Monster truck showdown

It’s time for another round of monster truck madness when the metal monstrosities return to Nassau Coliseum this weekend for three days of action-packed competition. Monster truck fans can watch their favorite monster trucks compete, Feb. 6-8, along with newcomers to the circuit.
The spectacle of the 12-feet-tall, 10,000 pound machines brings audiences to their feet, as the vehicles race and rip up a custom-designed track full of obstacles to soar over — or smash through, to the delight of
spectators.
Their names — Grave Digger, Carolina Crusher, El Toro Loco, Mohawk Warrior, Bounty Hunter, Iron Outlaw, Aftershock, and Krazy Train — reflect the outrageous mix of racing and showmanship that are the hallmarks of this sport.
And for the drivers, it’s indeed a sport. “There’s a tremendous amount of skill involved in handling these trucks,” says Todd Morey, who will be behind the wheel of Iron Outlaw. Considered a rookie on the circuit, Morey was an announcer for Monster Jam, who made the transition to racing. He joined the Monster Jam tour last month, so fans will see him on Long island for the first time.
“I’m amazed at the power these trucks have,” says Morey, 36, who grew up in upstate New York, in Canajoharie, and now lives in Florida when he is not on the Monster Jam circuit. “I thought I understood monster truck racing from my years as announcer, but behind the wheel it’s a totally different experience. You put your foot down and the truck takes off.”
Fascinated by car racing since he was in his teens, Morey got his start at a local track as an announcer while still living in Canajoharie. Along the way, he held other related jobs in motor sports and eventually his announcing career led him to Monster Jam, where he became immersed in the monster truck world.
Morey eventually got the urge to branch out and explore other ventures in the sport and joined up with the Kansas-based 2Xtreme Racing, which owns Iron Outlaw and Bounty Hunter. Eventually he tried out for the Monster Truck team, and came on board last summer when a spot opened up, paired with Bounty Hunter’s Trent
Montgomery.
“I’ve always wanted to do this,” Morey says. “It’s wild. The speed and horsepower are intense. It’s fun to see how far you can push the truck and keep it in control.”
When Morey and his competitors make their way here, they aim to enthrall fans with non-stop action as they attempt to outdo one another. The drivers seek to best each other as they astonish the audience with their maneuvers while they move through show’s five elements: the wheelie competition, head to head racing, the doughnut competition, an obstacle course, and freestyle in which the trucks are pushed to their limits.
It’s the freestyle segment that really gets the fans revved up. This portion, during the event’s second half, is where the drivers truly get to show off their trucks and maneuvers, reaching for the biggest and boldest high flying stunts. “All the elements are great, but I enjoy the freestyle for sure,” says Morey.
And, of course, the spectators do too. “The fans want drivers to put their trucks on the edge — and we do,” Morey adds. “Monster Jam has a lot of flavor. Rookies, veterans and racing champions all bring a lot of elements to the table.”
Morey’s rookie status has been enhanced by support from fellow drivers as well as fans. “Behind the scenes we’re a huge family,” he says. “Everyone wants to help. Guys you [a rookie] want to beat on the track are giving you advice. My teammates are there for me every step of the way.”
There’s much more to the sport than simply driving these behemoths, Morey explains. “You need to learn the mechanics of the trucks, to be able to take them apart and assemble them. I come from a totally different side of this world.”
And the response from the fans has also eased Morey’s transition into racing. “The fans like seeing rookies,” he says. “They like seeing someone new. The fans knew me as announcer and have followed me to the racing side. It’s been very cool. They’ve been making signs for me and encouraging me. It’s humbling to have them believe in me like that.”
Morey’s enthusiasm has made his teammate Trent Montgomery take notice. “Todd has been a great teammate and has a heck of a learning curve,” Montgomery says. “He’s really thrown himself into the action and it’s been fantastic to work with him.”
Montgomery says everyone should come prepared for plenty of action from start to finish — as always. “We’re hoping for a great show. We’re ready for fans to stand on their feet and scream and shout.” And maybe see his pal Morey collect his first win.
“That will really be something to celebrate,” Morey says.
He encourages everyone to come to the Pit Party pre-shows, on Friday, 5:30-6:30 p.m., and Saturday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The Pit Party gives fans access to the racetrack where they can view the trucks up-close and meet the drivers.“Meeting the fans is truly awesome and what makes Monster Jam unlike other sporting event,” says Morey. “It also encourages us and makes us want to do better.”