8 things to know about Monster Jam

Fans can expect more racing, more freestyle, more donuts and more wheelies as the Monster Jam series returns to Dayton. CONTRIBUTED

Fans can expect more racing, more freestyle, more donuts and more wheelies as the Monster Jam series returns to Dayton. CONTRIBUTED


Want to go?

WHAT: Monster Jam 2016

WHERE: Ervin J. Nutter Center, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Fairborn

WHEN: Jan. 29-30. Friday at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

TICKETS: $10 (children ages 2-12), $18, $25 (Gold Circle) & $53 (front row. Ages 2 and Older must have a ticket. Kids ages 1 and under are free. No discounts on VIP or other premium seating. A maximum of 4 children tickets can be purchased with each adult ticket purchase. Day of show: All tickets are $3 more. No discounts apply.

SPECIAL EVENT: Party in the Pit, Saturday 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Meet the drivers, get their autographs, take photos and check out the trucks up close. Those attending the Party in the Pit must have a Pit Party ticket and a ticket to the 2 p.m. Saturday show.

The roar of the engines, the high-flying feats and, of course, the donuts. Fans can take it all in as Monster Jam featuring the Amsoil Series returns to the Nutter Center this week for three shows Friday and Saturday. Whether you are a regular or a rookie at Monster Jam events, here are some things you should know about this high-intensity showdown.

1. Three-for-one: Dayton is one of a small number of select cities where drivers showcase their skills in multiple vehicles. The show features eight individual teams fielding three competition vehicles — Monster Jam truck, Speedster and ATV. The same athlete drives all three vehicles going head-to-head in seven different competitions in the only Monster Jam show featuring athletes that are skilled in more than driving Monster Jam trucks.

2. All about the points: It's the only points accumulating Monster Jam tour in the country – a fast-paced endurance competition that pits world class athletes against each other for a spot in the prestigious Monster Jam World Finals (March 17-19) in Las Vegas where they will face some of the most skilled Monster Jam drivers in the world.

3. By the numbers: Monster Jam trucks measure in at about 12-feet tall, 12-feet wide and 20-feet long and weigh in at 10,000 pounds. They reach top speeds of 70 miles per hour and undergo a 50+ point safety inspection before each show.

4. Sibling rivalry: The Basl twins return to Dayton this year. Daron drives for the Monster Mutt Rottweiler team while brother Aaron drives for the New Earth Authority. The siblings have been competing in Monster Jam events for the past 16 years. Jared Eichelberger will compete for team Max-D this year. His brother Colton, who was in Dayton last year, is competing on the West Coast this season.

5. Buckeye drivers: Ohioans Bari Musawwir from Cleveland and Cynthia Gauthier from Canfield are among the eight drivers in the line-up for the Dayton show.

6. Girls rule: There are two female drivers vying for first-place finishes this year as Brianna Mahon will be at the helm of Scooby-Doo and Cynthia Gauthier will handle the Monster Mutt Dalmatian.

7. Familiar names: Fan favorites like Grave Digger return to Dayton this season, driven by Cole Venard. Max-D, Zombie, Monster Mutt Dalmatian, El Toro Loco, Scooby-Doo, Monster Mutt Rottweiler and New Earth Authority round out this season's teams.

8. Get in on the fun: Show times are Friday, Jan. 29, 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 30 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Nutter Center. Want to get up-close-and-personal with the trucks and drivers? Join the Party in the Pits from noon-1 p.m. Saturday. Tickets start at $10 and are available at the Nutter Center box office and www.ticketmaster.com.

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