January 12, 2008--A total of 67,000 fans crowded into the Georgia Dome to watch Monster Jam IV--the first event in the 2008 Monster Truck racing series. I have never (i.e. in my life) been to any motor sport event (NASCAR will be featured on this tour later in the year).Evidently, the Monster Truck series has gained in popularity over the past few years. The trucks tour nationally, each with their own driver, theme and fan club. With names like "Maximum Destruction," "Pouncer," and "El Toro Loco" it was hard for me to choose which truck was the most imposing! The family of four seated in front of us (completely covered in green body paint and wearing cutoff flannel shirts) was clearly rooting for "Grave Digger," one of the favorites. They were almost as entertaining as watching the Monster Trucks flip over and blow out $10,000 tires.
I was surprised how mixed the crowd was--I thought I spotted one of everything! Women with Louis Vuitton handbangs, good ol' boys with big gold belt buckles and NASCAR enthusiasts with mullets and racing pants. I was definitely out of place in my pink shirt. Next year, I will wear something in a camouflage print (I'll have to buy some, first). There were lots of children there, too. I guess trucks slamming into things is fun for the whole
family (note to self: ask parents why my childhood was so boring).Contrary to the "Sunday! Sunday! Sunday!" TV commercials, Monster Truck Jam isn't just about mass destruction. These are organized events! The show kicks off with a timed race where the Monster Truck drivers have to circle the arena twice and clear the same jumps (like the compulsory event in figure skating?). In between rounds, local junk cars raced and slammed into each other. My favorite were the junk truck race and the trailer race (these cars pulled a variety of junk--a Port-a-John, washing machine, speed boat, bicycle and a toilet, to name a few). After the ATV race, the Monster Trucks were back in the spotlight with the "Freestyle" competition (again, just like figure skating!). In this event, each truck has 90 seconds to perform--they jump over obstacles, crash into cars, spin themselves around and
basically seem to get really excited when they destroy their car. "Monster Mutt" was the highlight of my night (see photo at right, yes the car had a tail).If you plan on attending next year's show--BRING EAR PLUGS. I'm glad I went with my poker buddies, Mike, Jeff, Randy and Terri (happy birthday!)--they were able to keep me up to speed on the events. Jeff did a good job making sure I didn't get kidnapped and taken to Newnan, GA, and Randy tried to find Mike a wife while waiting in line for the MARTA train. All in all, a great Saturday night!
1 comment:
Liz, this is a wonderful idea. However for those who have lived longer in Georgia and failed to get to grips with all it has to offer, perhaps you might consider posting pictures of you with a new friend at each cultural event. That way we can truly live vicariously through your travels.
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