The roar of a 1,500-horsepower engine and a 12,000-pound machine flying through the air are hallmarks of monster truck events. Commanding one of these giants is a demanding but achievable goal for those with the right combination of skill, dedication, and experience. The path to the driver’s seat requires a blend of mechanical knowledge, driving prowess, and a flair for entertainment.
Essential Skills and Requirements
A deep understanding of mechanics is necessary for any aspiring driver. These custom-built machines are under constant, extreme stress, and the driver must be able to diagnose problems with the engine, suspension, or drivetrain by sound and feel. Drivers are often involved in the maintenance and repair of their trucks, making on-the-fly adjustments between events. This aptitude allows a driver to understand the relationship between components to push the truck to its limit safely.
Exceptional vehicle control is another requirement. Handling a monster truck has little in common with driving a passenger car, requiring a delicate touch on the throttle and precise steering to navigate tracks and execute stunts. Drivers need an advanced sense of spatial awareness to maneuver the massive vehicle, which stands over 10 feet tall and 12 feet wide. The physical forces are also immense, with jumps producing forces of three Gs or more, demanding peak physical conditioning to maintain control.
This career is as much about entertainment as it is about competition. A successful driver is also a showman who can create a persona that captivates the audience and engages with fans. Strong communication skills and charisma are needed for pit parties and media interviews. The ability to handle press events and represent sponsors professionally is a large part of the job.
Gaining Relevant Experience
Prospective drivers must build a foundation of hands-on experience before seeking specialized instruction. A common entry point is to work as a mechanic for a motorsports team. This provides direct exposure to the high-pressure environment of competitive racing and deepens one’s understanding of vehicle mechanics, fabrication, and repair. Working on any race vehicle, from dirt track cars to drag racers, builds a transferable skill set.
Participating in other forms of local motorsports is an effective way to develop driving skills. Competitions like mud bogging, off-road racing, or “tuff truck” challenges offer a lower-cost entry into driving powerful vehicles in a competitive setting. These grassroots events help hone car control, reaction time, and the ability to read changing track conditions. This experience is what talent scouts look for when searching for new drivers.
Developing practical skills like welding and fabrication is also beneficial. Monster trucks are custom-built, and teams need to make significant repairs or modifications on the road. Knowing how to weld a broken chassis or fabricate a new bracket can be the difference between competing or being sidelined. This self-sufficiency makes a candidate more valuable to a professional team.
Getting Professional Training
While grassroots experience is important, stepping into a professional monster truck requires formal, specialized training. The power and unique handling of these machines necessitate a structured learning environment focused on safety and precise techniques. These programs bridge the gap between amateur motorsports and the professional circuit.
The most well-known training institution is Monster Jam University, operated by Feld Entertainment. At this facility, aspiring drivers are taught by seasoned veterans and champions like Tom Meents. The curriculum covers basic truck operation and safety protocols, advanced stunt execution like sky wheelies, media interaction, and physical fitness.
Acceptance into a program like Monster Jam University often results from being discovered by talent scouts at other motorsporting events. Independent training schools and private instruction from established drivers also exist, offering personalized coaching. These programs provide hands-on experience in a controlled environment. This allows students to learn the truck’s dynamics and practice maneuvers safely before performing for an audience.
Obtaining Necessary Licenses and Certifications
While a special license is not needed to drive a monster truck during a performance, a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is a requirement for the job. Drivers are almost always responsible for transporting their race truck from one city to the next. The hauler rig, which carries the truck and equipment, is a commercial vehicle requiring a CDL for its operation. Possessing a CDL-A is a prerequisite for being hired, as it shows the ability to handle all aspects of the job.
Beyond the CDL, some organizations may require a specific competition license, such as one from the Monster Truck Racing Association (MTRA). This certification ensures that a driver has met certain safety and competency standards recognized within the industry. Acquiring these credentials helps formalize one’s status as a professional.
Breaking Into the Professional Circuit
Securing a spot on a professional team involves a combination of networking, self-promotion, and formal auditions. Attending live events is an opportunity to connect with current drivers, mechanics, and team owners. Building relationships within this tight-knit community can open doors to future opportunities.
Creating a professional portfolio or “sizzle reel” is an important step. This video compilation should showcase your driving abilities from training or local competitions, and highlight your personality and media experience. This portfolio serves as a resume, demonstrating your skills and marketability to promoters like Monster Jam before a formal tryout or audition.
A formal audition will evaluate your driving skills, ability to take direction, and on-camera presence. The lifestyle of a professional driver involves extensive travel, long hours, and constant public engagement. Teams look for individuals who are talented behind the wheel and are also reliable, professional ambassadors for the sport.