talents. The April 23 event will mark the fifth appearance at the stadium.

The 2016 field will include the first-ever New Jersey appearance for the VP Racing Fuels’ Mad Scientist, one of the newest Monster Jam trucks to hit the circuit. Since its beginning, the truck has only been driven by Lee O’Donnell and this event marks another significant happening in O’Donnell’s career.

A native of Bayonne, New Jersey, mere minutes from the stadium location, O’Donnell started with Monster Jam in 1999, racing and winning with different trucks through the first 10 years of competition. In 2012, he was part of the first MetLife event, making the semi-finals in racing and finishing fifth in freestyle. The next year, he made the racing finals, losing to fast qualifier Linsey Weenk, who used lane choice to his advantage. O’Donnell finished third in a competitive freestyle.

His third appearance at the stadium will come this year and it stands to provide some vindication for the years of effort that have been put into off-road racing and Monster Jam. “I have been grateful for the opportunities to drive the other trucks,” said O’Donnell, “but this year, the support from VP has been really gratifying. They have been with me every weekend. They have been supporting the truck, the team and me in every way possible. This is the pinnacle of what racers strive for, to have a sponsor that is so supportive and to bring this to my home stadium is a great feeling.”

“Having the support of VP allows me to show some of the doubters around here what can be done,” he added. “I grew up in New Jersey and the off-road racing was in places like Wisconsin and Southern California, so people didn’t think we could make it. Now, we have this to show for it.”

In 2016, O’Donnell has driven the VP Racing Fuels’ Mad Scientist to victory at Petco Park in San Diego as well as Tucson Arena and narrowly missed at Angels Stadium in Anaheim. The winning ways are nothing new, but a continuation of achievement that will be on display on April 23.

Last year, Lee O’Donnell was a spectator for this event since his previous truck was not part of the 2015 lineup. It was a different experience. “Your emotions change throughout the day,” he said. “There’s no pressure early, it’s pretty relaxed, then you see the guys on the track and holding the trophy and you want to be there. I go there to support my friends. My kids are still fans, too.”

This year, the kids will be cheering louder than ever, this time for the VP Racing Fuels’ Mad Scientist. They’ll be joined by friends and family, who will make the short trip to the Meadowlands, and the crowd may include some of those who never expected the success to come this far. If seeing is believing, April 23 will give everyone another chance to believe.

When you play on the biggest stages, you need to bring everything you have in your repertoire. In the past, Tom Meents and Max-D™ have developed some interesting stunts for Monster Jam® fans at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, in the shadow of New York City.

Double backflip attempts had ruled the past, but it was time for something new. After a successful jump over five Monster Jam trucks in Las Vegas in March, Meents wanted to go one better.

When the time came about, six Monster Jam trucks rolled to the floor to precise positioning. Max-D made a triumphant procession into the arena as the fans held their collective breaths. When the moment arrived, the 10,000-pound beast was launched into the air amid a fireworks display. The truck hurtled through the night air, passing over the trucks below. As Max-D began to descend, it looked for a minute like it may clip the El Toro Loco™ truck at the end of the line. With inches to spare, Meents landed the truck clear of the obstacle, but that wasn’t the end of the challenge

Bringing a Monster Jam truck from the height and speed necessary to perform these antics required a precise landing. Anything less than perfection would call on the driver ability. The truck began to appear on its way off four wheels, but Meents wrestled it into submission, gaining full control at the end of the landing. The thunderous roar indicated the crowd’s approval.

The obvious question is “what’s next?”. We will know soon.

The final touches have been put into place for the first Monster Jam® ever held in Osaka, Japan. Crews have been building a special facility at Maishima Special Stage to welcome Japanese fans to the event.

Three afternoon performances are scheduled for May 3-5, each preceded by a festival which begins in the morning and continues after the show. Each Monster Jam performance will feature a team competition format. Monster Jam drivers will compete in Racing (one point), Wheelies (one point), Donuts (one point) and Freestyle (two points). A designated teammate will compete in ATV racing. Each ATV rider will compete in one heat race and a main event. The winner of each heat race gets one-half point while the winner of the main event gets one point for his or her team.

