I recently had the enjoyment of taking my nephew Jack to a Monster Jam event at Anaheim Stadium. It was his Christmas gift from uncle Bob. 

After rendezvousing with my brother-in-law Frank and nephew Jack at a local Hooters next to the stadium. Jack was left with uncle Bob. After dinner we cruised over to the stadium. The first stop was to stroll through the pits and check out the massive four-wheeled monsters up close. Pat Gerber who built, owns, and drives "Shocker" was signing autographs in front of his gorgeous '06 Chevy Colorado monster truck.

Shocker '06 Chevy Colorado:

Chassis: All steel tube

Suspension: Four linked front and rear

Ride Height: 10 feet

Tires: 66-inch Firestone

Engine: Chevy 523ci Lambert Enterprises blown, injected, fuel; alcohol 1,200 horsepower

Transmission: DFS GM Turbo 400 automatic

Weight: 10,500 lbs.

I have known Pat for a number of years and have done some tech articles in Truckin' at his shop Shocker Motorsports in Bakersfield, California. I introduced Jack to Pat, who took timeout to answer a number of questions and explain the anatomy and functions of "Shocker". It was very impressive. After checking out all 16 monster trucks in the pits, we headed out to find our seats. Shortly after locating our great seats, we were entertained with off-road, and midget exhibition races. Then the Monster Truck drivers were introduced to the crowd as they were paraded around the stadium in the bed of two Chevy and Ford lifted trucks. Following the national anthem the spotlights and laser light show attracted the monster trucks as their thunderous engines shook the stadium seats as they filed into the dirt covered baseball field and proceeded to park along the outfield perimeter. As the first pair of massive metal and horsepower were staged at the starting line the crowd rose to their feet. As the engines rpms' increased and the lights went green the instant throttle response erupted taking your breath away. Jacks expression was priceless. Following the match racing the stadium dirt floor was reconfigured featuring jumps and other aerial launching obstacles for the freestyle portion of the event. I must say, Jack and uncle Bob were amazed at the incredible flying aerobatic gyrations and crash landings that were pulled off. It was insane!!!

If a Monster Jam throwdown is coming to your area, it's a must see event. Its for kids of all ages, and the experience will be remembered for a lifetime.

Just ask my nephew Jack...