Some Lug Nuts About Monster Trucks

Have you ever wanted to learn more about monster trucks? Well, I did. So I decided to do a little research on the topic. Here is what I found out:

How much does a monster truck cost to make?

Anywhere from $80,000 to $150,000. A person who takes on such a project is usually an owner of a custom-truck shop or auto-supply store.

What goes into making one?

The body of a monster truck - cab, bed, and fenders - is all fiberglass. The door handles and lights are sometimes painted on. The final design of the newer trucks is worked out on computer - putting them in the high-tech category.

How much do monster trucks weigh?

Typically, they weigh anywhere from 10,000 to 12,900 pounds. The height of a monster is usually about 12 feet.

What about the tires?

In one article I read, a man compared them to Nerf balls. There's about 8 to 10 pounds of air pressure in the tires, making them lighter than you might think.

How many monster trucks are there?

There are more than 300 roaming the world. The Japanese have some, but America remains the leader in the monster-truck industry.

What goes into making a monster mud track for the mud-racing event?

Well, start with 122 truckloads of dirt. Then, in a pan the size of a hockey rink, spread the dirt evenly, 30-inches deep. Add 6,000 gallons of water. Then stir.

When are the competitions and what do they involve?

The Thunder Drags is the ultimate contest that determines the driver champion of the year. Recently held in Indianapolis, Ind., the annual Thunder Drag competition has been around for 11 years.

This competition features high-intensity monster-truck racing. Eleven trucks compete in this contest.

In one event, monster trucks race up a dirt ramp at full speed and jump. The one who makes the smoothest landing is declared the winner.