The eight drivers ready for action are Brianna Mahon (Team Scooby Doo!TM), Bari Musawwir (Team DragonTM), Scott Buetow (Team Hot WheelsTM Firestorm), Chad Tingler (Team Alien InvasionTM), Candice Jolly (Team Monster Mutt® Dalmatian), Coty Saucier (Team Monster Energy®), Neil Elliott (Team Max-DTM) and Jon Zimmer (Team Grave Digger®).

Intermittent rain showers could not dampen the enthusiasm of Monster Jam® fans in Osaka, Japan, who cheered loudly for their favorites on a Tuesday afternoon in May. The show, contested on a specially constructed track on a former airfield, marked the first-ever appearance of Monster Jam in the second largest city in this nation.

After four hours of a pre-show festival, which drew early crowds, the gates opened to the stadium-type setting as fans settled into their seats. As the Monster Jam trucks prepared to hit the track, the rain showers began, but this didn’t chase anyone from their seats. The hearty fans donned ponchos and rain protective gear and settled in to enjoy Monster Jam Racing, won by Neil Elliott in Max-D™.

The racing victory gave Team Max-D the first point in the competition and the lead was expanded by an additional half-point with a heat racing win by the Team Max-D rider in the ATV competition. Team Hot Wheels™ gained a half point with a win in the other ATV preliminary to get onto the board.

Wheelie action saw several rollovers as the slickened track proved to be a challenge. The puzzle was solved by Coty Saucier for Team Monster Energy®, who scored the victory and put the team on the board with one point.

After a brief intermission, it was back to action and the challenge of the Donuts competition. Team Max-D edged Team Monster Energy for a critical point in the standings, but there was still plenty of competition remaining.

The ATV main event was won by Team Dragon™, earning one point for this squad as half of the teams were now on the board. All that remained was Freestyle, which carried two points in the competition, meaning anyone with points still had a shot at the championship.

Thanks to the efforts of the crews, all eight Monster Jam trucks were able to compete in Freestyle and the competition was tight. The first three trucks were separated by a single point at the top of the leaderboard until Max-D blasted to the top with a 29. Monster Energy was waiting in the wings, knowing that the only hopes for a championship was a score higher than Max-D’s 29. The judges saw the run as a 24, giving Max-D the event championship, but the action was not over. Team Grave Digger® came on track with Jon Zimmer out to give the green-and-black faithful a Freestyle to remember. The effort was enough to move the two points to the Team Grave Digger camp.

“This is so awesome,” said Elliott of capturing the first-ever Osaka championship. “We really appreciate these fans staying here with us and spending their hard-earned money to support us.”

The victory adds to an impressive international record for Elliott, who has now won racing championships in Australia, Europe and Central America in addition to many titles in the U.S.

Two more events remain in Osaka and hopes run strong in all camps that the teams can join Elliott and Max-D in the winner’s circle. Check with www.monsterjam.com for upcoming results as they become available.

“Build it and they will come.” It’s a line that is often misquoted from the movie Field of Dreams (the actual quote is “build it and he will come”), but it exemplifies Monster Jam® and its first step into Japan.

An abandoned airstrip was transformed into a Monster Jam arena for three mid-week events in Osaka, Japan. The events were scheduled during “Golden Week”, a Japanese holiday period and the timing allowed families to get a firsthand view of this global spectacle.

Each day began with a pre-show festival and the lines were long when the gates opened at 10 a.m. Fans were able to head directly to the BKT Tires Ride Truck, which was a very popular attraction. They were entertained by the Monster Energy FMX team with high flying tricks. Monster Jam drivers signed autographs at their trucks, which loomed over the crowds.

The matinee performances began at 3:30 p.m. Many fans left the festival to get the best seats when the arena doors opened and the crowd was subdued until the Monster Jam trucks hit the floor in the fury of introductions, pulling the new fans right into the performance.

Each Monster Jam truck and driver was accompanied by an ATV “teammate” as points were on the line for event championships. Monster Jam Racing, Wheelies and Donuts carried one point toward the event title. Freestyle was weighted with two points, providing late performance drama. The winner of each of two ATV heat races got one-half point for his team while the ATV main was awarded one full point.

