Crash and burn
Monster Jam returns to Des Moines for another year
By Matt “It’s MillerTime” Miller
Every sport has a familiar icon that fans love. In basketball, there’s the Michael Jordan logo. In football, it may be the Heisman Trophy or the Super Bowl emblem. In NASCAR, it’s the black No. 3 of Dale Earnhardt. And in the world of monster trucks, it’s Grave Digger. With green flames across the hood, red headlights that look like eyes and vehicle known as the “Black and Green Wrecking Machine,” Grave Digger is in a league of its own. Lucky for Chad Tingler, he’s the one behind the wheel when Grave Digger returns to Des Moines for Monster Jam on Friday, Jan. 8 and Saturday, Jan. 9 at Wells Fargo Arena.
“Grave Digger has been around for 29 years now and has really become the icon of monster trucks because of the crazier things that it does,” said Tingler, who has been driving monster trucks for eight years, including the last five with Grave Digger. “When you’re a Grave Digger driver, the crowd expects you to push the limits of what these big vehicles can do.”
Monster Jam rolls into Des Moines for another event, following its Jan. 2-3, 2009, visit to Wells Fargo Arena. More than 15,000 people attended last year’s two-day event, and this weekend’s event is expected to draw just as many. All Monster Jam events include monster truck racing and freestyle competitions, as well as other elements like Thrill acts, Quad Wars and Pro Stadium/Arena Truck competition. Trucks expected to be competing at this weekend’s event are Grave Digger, Madusa, Bounty Hunter, Maniac, Jurasic Attack and Rolling Thunder.
The best thing about being involved in Monster Jam is the reaction from the kids,” Tingler said. “They really don’t know how big these trucks are until they see them for the first time. It’s exciting for everyone. And trust me, they’re big vehicles.”
For many Monster Jam competitors, driving large, supped-up vehicles takes year-round dedication. Besides competitions in the United States, the organization competes internationally in places like Canada, Europe, Costa Rica, Panama and Mexico.
“The sport is a full-time job, and it can take a toll on your body,” said Tingler, 35. “There isn’t much of a break during the year, so you get used to driving these big hogs. But when you’re competing and driving your everyday vehicle, it’s a major difference. In Grave Digger, you sit up 11 feet in the air, and you’d be surprised how well these 10,000 pound vehicles can get up and go.”
With each turn of the wheel and each stunt performed, there is always the risk for injury. But Tingler says luck has been on his side since the beginning.
“Our safety equipment is the best,” he said. “The combination of helmets, shock systems and seat belts is kept to the highest standard. I’ve been doing this for many years, but I’ve been lucky enough to not get hurt. At the same time though, I’m not sure how many more crashes my body can take. I hope I can keep driving for another eight years.”
Even without knowing when his career will be over, Tingler says he enjoys what the sport has brought to the community.
“In my opinion, we interact with the fans more than any other sport,” he said. “We have pit parties and sign autographs until everyone is satisfied. That’s why people like our shows — it’s a full two hours of non-stop action and fun.”
Locker Room note: A new Greater Des Moines Recreational Trails Map and Downtown Recreation Trails Map is available at www.seedesmoines.com/trails and at various area hotels, the Des Moines International Airport, Iowa Health and Des Moines hospitals. Call 491-9350. CV
Caption: Grave Digger has the reputation of pushing the envelope in Monster Jam competitions.
