Monster Truck Madness Descends on Moses Lake for Memorial Day Weekend

Monster Truck Madness in Moses Lake

Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time for adrenaline-pumping excitement at the Moses Lake sand dunes. Thousands of fans flock to see the biggest names in monster truck racing battle it out in mega truck competitions. Get ready for three days of family-friendly action featuring backflipping, car-crushing, engine-roaring monster truck shows in Moses Lake.

The History of Monster Trucks

Monster trucks first roared onto the scene in the late 1970s as modified pickup trucks with oversized tires. They quickly became a major draw at popular motocross events and tractor pulls across the United States. Over time, purpose-built monster trucks emerged, with gigantic 66-inch tires and sophisticated suspension systems for spectacular maneuverability.

Legendary early monster trucks like Bigfoot and USA-1 pioneered the sport. Bigfoot is credited with being the first monster truck to crush cars as part of its performance. By the mid-1980s, individual owners were forming their own monster truck teams and competing across the country. Major motorsport venues started hosting monster truck shows, capitalizing on their wild popularity.

Monster Truck Events at Moses Lake Sand Dunes

Moses Lake's Grant County International Airport provides the perfect setting for monster truck shows. The giant runway and open camping areas transform into a playground for monster trucks over Memorial Day weekend. Fans can experience all the sights, sounds and smells of these mechanical beasts up close.

Major national events like Monster Trucks Unlimited attract the biggest names in the sport. Behemoths like Avenger, Soldier Fortune, and Overkill Evolution arrive, promising earth-shaking encounters. Monster truck drivers are modern-day gladiators, engaging in all-out war using 10,000 pound trucks as weapons.

Beyond the main car-crushing competitions, Moses Lake hosts specialty events like long jump contests. Crowds gasp as trucks hit the pedal and launch almost 200 feet down the runway. Freestyle motocross riders even use the obstacles laid out for the trucks to get big air.

What to Expect at a Monster Truck Show

Monster truck shows are fully immersive experiences. Before the main events, fans can get up close to the trucks and chat with drivers during the pre-show Pit Party. Minor mechanics tinker with engines and make last minute adjustments as music blares over loudspeakers.

Pyrotechnics and rock music create an energetic vibe during the main shows. Play-by-play announcers narrate the bone-jarring action, explaining classic moves like the wheelie, cyclone and sky wheel. Sudden bursts of flames and plumes of exhaust accompany gravity-defying jumps and deafening crashes.

A key attraction is watching monster trucks crush smaller vehicles like cars and ATVs. The crunch of metal and shattering of glass gets crowds roaring. At Moses Lake, most shows end with a freestyle motocross performance featuring unbelievable acrobatics.

Big Names Hitting Moses Lake

Monster truck lineups bring together rising stars and veterans of the tour. Major fan favorites include:

• Grave Digger – The legendary black and green wrecking machine driven by Krysten Anderson
• Max-D – Max-D TV Series star Tom Meents pushing hardcore freestyle
• El Toro Loco – A bright yellow bull-themed truck with daring driver Kayla Blood
• Bounty Hunter – Jimmy Creten racing his iconic bounty hunter-themed monster

Younger drivers like Tyler Menninga and Blake Granger also gain exposure on the Moses Lake circuit. New truck designs and retro classics make for an eclectic field of competitors.

Families Love Monster Truck Shows

Beyond the adrenaline-inducing events, monster truck shows create a fun county fair type of atmosphere. Kids can check out the pits and get autographs from their favorite drivers before the shows. Lively midway games and carnival rides provide entertainment between events.

Food trucks and vendors set up on the grounds, serving classic fare like corn dogs, turkey legs and funnel cakes. For the grown-ups, there are also beer gardens flowing with cold brews. The exciting setting makes for perfect family bonding opportunities.

Affordable Moses Lake Monster Truck Tickets

Unlike major league sporting events, monster truck shows are very reasonably priced. General admission starts around $20 for adults. Teens and kids get in for even less. Reserve your seats in the front row for the best crushing action at around $40 per ticket.

Competition tickets grant access to the pre-show Pit Party, giving fans an insider's view. Multi-day festival passes offer the best value, with prices around $75. VIP packages include meet and greets plus exclusive perks.

Plan Your Monster Truck Weekend

With Memorial Day weekend showcasing the Monster Trucks Unlimited tour's Moses Lake stop, now is the time to start planning. Here are some tips for your monster truck show experience:

• Book tickets early online for the best deals and seat options
• Bring ear protection for little ones sensitive to loud noises
• Arrive early to tailgate, explore the midway and see the freestyle motocross
• Pack sunblock, shades and hats to stay cool at the outdoor venue
• Bring some spending money for food, drinks, souvenirs and rides

Monster truck shows capture the thrill of destruction and power. Kids of all ages revel in the sights, sounds and spectacle of these mechanical beasts crushing all in their path. Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time to experience monster truck madness in Moses Lake.

FAQs

What are the most popular monster trucks?

The top monster trucks are Grave Digger, Max-D, El Toro Loco and Bounty Hunter. These trucks feature heavily in shows with their daring drivers and iconic designs.

When is the monster truck show in Moses Lake?

The big Monster Trucks Unlimited event happens over Memorial Day weekend every year at the Grant County International Airport.

Where can I buy tickets?

Tickets can be purchased online in advance for the best deals. Limited tickets may also be available at the gate.

What else is there to do besides the main shows?

Fans can explore monster truck pits, enjoy carnival rides and games, see freestyle motocross shows, meet drivers, and more.

Can kids attend monster truck shows?

Yes, monster truck shows are very family-friendly events. Ear protection is recommended for sensitive young ears.