Grave Digger (truck)
Encyclopedia
Grave Digger is the name of a team of monster truck
s currently racing in the USHRA Monster Jam
series. There are several Grave Diggers being driven by different drivers to allow them to make appearances at more events, but their flagship driver is creator Dennis Anderson
. Grave Digger is considered to be one of the most influential monster trucks of all time.
. This first truck was a red 1952 Ford pickup truck, which was later converted to a silver and blue 1951 Ford Panel Truck. The truck received its name when Anderson, amicably trash talking with his fellow racers, said the now famous line, "I'll take this old junk and dig you a grave with it", a reference to the age of his old pickup in comparison to their relatively modern trucks. Anderson gained a reputation for an all-or-nothing driving style and quickly became popular at local events. At one show, a scheduled monster truck failed to show up and Anderson, who already had large tractor tires on the truck, offered to crush cars in the absence of the full-size monster. The promoter accepted and Grave Digger was an instant success as a car crusher and led Anderson to leave mud bogging and pursue monster trucks instead.
In 1986 Grave Digger underwent a transformation to complete monster truck and first received its famous black graveyard paint scheme. In 1987 and 1988 Anderson drove the truck primarily at TNT Motorsports races and became a crowd favorite for driving hard despite lacking major funding that more well known teams, like Bigfoot
, had. In 1987, Anderson beat Bigfoot in St. Paul, MN on a show taped for ESPN
. It was the first major victory for Grave Digger.
Anderson moved to Grave Digger 2 in 1989, with a new 1950 Chevy panel van body. It was during this time that the reputation for wild passes was developed, and the popularity of the truck increased. TNT recognised his rising popularity and began promoting Grave Digger heavily, especially for races on the Tuff Trax syndicated television series. This was helped by Bigfoot not racing for points in the 1989 championship, leaving Grave Digger as the most popular truck on the tour.
When TNT became a part of the USHRA in 1991, Anderson began running on the USHRA tour and debuted his first four-link truck, Grave Digger 3. Throughout the 1990s, the popularity of the truck grew and forced Anderson to hire other drivers to run other Grave Digger trucks. Grave Diggers 4, 5 and 8 were built to suit this purpose, and were never driven in any major capacity by Anderson. Anderson drove Grave Digger 7, a direct successor to 3, for most of the decade. It was replaced by Grave Digger 12, well known as the "long wheelbase Digger", which was also the first Grave Digger with purple in the paintjob.
In late 1998, Anderson sold the Grave Digger team to Clear Channel
Motor Sports (now Feld Entertainment Motor Sports). Anderson continues to drive and still is the most visible member of the team. However, the Grave Digger shop in Poplar Branch, NC
now also houses the other trucks which Feld Entertainment owns.
Kubitza was formerly a preschool teacher, but the extent of her injuries prevented her from going back to work. She subsequently sued Grave Digger Inc as well as the show’s promoter Cellar Door Entertainment. A settlement was reached the day of the trial and Kubitza will receive US $12 million to be paid over her lifetime.
Gary Porter also won the WMTRL Championship in 2004 driving Grave Digger #12.
Many Grave Digger team drivers have won world championships in other trucks. Regular Grave Digger driver Pablo Huffaker won the 2007 Monster Jam Freestyle Championship driving Captain's Curse, and son of Dennis Anderson
, Adam Anderson
won the freestyle championship in 2008 driving Taz, and Grave Digger driver Charlie Pauken won the 2010 Monster Jam World Finals Freestyle Championship driving Monster Mutt
.
scene with tombstones bearing names of competitors, a haunted house
silhouetted by a full moon
, and a giant skull shaped ghost, is considered a part of what Grave Digger is and, although being tweaked over the years, has not strayed far from the first incarnation of the paintwork from 1986.