Team Max-DTM etched its name in the record book as first winner in Monster Jam competition in Japan. The team would repeat in the Thursday show, but a Wednesday championship by Team Grave Digger® prevented the sweep. Complete results can be found here.

Despite rain during the first show, Monster Jam made a positive first impression on Japanese fans. The continued global expansion will allow more of the world to enjoy these shows on their home turf with international events scheduled throughout the summer. 

Each year, Monster Jam World Finals® sits at the pinnacle in creating memories for Monster Jam® fans around the globe. Many of the highlights were captured by our own Monster Jam Television crews for the FS1 broadcast during three recent episodes, but that wasn’t enough. There’s even more to come on Sunday, May 22 at 5 p.m. Eastern.

This week’s presentation includes a variety of on-track and off-the-track activity. Highlights will include racing in the Young Guns ShootoutTM, where the stars of the future are getting valuable experience. Off-the-track activities include the massive Pit Party, which featured more than ever before.

A key component in this week’s show is the introduction of Monster Jam Multi-View. For the first time, the freestyle run of two drivers will be played simultaneously, offering viewers a chance to compare their pace and style. For this week, two of the top three finishers in Monster Jam World Finals Freestyle will go head to head. You’ll see winner Adam Anderson match up with Dennis Anderson, the third place finisher. After watching, you can be the judge and tell our Twitter page (www.twitter.com/monsterjam) what you thought.

TV host Scott Douglass will be joined on the broadcast by Ryan Anderson, driver of Son-uva Digger®, who will be providing expert commentary and insight.  A five-time competitor in Monster Jam World Finals, Anderson can add the driver’s perspective to the experience enjoyed at the Las Vegas event.

Check local listings for air time in your area.

Victory can be elusive. The quest to get back on a winning track demands attention to detail, continuous effort and unending commitment. Just because you’ve won before doesn’t guarantee you’ll win again.

For B.J. Johnson, the time between victories was maddening. Fortunately, the latest quest ended in Salinas, California, when Johnson drove Gas Monkey GarageTM to a Racing win in his home state.

“This feels great,” he said. “It’s the first win with the new team. We’ve been having problems all year, chasing steering issues. We tried things we thought would work and they didn’t but now it looks like we found the answer.”

“We” is an important word here. The driver gets credit for wheeling the truck, but Monster Jam® wouldn’t happen without the efforts of others who don’t get the limelight or the headlines. In the case of Gas Monkey Garage, B.J. worked alongside crew chief Lindsey Hilgendorf. They stood shoulder-to-shoulder in the battle to overcome the demon that kept them from victory.

“It’s been a long, hard year,” said B.J. “We race with our hearts and it has been a struggle. We both had tears after the win.”

It wasn’t the first time B.J. Johnson had taken a Lindsey Hilgendorf truck to victory. That happened in Adelaide, Australia, in 2014 when Johnson subbed for Madusa. They have been working together on Gas Monkey Garage, building the truck from the ground up to prepare for the 2016 season.

“There are not a lot of drivers who work on their own trucks,” said B.J. “It helps me really know what’s going on with it. I’m never upset when I lose, but it feels like you’re working for nothing. It takes up all of your time, but it has its rewards. We had more fans write us this week after winning and that makes you feel good. The guys at Gas Monkey Garage called us and they were excited.”

Johnson has been involved with the sport for 16 years, but has raced just about anything with an engine from a very young age. His involvement with Monster Jam trucks runs the gamut. He has had the “lone wolf” days of the independent teams, driving the rig, maintaining the truck, fixing the broken parts and getting to drive after all of that has been done. He has an appreciation for what it takes to be a competitor. “If you’re not one with the truck, you’re not likely to win,” he said. “I know it. I built it. I am with it constantly. Since January, we’ve had six days off away from the truck. If you don’t love what you’re doing, you shouldn’t be doing it.”

