The stable of Monster Jam® trucks has expanded with the arrival of Master of Disaster. The truck, which was featured on the season kickoff in September, will make its debut in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
The truck is owned by Zane Rettew, driver of Stinger and the 2016 Monster Jam Rising Star Award winner. Master of Disaster will be driven by Paul Strong, who formerly competed in Monster Jam with Martial Law.
“We decided we wanted to try having a second truck in 2015,” said Rettew. A new Stinger was built and the previous Stinger was outfitted with new equipment to become what fans see today as Master of Disaster. The truck build took about four months.
If the name sounds familiar, consider yourself an astute student of monster trucks. “It’s an old name from the ‘80s and ‘90s,” said Rettew. “It was one of my favorite trucks as a kid. We contacted the owners of the name in Minnesota and asked if we could use it and they gave us permission. In fact, they’re going to be here this weekend for the show (in Cedar Rapids).”
Since the truck has a Minnesota heritage, it seems fitting that Rettew would tab Strong, a Minnesota racer, for driving duties. “I’m excited for this,” said Strong. “I’ve thought about it a lot and I’m happy to be back doing this. I guess you could say it is in my blood.”
Strong’s home is very near the original Master of Disaster location. “I thought it would be neat to drive the truck when I heard about it. Then, Zane called and here we are.”
Buddy Young will serve as crew chief for both trucks this weekend with a full-time crew chief for Master of Disaster to be named before January.
Stinger and Master of Disaster will compete on a Monster Jam arena tour in 2017.