Perhaps the most visible trademarks are the red headlights which glow menacingly whenever the truck is in competition. The lights were first used when Anderson was building a transporter out of a school bus
and removed the red stop lights. After realizing they would fit in the headlights of the van, he installed them and the truck has had them ever since. During the TNT days, announcer Army Armstrong started telling fans that when the red lights were turned on, the truck was 100% ready to run and Anderson was going to go all out. Fans began to take notice and Anderson, who would keep the lights off if something was not working properly, began receiving letters saying that he was not at 100% at certain shows because the lights were not on. To this day, the lights are turned on for every run.
The reputation Grave Digger gained shot the truck to superstardom in the 1980s and continues to draw fans today. In the late 1980s Anderson gained the nickname "One Run Anderson" for his spectacular but often destructive qualifying passes which entertained the crowd but put the truck out of competition for the rest of the event. With the advent of freestyle
, Anderson gained a means by which he could entertain the crowd with wild stunts while also focusing on winning races. Today, Grave Digger, no matter which driver is appearing, is traditionally the last truck to freestyle at most events, providing the "grand finale" which caps off the show. These freestyles often end up in rollover crashes, at much higher rates than other trucks. The crowd typically loves to see the wrecks but some criticize the team for what they feel is the glorification of crashing.
The immense popularity of Grave Digger has made it the poster child
for Monster Jam, and in some cases monster trucks in general. There is much debate over whether Grave Digger has taken over the title of "Most Popular Monster Truck" from Bigfoot. As a result, the Grave Digger vs. Bigfoot rivalry is one of the strongest in the sport, despite the fact the trucks only race each other a few times each year.
Current Driver of Grave Digger #20
Current Driver of Grave Digger #16
Former Excaliber Driver
Current Driver of Grave Digger #22
Former Pure Adrenalin Driver
Current Driver of Grave Digger #19
Former driver of Firemouth, Spider Man, Monster Mutt, Power Forward, Grave Digger, Sudden Impact, Traxxas T-Maxx, Stone Crusher, Excaliber & Mopar Magic
Current Driver of Grave Digger #23
Former Owner/Driver of Carolina Crusher
Current Driver of Grave Digger #25
Current Driver of Grave Digger #18
Has also drove Safe Auto Minimizer, Pastrana 199, Ragin' Steel(On One of Brian Barthel's chassis), Monster Mutt Dalmatian
Current Driver of Grave Digger #24
He also drove Blue Ribbon Bandit, Wild Thang, Sting and "Built Ford Tough" Blue Thunder. Tony has been to several Monster Jam World Finals.
, North Carolina, is the official home of Grave Digger. Besides the usual gift shop, there is a Grave Digger located outside for photographs, as well as a truck that one can sit in within the shop. There are also various pieces of other Grave Diggers hanging throughout the store, all of which have been damaged from various accidents. While there is plenty of merchandise for sale, these parts are not.
Digger’s Dungeon is set to host the 2010 No Limit R/C Monster Truck World Finals. Taking place from May 28-May 30, the World Finals is the largest RC Monster Truck Race in the world.
The 2010 Digger Block Party sweepstakes started on October 6, 2009 and ran until July 18, 2010. The winner received a prize package totaling around US $11,850 dollars, including the visit from Grave Digger and Anderson, as well as catering, prizes, a DJ, and party equipment.
Engines alone cost around $35,000. Engines are regulated at 575 cubic inches and use 2 to 2.5 gallons of methanol per run.
Tires are 66 inches (1,676.4 mm) tall and 43 inches (1,092.2 mm) wide and cost an average of $1,800 per tire.
Shocks kits contain spring and shocks and can run around $1,500 to $2,000 each.
Body and Paint Bodies are made out of durable rough fiberglass. Custom bodies such as the ones used in Monster trucks cost $20,000 to make and mold and decrease in price for every remake of the original. Paint jobs are a combination of custom artwork, logos and lettering that can cost up to $7,000.
Budget and Repairs Between the cost of repairs, routine maintenance, fuel, drivers, pit crew, and equipment can cost $120,000 or higher each year.
Speed Monster trucks are built for short bursts of speed and power. Engines average about 1500 hp that can be used for jumps and quick maneuvering.