Like B.J., Lindsey’s experiences began with independent teams, giving her a greater appreciation of what it takes. “She wants the truck to be the best it can be,” B.J. added. “She’s committed to it. I try to never crash it, but when it happens, I always tell her I’m sorry. My life is in her hands. She’s my eyes when I’m driving. Her experience raises the bar and with her being around, things are a lot better for us.”

The Salinas win has served as redemption for the trials and tribulations of the season. The Gas Monkey Garage team will continue to work as hard as before, taking nothing for granted and doing what’s necessary, no matter the time or effort. This could be the springboard for more victories to come. 

Photo by Evan Posocco

When Monster Jam® returns to Barcelona, Spain on June 4, fans will be witnessing the first international appearance of Dennis Anderson behind the wheel of Grave Digger®. The time has come.

“When Monster Jam started going overseas, I didn’t really want to do it,” Anderson said. “I said to let the boys (Adam and Ryan) go and let them be heroes over there. I would just stay here and be a hero in the U.S. They’ve done well there because I told them to go strong and go big. Now, I told them I wanted to go, but I want to go with them. I didn’t want to go by myself and so I’ll be there with Ryan. I’ve had people asking me all the time about it. Now, we’re going to have two shots to win in Barcelona and Madrid.”

Anderson picked a perfect place to make his European debut. Estadi Olimpic Lluys Companys hosted the 1992 Olympic Games and last year’s Monster Jam attracted a huge following. “I’ve heard it’s nice,” said Anderson, “so if I was going to go, this is the place where I want to go. It’s a real stepping stone and I’m excitedly nervous about this trip. I’m excited to get there and put on a show and carry on the Grave Digger legend.”

The timing is perfect as well. Monster Jam World Finals® XVII and the Team Grave Digger dominance is still a fresh memory. Dennis felt he had something to prove in Las Vegas in March. “This year, my goal was to ride the clock out and give the fans a full run. I did that and then sat in the hot seat to watch the boys beat my score. It felt great.”

From the start of the day through the final run of the night, fans in Spain are promised to get Dennis Anderson at his best. “When you get in the truck, it doesn’t matter where you are. You are there on a mission to go big and go strong. It is what it is. It doesn’t matter if it is Spain or the Georgia Dome. You’re there to give the fans what they came for.”

Spain will serve as the next point to continue the momentum of Team Grave Digger in 2016. Anderson is looking forward to the whole experience and sharing it with his son makes the trip even more special.

(Photo by Evan Posocco)

Attention Monster Jam® fans: SHE’S BAAAAACK

Madusa, the Queen of Carnage, the only female World Champion (two times) that has carried the title for over a decade, the name that strikes fear into competitors and joy to her legion of fans, is ready to get back behind the wheel when Monster Jam hits Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee on June 18.

“Things happen for a reason,” Madusa said when the word of her return was announced. “You’re not glad about it, you’re not happy about it. However, it definitely put me in a different perspective. I got to be on the outside for a period of time for the first time in 16 or 17 years. It made me appreciate that a woman who has been an advocate for staying healthy and a pioneer in the sport would be able to have such a tumultuous and exciting life with the years and achievements in racing.

“They say you have to stop and smell the roses. I recognized that when there were adversities, it gave me an opportunity to appreciate and continue my journey. I feel that in these opportunities, and I call them opportunities, it brought me greater appreciation. I’m the type of person who can take the chaos and havoc and be calm within it.

“This couldn’t have happened at a better time. Being the pioneer of the women of Monster Jam, it gives me great joy to say I am still here and able to do what I do with our new generation of talent. The obstacles have strengthened me. If life was easy as a female Monster Jam driver, where would the adventures be?”

That’s an easy one. The next adventure will be starting anew in Nashville. Madusa has nothing to prove, but plenty of chance to extend the lengthy record of accomplishment for the aspiration of current and future drivers.

You can’t deny history and Madusa is done smelling roses and ready to turn Nashville into her next conquest. That’s not good news for the other Monster Jam competitors, but great news for the fans.

Send your “welcome back" message to Madusa at one of these social media locations.

