Rev those engines

Monster truck madness is back at Nassau Coliseum this weekend, during Monster Jam’s Triple Threat Series three days of action-packed competition. Fans can watch their favorite “mechanical beasts” compete, along with newcomers to the circuit, Jan. 25-27.
The spectacle of the 12-feet-tall, 10,000 pound machines racing and ripping up a customer-designed track full of obstacles to soar over — or smash through —delights spectators, often bringing them to their feet thoughout the six events. The truck’s names — Grave Digger, Alien Invasion, Megalodon, EarthShaker — reflect the outrageous mix of racing and showmanship that enthrall both the drivers and their fans.
“Who doesn’t like to see a 12,000 pound truck go up in the air and crash?,” says 22-year-old Armando Castro, who drives El Toro Loco “The roar of the truck, the smell of the methanol gas, hanging out with the fans, I love it all. Exhaust is like my perfume.”
Driving in Monster Jam involves dexterity and stamina to maneuver these customized high-powered vehicles that include Speedsters, ATVs and the signature Monster Jam trucks, Castro’s El Toro Loco among them.

Drivers undergo intense training to hone their skills for these fierce contests, highlighted by back flips, vertical two-wheel skills and racing up to speeds of 70 miles per hour.
“El Toro Loco is a Hispanic themed truck that’s a crazy bull with smoke coming out of his nose,” says Castro. “It was always one of my favorite trucks when I was younger so it’s crazy for me now that I’m driving it.”
Castro, the proud son of Mexican immigrant parents, grew up in the largely Hispanic community of Whittier, Calif, where the Monster Truck circuit is popular. His parents took him to his first show when he was just six-years-old and he was hooked.
“I was always an adrenalin kid, up to no good, setting up ramps, getting hurt. I always wanted to drive a monster vehicle,” says Castro.
Three years ago that dream came true when Castro landed an audition for Monster Jam. “When I first jumped in the truck to audition I got a little scared,” says Castro. “That 1,500 horsepower is very powerful. It’s like a dragster but with a weight difference,”
But he certainly made an impression and became the new El Toro Loco driver in 2017.
Castro enjoys being the “newbie” on the circuit, joining some of the legacy drivers including Krysten Anderson, whose father Dennis is the Grave Digger creator, and Tristan England, son of Big Kahuna driver Shane England.
“I’m part of the up and coming young generation,” says Castro. Even though they are all friends, he acknowledges that “once those helmets come on, it’s game time. Monster Jam is completely unscripted, what happens, happens. It’s an adrenalin rush from start to finish.”
The drivers put it all on the line to get the win and at the same time impress their fans with their crazy, outrageous and daring antics on the track.
Sure, it’s entertaining, but it’s also a serious competition for them. The eight drivers on each tour of the 2019 season are competing for the mantle of Tour Champion. The winner will receive an automatic bid to the Monster Jam World Finals XX, held in Orlando, Fla. later this year.
Drivers are scored in different events starting off with racing in trucks, ATVs and a speedster obstacle course. Then it’s time for the “stunt” events where the drivers really get to show off their skills in the wheelie competition, the doughnut competition and — everybody’s favorite — the Freestyle.
“I love this part the best,” says Castro, “You have 75 seconds to go as big and fast and you can. It really gets the fans engaged.”
The monster truck phenomenon kicked off in a big way during the 1980s and has achieved a large, enthusiastic following over the years. As technology evolved, so, too, has the ability to better equip the trucks for safety.
Each truck is customized for the individual driver. “I don’t let anyone jump in my seat,” laughs Castro.
Drivers wear a fully contained harness including a neck brace. “That way when I jump, my head doesn’t move,” he says, “The truck takes the hit instead of my body.”
Enhanced safety means the drivers can do bigger, bolder, riskier moves during the stunt competitions. “We have top-of-the-line equipment so we can push the limits, doing back flips and all these other amazing stunts.” The audiences love every minute of it.”
For Castro, who is a licensed EMT in addition to his career with Monster Jam, that’s what matters the most. He loves being with spectators during the pre-event Pit Party where everyone can mingle with the drivers. Castro finds it especially inspiring to meet and encourage younger fans.
“I tell kids if I can do it, you can do it. It doesn’t matter what color or race you are. You just have to have the dream, work hard and have the edge.”

Monster Jam Triple Threat
When: Friday through Sunday. Jan. 25-27. Tickets start at $20; Pit Party tickets start at $15.
Where: Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale. (800) 745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com.