Safety Every Monster truck is equipped with 3 safety shut offs. The driver has one on the inside of the truck; another is clearly marked on the rear of the truck; and an official holds a remote kill switch in case the safety of onlookers is compromised. In every truck the driver is required to wear a five-point safety harness, helmet, fireproof suit, gloves and a HANS (Head And Neck Support) device.
Magnaflow performance exhaust
was selected to develop a muffler that would allow maximum performance, and still deliver that killer sound, but be environmentally friendly.
Monster truck
A monster truck is a pickup truck, typically styled after pickup trucks' bodies, modified or purposely built with extremely large wheels and suspension...
s currently racing in the USHRA Monster Jam
Monster Jam
Monster Jam is a live motorsport event tour and television show operated by Feld Entertainment. The series is sanctioned under the umbrella of the United States Hot Rod Association and takes place primarily in the United States and around the world...
series. There are several Grave Diggers being driven by different drivers to allow them to make appearances at more events, but their flagship driver is creator Dennis Anderson
Dennis Anderson
Dennis Anderson is a professional monster truck driver. He is the creator and driver of "Grave Digger" on the USHRA Monster Jam circuit. Originally from Norfolk, Virginia, he now resides in Poplar Branch, North Carolina. In Poplar Branch, he has his own shop where he signs autographs and shoots...
. Grave Digger is considered to be one of the most influential monster trucks of all time.
History
Grave Digger was originally conceived in 1981 by Dennis Anderson as a mud boggerMud bogging
Mud bogging is a form of off-road motorsport popular in Canada and the United States in which the goal is to drive a vehicle through a pit of mud of a set length...
. This first truck was a red 1952 Ford pickup truck, which was later converted to a silver and blue 1951 Ford Panel Truck. The truck received its name when Anderson, amicably trash talking with his fellow racers, said the now famous line, "I'll take this old junk and dig you a grave with it", a reference to the age of his old pickup in comparison to their relatively modern trucks. Anderson gained a reputation for an all-or-nothing driving style and quickly became popular at local events. At one show, a scheduled monster truck failed to show up and Anderson, who already had large tractor tires on the truck, offered to crush cars in the absence of the full-size monster. The promoter accepted and Grave Digger was an instant success as a car crusher and led Anderson to leave mud bogging and pursue monster trucks instead.
In 1986 Grave Digger underwent a transformation to complete monster truck and first received its famous black graveyard paint scheme. In 1987 and 1988 Anderson drove the truck primarily at TNT Motorsports races and became a crowd favorite for driving hard despite lacking major funding that more well known teams, like Bigfoot
Bigfoot (truck)
Bigfoot, introduced in 1979, is regarded as the original monster truck. Other trucks with the name "Bigfoot" have been introduced in the years since, and it remains the most well-known monster truck moniker in the United States. Bigfoot 4x4, Inc. is owned and operated by its creator, Bob Chandler.-...
, had. In 1987, Anderson beat Bigfoot in St. Paul, MN on a show taped for ESPN
ESPN
Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming....
. It was the first major victory for Grave Digger.
Anderson moved to Grave Digger 2 in 1989, with a new 1950 Chevy panel van body. It was during this time that the reputation for wild passes was developed, and the popularity of the truck increased. TNT recognised his rising popularity and began promoting Grave Digger heavily, especially for races on the Tuff Trax syndicated television series. This was helped by Bigfoot not racing for points in the 1989 championship, leaving Grave Digger as the most popular truck on the tour.
When TNT became a part of the USHRA in 1991, Anderson began running on the USHRA tour and debuted his first four-link truck, Grave Digger 3. Throughout the 1990s, the popularity of the truck grew and forced Anderson to hire other drivers to run other Grave Digger trucks. Grave Diggers 4, 5 and 8 were built to suit this purpose, and were never driven in any major capacity by Anderson. Anderson drove Grave Digger 7, a direct successor to 3, for most of the decade. It was replaced by Grave Digger 12, well known as the "long wheelbase Digger", which was also the first Grave Digger with purple in the paintjob.