Facebook: Madusa

Twitter: madusa_rocks

Instagram: madusa_rocks

#womenofmonsterjam 

(Photo provided courtesy of Sports Illustrated)

There are many paths to success in today’s Monster Jam®, but no guarantees. The newest superstars had to learn from someone, somewhere, who has already travelled down the path and learned the lessons.

In some cases, the new driver had to look no further than his or her own family. As son or daughter of a Monster Jam driver, it’s all right there in front of you. If your aspiration is to get behind the wheel of a Monster Jam truck, your best teacher is within easy reach.

The 2016 Monster Jam roster includes several second generation racers who are competing against their fathers and some who have taken up the battle in their place. These circumstances can bring added pressure to perform and win, but all indications point to success within the grasp of most.

In the 2005 Monster Jam yearbook, Dennis Anderson stated, “I would love for a second generation of Grave Digger® drivers to keep it in the family.” That’s exactly the way it has happened as Ryan Anderson (Son-uva Digger) and Adam Anderson (Grave Digger) have become their own respective forces on tour.

Team Max-D^TM provides another example of the second generation times two. Tom Meents has brought along sons Colton and Jared Eichelberger for participation in the sport to ensure that Max-D chases titles for years to come.

“He’s always been my inspiration,” said Colton Eichelberger of 11-time World Champion Tom Meents. “He’s the best teacher and father you can have. He’s taught me everything I know and I’m sure my brother (Jared) would say the same thing. He’s the reason we’re able to do this. Without him and his help, we wouldn’t be where we are.”

Colton looks forward to their next meeting. He managed to take two of the three competitions from his father in Peoria in 2015. “I joke that I had to let him win one or my rent would go up,” said Colton, “but he actually did beat me. There are a bunch of good racers out there that you want to beat, but the person who taught you everything is always at the top of the list. He’s one of the biggest stars in Monster Jam and those are huge shoes to fill. I want to reach that level.”

The role of father as teacher goes well beyond the pit area. At each Monster Jam, the stands are filled with young children, often led to their seats by their fathers to enjoy the show. The fathers, likely adults who were fans as children, share in the joys of their children. These special moments create lifelong memories that bring generations closer. Eager youngsters listen and learn as Monster Jam provides unforgettable experiences.

School’s out and Monster Jam is on the road with many great shows this summer. It’s a great place to take Dad. He doesn’t need another tie or coffee mug. He’d look great in a Monster Jam T-shirt.

Father vs. Son

Vaters– Mike Vaters II has won 8 of 10 races against his father, Mike Vaters

Huffaker– In their last meeting, Ryan Huffaker beat Pablo Huffaker (Arlington, TX Feb. 23, 2013)

Sims– Steven Sims beat Steve Sims in Atlanta (2016), but the next week in Tampa, Steve Sims got revenge. They are 1-1 in 2016.

Anderson (Adam)– Adam Anderson has not raced his father Dennis Anderson since 2014. Adam won three and Dennis won 1 that year.

Anderson (Ryan)– Ryan Anderson has not raced his father Dennis Anderson since 2015. In the last four years, each driver has won 9 and lost 9 in head-to-head matchups.

Father vs. Daughter

Ramer– Rosalee Ramer has raced father Kelvin Ramer once, in Salinas, CA, this year. Kelvin won.

In preparation for the upcoming event at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, Monster Jam® stars were out in force at the CMA Fest Fan Fair X. The event was bigger than ever with Monster Jam on hand June 8-10. Monster Jam trucks Lucas Oil CrusaderTM and Max-DTM were present and drivers Tom Meents, Chad Fortune and Bailey Shea signed autographs and met with hundreds of country music and Monster Jam fans.

Monster Jam saw some famous faces throughout the weekend as well – Uncle Si from A&E's Duck Dynasty, The Bachelorette’s Luke Pell and recording artists Clare Dunn, Mark Wills, Tyler Steel and Mary Sarah all stopped by the booth and even got in the driver’s seats of the truck. You can see those pictures in our photo gallery.

Monster Jam returns to Nashville this weekend with one massive show for the first-time-ever at Nissan Stadium. Be sure to get your tickets!

