'Monster trucks to take over Champion Motor Speedway'

Champion Motor Speedway will suspend all racing classes July 26 -- for one night only -- to present a Pro Monster Truck Racing Association show.

"This will be an all-out, freestyle show for the trucks," said Steve Quercio, show coordinator.

"We'll put out some motorhomes and vans and make just an unbelievable obstacle course. It will be the best monster truck show Carson City has ever had."

The PMTRA has 43 shows this summer, the most ever on their schedule. Shows are held from Meridian, Idaho to New York. Les Schwab Tire Center will have one of the trucks on display at 3020 S. Carson St. prior to the show.

According to Quercio, the trucks weigh about 10,000 pounds and have about as much horsepower as an alcohol-powered funny car. The tires stand about 7-feet high and weigh about 1,000 pounds each.

Scheduled to appear are Bear Foot, Paddy Wagon, Captain Insano from Idaho, Arachnophobia from Florida and Monster Patrol from Chicago.

"Monster Patrol has a big wing on the back of the truck," Quercio said. "From a standing start, the driver will stab the throttle, go straight up in the air and ride the wing.

"These drivers look forward to the outdoor shows. They can really open it up on a racetrack. They're limited with the indoor shows."

The first 500 kids to enter will get a free monster toy truck.

"The gates will open at 6 p.m. with a pit party on the track," Quercio said. "We will have the trucks lined up for people to meet the drivers, check out the trucks and take pictures. This will be a very different show than what was here three years ago. We may add some extreme freestyle motorcycles, just like you see on the X-Games. There will also be a tuff-truck competition."

Tickets are $12 per person age 4 and older, 3-younger are free. Admission includes the on-track pit party.

"We'll let the crowd decide the winner by applause," Quercio said. "We would like to make this an annual deal, but we need the support of the fans. This is a family event, everyone should come out."

"It's been a few years since monster trucks have been showcased in Carson City and we have a stellar lineup ready to rock the house," said Jeb Onweiler, general manager of Champion Motor Speedway.

"This group brings in some of the most exciting monster truck shows in the business. I strongly encourage fans to get their tickets early, because this event will probably sell out."

Fun Jumpers' Earnhardt Memorial Park Kids Klub will host the Paddy Wagon thrill ride truck along with the bounce house pavilion. The Paddy Wagon will offer $5 rides in a real monster truck for all kids starting at 6 p.m.

All five "Thunder Theater" locations will offer ARCA RE/MAX Series action from Pocono, Pa., followed by USAC Silver Crown racing from Pikes Peak International.

Advance tickets are on sale at all Ticketmaster locations. For event information, call the CMS business office at 267-0505 or log on @ www.championmotorspeedway.com.

IF YOU GO

What: Pro Monster Truck Racing Association show

When: 6 p.m. July 26

Where: Champion Motor Speedway

Cost: $12 per person age 4-older

Info: 267-0505