In late 1998, Anderson sold the Grave Digger team to Clear Channel
Clear channel
A clear-channel station is an AM band Radio station in North America that has the highest protection from interference from other stations, particularly concerning night-time skywave propagation. Usually known as class A stations since 1982, they are occasionally still referred to by their former...
Motor Sports (now Feld Entertainment Motor Sports). Anderson continues to drive and still is the most visible member of the team. However, the Grave Digger shop in Poplar Branch, NC
Poplar Branch, North Carolina
Poplar Branch is an unincorporated community in Currituck County, North Carolina. It lies at an elevation of ....
now also houses the other trucks which Feld Entertainment owns.
Additional History: Oceanfront Accident
On October 17, 1998, a Grave Digger truck carrying twenty-five passengers flipped over, crushing Joy Kubitza’s right arm between the truck and the sand. This took place at a promotional show on Virginia Beach, featuring rides in Grave Digger for only US $5. All twenty-five passengers were treated at a hospital and released; Kubitza later returned for an additional 37 surgeries to help with the pain the accident caused.Kubitza was formerly a preschool teacher, but the extent of her injuries prevented her from going back to work. She subsequently sued Grave Digger Inc as well as the show’s promoter Cellar Door Entertainment. A settlement was reached the day of the trial and Kubitza will receive US $12 million to be paid over her lifetime.
Accomplishments
- 1999 Monster JamMonster JamMonster Jam is a live motorsport event tour and television show operated by Feld Entertainment. The series is sanctioned under the umbrella of the United States Hot Rod Association and takes place primarily in the United States and around the world...
Points Champion (Dennis Anderson) - 2000 Monster Jam World Freestyle Champion (Dennis Anderson)
- 2002 Monster Jam Points Champion (Dennis Anderson)
- 2003 Monster Jam Points Champion (Gary Porter)
- 2004 Monster Jam Points Champion (Randy Brown)
- 2004 Monster Jam World Racing Champion (Dennis Anderson)
- 2006 Monster Jam World Racing Champion (Dennis Anderson)
- 2010 Monster Jam World Racing Champion (Dennis Anderson)
Gary Porter also won the WMTRL Championship in 2004 driving Grave Digger #12.
Many Grave Digger team drivers have won world championships in other trucks. Regular Grave Digger driver Pablo Huffaker won the 2007 Monster Jam Freestyle Championship driving Captain's Curse, and son of Dennis Anderson
Dennis Anderson
Dennis Anderson is a professional monster truck driver. He is the creator and driver of "Grave Digger" on the USHRA Monster Jam circuit. Originally from Norfolk, Virginia, he now resides in Poplar Branch, North Carolina. In Poplar Branch, he has his own shop where he signs autographs and shoots...
, Adam Anderson
Adam Anderson (monster truck driver)
Adam Anderson is an American professional monster truck driver. He currently drives the monster truck Taz on the USHRA Monster Jam circuit.-Career:Adam Anderson is the son of monster truck pioneer Dennis Anderson...
won the freestyle championship in 2008 driving Taz, and Grave Digger driver Charlie Pauken won the 2010 Monster Jam World Finals Freestyle Championship driving Monster Mutt
Monster Mutt
Monster Mutt is a monster truck from West Chicago, Illinois, competing in the United States Hot Rod Association Monster Jam series since 2003. Styled after a 1951 Mercury, the truck has a canine motif, complete with big ears, tail and tongue. It is painted in two tones of brown, with a dog mouth...
.
Trucks
There have been a total of 25 Grave Digger monster trucks built. There are 9 trucks currently running.- Grave Digger 1 - Original truck. Truck has been taken apart and sits in back of the shop. (Recently made an appearance at World Finals 8 (2007)
- Grave Digger 2 - Leaf-sprung race truck. Currently rebuilt and out front of the shop to draw in visitors.