Adding another stadium to its impressive list of appearances, Monster Jam® invaded Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee on June 18 and rocked the house. The central Tennessee fans have welcomed the show to Bridgestone Arena in the past, but it was time to move to the bigger confines for a summer show.

The star-studded field offered the best in the business with Monster Jam World Finals® champions and veterans making up a bulk of the field. For the first time since 2001, Monster Jam fans witnessed Carolina Crusher in a stadium environment. The news of Madusa’s return to competition also had fans in a frenzy.

Rain showers sent drivers and crews back to the drawing board for strategy in the event as the team tried to earn a spot in the racing bracket. Only the fastest of 16 Monster Jam trucks would get a chance to claim the “historic first” as best in Nissan Stadium. Ryan Anderson and Son-uva Digger® would prevail in qualifying and earn the top seed.

Anderson, who has compiled a 10-2 racing record since Monster Jam World Finals XVII, would march past 2015 Monster Jam World Racing Champion Todd LeDuc in Metal Mulisha^TM in the first round and defeat Team Hot Wheels^TM Firestorm in the semi-finals. The championship round pitted Son-uva Digger against Soldier Fortune^TM, marking the first time these two Monster Jam trucks have ever faced each other. Son-uva Digger would prevail to claim the third stadium racing title of the season.

Fans were pumped up for the Freestyle action to see how the Monster Jam drivers would tackle the challenging course. Five of the drivers in competition have claimed Freestyle wins at Monster Jam World Finals, so the bar was set high.

When the judges had finished, a familiar name came to the top of the leaderboard. Scott Buetow and Team Hot Wheels Firestorm, winners of three stadium Freestyle titles this season, had done it again. The run included a spectacular backflip that had the crowd holding their breath with a 10,000-pound Monster Jam truck high in the air.

Complete results can be found here.

Monster Jam moves on to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, June 25, with every driver from the Nashville event expected to take part. More information is available here.

(Photo by Dave DeAngelis)

Monster Jam® events in July will offer outdoor action at its finest. Several big events will add to the Monster Jam experience.

The month of action kicks off at Feyenoord Stadium as Monster Jam makes its first visit to Rotterdam in The Netherlands. The July 2 event is a matinee performance that will see 12 top Monster Jam stars in action for prestigious European bragging rights. The Monster Jam World Finals® quality lineup will give Rotterdam fans many familiar faces for their first up close and personal look.

The action moves to a traditional stop along the Monster Jam trail as the Lebanon Valley Speedway in West Lebanon, NY, will feature four nights of action. The multi-purpose facility has hosted Monster Jam for as long as anyone can remember. The shows start on Sunday (July 10), giving western New York residents a great chance for mid-week entertainment. Adam Anderson and Grave Digger®, winners of one Racing and three Freestyle competitions at West Lebanon in 2015, will be back to lead the field of 10 trucks.

Hagerstown Speedway in Maryland will offer more open-air action at a historic dirt racing track with three shows, July 15-17. Local favorite Mike Vaters II (Overkill Evolution), who picked up a Hagerstown Freestyle win in 2015 as the then-reigning World Freestyle champion, returns to defend his home turf. Getting a 2016 win will not be easy with former World Champion Damon Bradshaw (Monster Energy®) returning to a place where he went 7-1 in racing in 2014.

The month will close with a July 23-24 run at Stafford Motor Speedway in Stafford Springs, CT. A field of eight Monster Jam trucks will be put through the paces. Damon Bradshaw and Monster Energy swept Freestyle at Stafford in 2015, but a new crop of drivers will have something to say about that this year.

Find details about these great events here. 

The wait is almost over. Tickets for Monster Jam® events in 2017 will go on sale September 27th, but you have a chance to shorten your wait. Sign up now to be a Preferred Customer and you’ll receive pre-sale access, beginning Sept. 13!

It’s the best way to get the seats you want before the rest of the crowd! These seats are going to go quickly, so don’t wait the extra two weeks and lose out on a chance to have early access. Click here and sign up to be a Preferred Customer. We’ll see YOU next year at Monster Jam.

(Photo by Jason Twite)