- Grave Digger 3 - 4-link race truck. Rebuilt into WCW Nitro MachineWCW Nitro (truck)WCW Nitro was a monster truck that raced on the USHRA circuit. It was a transferred body from the original Grave Digger 3 and was driven variously by different drivers. The truck has gone to one World Finals and was driven by former Excaliber and current Grave Digger driver Charlie Pauken...
in 2000-2001, Flashfire in 2001-2002 and later ran as Inferno until it was retired in 2008. - Grave Digger 4 - Leaf-sprung race truck, only run for a few months.
- Grave Digger 5 - Jack Koberna built 4-link race truck, only run for a few months. Chassis sold to another monster truck operator, body sits in the team store for children to climb on.
- Unnumbered Grave Digger - 4-link Racesource chassis race truck. Originally built by Pablo Huffaker as Jus' Showin' Off and was originally intended to be a Grave Digger for just a few weeks and ended up used for several months.
- Grave Digger 6 - Rebuilt as Son Uva Digger mud bogger. Was originally the "Street Digger."
- Grave Digger 7 - 4-link race truck. Retired. Currently on display at the team's headquarters, Digger's Dungeon.
- Grave Digger 8 - 4-link race truck. Retired from competition, was on display as part of a temporary museum exhibit in Chicago.
- Grave Digger 9 - Ride truck, sold and is now the "Extinguisher" ride truck.
- Grave Digger Boneyard Boogie - Ride truck, a school bus built by Sam Sturges and used for a ride truck on the western United States.
- Grave Digger 10 - 4-link race truck. Run by Pablo Huffaker, has been retired and scrapped.
- Grave Digger 11 - Ride truck, ran as the War Wizard ride truck but currently owned by Randy Brown since late 2006 and turned in to Pure Adrenaline ride truck in March 2010, has since be sold to a unknown buyer somewhere between Oct 2010-Dec 2010
- Grave Digger 12 - 4-link Racesource chassis race truck. Originally retired as a Grave Digger in 2010 but is being used by Tony Farrell as Grave Digger The Legend. It is unknown if Grave Digger #12 will be back for another racing season.
- Grave Digger 13 - Grave Digger #7's nickname after its rebuild in 1999 for the MJ season.
- Grave Digger 14 - 4-link Patrick chassis race truck. Retired in 2010 after extensive beatings to the chassis, much like #15
- Grave Digger 15 - 4-link Racesource chassis race truck. Retired in 2008 after extensive beatings to the chassis.
- Grave Digger 16 - 4-link Racesource chassis race truck. Currently driven by Pablo Huffaker.
- Grave Digger 17 - Pro ModifiedPro ModifiedPro Modified, also known as Pro Mod, is a class or division in the sport of drag racing used in the NHRA and the American Drag Racing League .-Overview:...
drag racerDrag racingDrag racing is a competition in which specially prepared automobiles or motorcycles compete two at a time to be the first to cross a set finish line, from a standing start, in a straight line, over a measured distance, most commonly a ¼-mile straight track....
sponsored by the team. (The IHRA and USHRA are under the same ownership.) No longer racing. - Grave Digger 18 - 4-link Patrick chassis race truck. Currently driven by Rod Schmidt.
- Grave Digger 19 - 4-link Cohen chassis race truck. Currently driven by Randy Brown.
- Grave Digger 20 - 4-link Cohen chassis race truck. Currently driven by Dennis Anderson.
- Grave Digger 21 - 4-link display truck. Was hauled around in a trailer for Advanced Auto Parts
- Grave Digger 22 - 4-link Patrick chassis race truck. Originally ran as BatmanBatman (truck)Batman is a monster truck currently competing on the USHRA circuit, where it is the 2008 Monster Jam World Racing Champion. The truck is officially licensed by DC Comics and has a replica of the Batmobile as the body. It is currently driven by John Seasock and debuted with Jason Childress driving...
from 2006-2008. Currently driven by Charlie Pauken. - Grave Digger 23 - 4-link CRD chassis race truck. Currently driven by Carl Van Horn.
- Grave Digger 24 - 4-link Cohen chassis race truck. Currently driven by Chad Tingler
- Grave Digger 25 - 4-link Cohen chassis race truck. Currently driven by Gary Porter.
Hallmarks
Grave Digger's origins, the imagery associated with the truck, and the truck's wild reputation, are all considered part of the mystique of the truck and have contributed to its continued popularity. Although originally a Ford, the 1950 Chevy Panel Van body is now considered the traditional Grave Digger body style and is not likely to be changed in the foreseeable future. Likewise, the paint scheme, combining green flames, letters dripping blood, a foggy graveyardGraveyard
A graveyard is any place set aside for long-term burial of the dead, with or without monuments such as headstones...
scene with tombstones bearing names of competitors, a haunted house
Haunted house
A haunted house is a house or other building often perceived as being inhabited by disembodied spirits of the deceased who may have been former residents or were familiar with the property...
silhouetted by a full moon
Full moon
Full moon lunar phase that occurs when the Moon is on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun. More precisely, a full moon occurs when the geocentric apparent longitudes of the Sun and Moon differ by 180 degrees; the Moon is then in opposition with the Sun.Lunar eclipses can only occur at...
, and a giant skull shaped ghost, is considered a part of what Grave Digger is and, although being tweaked over the years, has not strayed far from the first incarnation of the paintwork from 1986.
Perhaps the most visible trademarks are the red headlights which glow menacingly whenever the truck is in competition. The lights were first used when Anderson was building a transporter out of a school bus
School bus
A school bus is a type of bus designed and manufactured for student transport: carrying children and teenagers to and from school and school events...
and removed the red stop lights. After realizing they would fit in the headlights of the van, he installed them and the truck has had them ever since. During the TNT days, announcer Army Armstrong started telling fans that when the red lights were turned on, the truck was 100% ready to run and Anderson was going to go all out. Fans began to take notice and Anderson, who would keep the lights off if something was not working properly, began receiving letters saying that he was not at 100% at certain shows because the lights were not on. To this day, the lights are turned on for every run.
The reputation Grave Digger gained shot the truck to superstardom in the 1980s and continues to draw fans today. In the late 1980s Anderson gained the nickname "One Run Anderson" for his spectacular but often destructive qualifying passes which entertained the crowd but put the truck out of competition for the rest of the event. With the advent of freestyle
Freestyle (monster trucks)
Freestyle, in Monster Truck competition, is an event where the goal is to perform tricks and stunts with the truck in order to demonstrate driver skill and truck capability. Some freestyle events are judged competitions, while others are merely exhibitions....
, Anderson gained a means by which he could entertain the crowd with wild stunts while also focusing on winning races. Today, Grave Digger, no matter which driver is appearing, is traditionally the last truck to freestyle at most events, providing the "grand finale" which caps off the show. These freestyles often end up in rollover crashes, at much higher rates than other trucks. The crowd typically loves to see the wrecks but some criticize the team for what they feel is the glorification of crashing.
The immense popularity of Grave Digger has made it the poster child
Poster child
A poster child is a child afflicted by some disease or deformity whose picture is used on posters or other media as part of a campaign to raise money or enlist volunteers for a cause or organization...
for Monster Jam, and in some cases monster trucks in general. There is much debate over whether Grave Digger has taken over the title of "Most Popular Monster Truck" from Bigfoot. As a result, the Grave Digger vs. Bigfoot rivalry is one of the strongest in the sport, despite the fact the trucks only race each other a few times each year.
Drivers
- Dennis AndersonDennis AndersonDennis Anderson is a professional monster truck driver. He is the creator and driver of "Grave Digger" on the USHRA Monster Jam circuit. Originally from Norfolk, Virginia, he now resides in Poplar Branch, North Carolina. In Poplar Branch, he has his own shop where he signs autographs and shoots...
- Hometown: Kill Devil Hills, NC
- Driver Since: 1982
- Championships: 2000 Freestyle & 2004, 2006, 2010 Racing Monster Jam Champion
Current Driver of Grave Digger #20
- Pablo Huffaker
- Hometown: Tomball, TX
- Driver Since: 1991
- Championships: 2007 Freestyle Monster Jam Champion (in Captain's CurseCaptain's CurseCaptain's Curse is a monster truck created by Monster Jam, and has been competing in the Monster Jam series since 2007. Styled after a 1941 Willys pickup, the truck has a red and black pirate-themed paint scheme...
)
Current Driver of Grave Digger #16
- Charlie Pauken
- Hometown: Maumee, OH
- Driver Since: 1999
- Championships: 2010 Monster Jam World Finals Freestyle Champion (in Monster MuttMonster MuttMonster Mutt is a monster truck from West Chicago, Illinois, competing in the United States Hot Rod Association Monster Jam series since 2003. Styled after a 1951 Mercury, the truck has a canine motif, complete with big ears, tail and tongue. It is painted in two tones of brown, with a dog mouth...
)
Former Excaliber Driver
Current Driver of Grave Digger #22
- Randy BrownRandy BrownRandy Brown is a retired American basketball player. A 6'2" guard who played at New Mexico State University, Brown was selected by the Sacramento Kings in the second round of the 1991 NBA Draft...
- Hometown: Camden, NC
- Driver Since: 2000
Former Pure Adrenalin Driver
Current Driver of Grave Digger #19
- Carl Van HornCarl van HornCarl "Fuzzy" Van Horn is a retired Modified driver from Phillipsburg, New Jersey. Carl drove the several cars including his own 71E and later the 2A. . Carl was a very successful driver during his time...
- Hometown: Elizabeth City, NC
- Driver Since: 2010
Former driver of Firemouth, Spider Man, Monster Mutt, Power Forward, Grave Digger, Sudden Impact, Traxxas T-Maxx, Stone Crusher, Excaliber & Mopar Magic
Current Driver of Grave Digger #23
- Gary PorterGary PorterFor the footballer see Gary Porter Gary Porter is a monster truck driver that races on the USHRA circuit. He is currently a member of the Grave Digger team.-History:...
- Hometown: Wadesboro, NC
- Driver Since: 2001
Former Owner/Driver of Carolina Crusher
Current Driver of Grave Digger #25
- Rod Schmidt
- Hometown: Charles City, IA
- Driver Since: 2003
Current Driver of Grave Digger #18
- Chad Tingler
- Hometown: Stuarts Draft, VA
- Driver Since: 2006
Has also drove Safe Auto Minimizer, Pastrana 199, Ragin' Steel(On One of Brian Barthel's chassis), Monster Mutt Dalmatian
Current Driver of Grave Digger #24
- Adam AndersonAdam Anderson (monster truck driver)Adam Anderson is an American professional monster truck driver. He currently drives the monster truck Taz on the USHRA Monster Jam circuit.-Career:Adam Anderson is the son of monster truck pioneer Dennis Anderson...
- Hometown: Poplar Branch, NC
- Driver since: Subbed for Dennis AndersonDennis AndersonDennis Anderson is a professional monster truck driver. He is the creator and driver of "Grave Digger" on the USHRA Monster Jam circuit. Originally from Norfolk, Virginia, he now resides in Poplar Branch, North Carolina. In Poplar Branch, he has his own shop where he signs autographs and shoots...
, his father, in 2007. Former driver of Taz. Drives Grave Digger: The Legend. - Championships: 2008 Monster Jam World Finals Freestyle Championship
- Tony Farrell
- Hometown: North Vernon, IN
- Driver since: 2010. Drives Grave Digger: The Legend.
He also drove Blue Ribbon Bandit, Wild Thang, Sting and "Built Ford Tough" Blue Thunder. Tony has been to several Monster Jam World Finals.
Digger's Dungeon
Digger’s Dungeon, located in Poplar BranchPoplar Branch
Poplar Branch refers to:*Poplar Branch, North Carolina, a place in North Carolina*Poplar Branch , a stream in Geneva County, Alabama...
, North Carolina, is the official home of Grave Digger. Besides the usual gift shop, there is a Grave Digger located outside for photographs, as well as a truck that one can sit in within the shop. There are also various pieces of other Grave Diggers hanging throughout the store, all of which have been damaged from various accidents. While there is plenty of merchandise for sale, these parts are not.
Digger’s Dungeon is set to host the 2010 No Limit R/C Monster Truck World Finals. Taking place from May 28-May 30, the World Finals is the largest RC Monster Truck Race in the world.
Digger Block Party
In 2009, Feld Motor Sports (the company that owns the Grave Digger brand) announced a contest whose winner would win a catered party, including the appearance of Grave Digger and its principle driver, Dennis Anderson. The winner of the 2009 sweepstakes was Randy Conrad of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. At its height, the party had over 70 people in attendance.The 2010 Digger Block Party sweepstakes started on October 6, 2009 and ran until July 18, 2010. The winner received a prize package totaling around US $11,850 dollars, including the visit from Grave Digger and Anderson, as well as catering, prizes, a DJ, and party equipment.
Monster Truck Expenses
All monster trucks are custom built and can cost anywhere from $250,000 and have up to $100,000 worth of spare parts.Engines alone cost around $35,000. Engines are regulated at 575 cubic inches and use 2 to 2.5 gallons of methanol per run.
Tires are 66 inches (1,676.4 mm) tall and 43 inches (1,092.2 mm) wide and cost an average of $1,800 per tire.
Shocks kits contain spring and shocks and can run around $1,500 to $2,000 each.
Body and Paint Bodies are made out of durable rough fiberglass. Custom bodies such as the ones used in Monster trucks cost $20,000 to make and mold and decrease in price for every remake of the original. Paint jobs are a combination of custom artwork, logos and lettering that can cost up to $7,000.
Budget and Repairs Between the cost of repairs, routine maintenance, fuel, drivers, pit crew, and equipment can cost $120,000 or higher each year.
Monster Truck Facts
Size An average Monster truck weighs about 10000 to 12000 lb (4,535.9 to 5,443.1 ). They are usually 11 ft (3.4 m) tall and 12 ft (3.7 m) wide.Speed Monster trucks are built for short bursts of speed and power. Engines average about 1500 hp that can be used for jumps and quick maneuvering.
Safety Every Monster truck is equipped with 3 safety shut offs. The driver has one on the inside of the truck; another is clearly marked on the rear of the truck; and an official holds a remote kill switch in case the safety of onlookers is compromised. In every truck the driver is required to wear a five-point safety harness, helmet, fireproof suit, gloves and a HANS (Head And Neck Support) device.
Magnaflow performance exhaust
Magnaflow performance exhaust
MagnaFlow Performance Exhaust is an American based aftermarket exhaust parts manufacturer located in Rancho Santa Margarita, California.- Reputation :The company and its products have been mentioned on such television shows as Powerblock....
was selected to develop a muffler that would allow maximum performance, and still deliver that killer sound, but be environmentally friendly.
External links
- Official Website
- USHRA entry
- Digger's Dungeon on Roadside America
- German Monster Truck Website
- http://www.monsterjam.com/Bios/Drivers/Adam_Anderson/
- http://www.monsterjam.com/Bios/Drivers/Chad_Tingler/
- http://www.monsterjam.com/Bios/Drivers/Charlie_Pauken/
- http://www.monsterjam.com/Bios/Drivers/Dennis_Anderson/
- http://www.monsterjam.com/Bios/Drivers/Gary_Porter/
- http://www.monsterjam.com/Bios/Drivers/Pablo_Huffaker/
- http://www.monsterjam.com/Bios/Drivers/Randy_Brown/
- http://www.monsterjam.com/Bios/Drivers/Rod_Schmidt/
- http://www.monsterjam.com/Bios/Trucks/Grave_Digger/