Friday 7:30
Grave Digger, Charlie Pauken. Donkey Kong, Frank Krmel. Amsoil Shock Therapy, John Zimmer. Aftershock, Bob Robbins. Thrasher, Pat Summa. Rap Attack, Dave Rappach. Excaliber, John Killinger. The Warrior, Roger Cardot.
Friday Racing: Grave Digger
Freestyle: Grave Digger
The Dunkin Donut Center is the hot spot in Providence this weekend. Tonight was only the first of four shows exploding onto the local scene.
The Cannonlady led off the show with one of her most challenging shots. With the lower ceiling beams at only 48 feet above the track surface, Jennifer had to recalculate, and adjust from a 45 degree angle all the way to 38 degrees – a HUGE change when it comes to flying over 100ft through the air. The fans all held their breath as they counted down to ignition. It was only when she landed in the net’s “sweet spot” that the fans knew it was time to celebrate.
The U.S. Marines Monster Jam Wheelie Competition is always the best way to showcase the trucks as we start the action.
Excaliber 14
Aftershock 19
The Warrior 13
Thrasher 20
Rap Attack 23
Amsoil Shock Therapy 23
Donkey Kong --
Grave Digger 28
Donkey Kong had to be pulled from the track after he lost power during introduction. His crew really wanted to make it back for Wheelie – but, once they’d realized they were going to miss it, they focused all of their efforts on Racing. Rap Attack and Shock Therapy both put up huge air, with Thrasher nearly equaling the effort. To win, Charlie knew he’d have to find a way to dig the back tires of Digger into the track to get traction. Pauken’s wheelies start from a stopped position with his front tires touching the first crush cars. He then guns it, and shoots the front end into the air. As he lands, he plants the rear end of the Chevy Panel Van into the last crush car in the stack.
Tasca Ford Monster Jam Racing began with After Shock beating out Thrasher, and Digger taking down Excaliber. In the other side of the bracket, it was Shock Therapy putting Warrior back into the pits, and Kong taking out his revenge for missing out of Wheelie by taking down Rap Attack.
The closest race of the night came in the Semi’s. Race officials replayed the video on the big screen for the fans several times to determine who edged out the other for a chance to go to the finals – Amsoil Shock Therapy or Donkey Kong. The crowd seemed split 50 / 50, the officials however were decisive. Zimmer would get his chance to take the Amsoil truck into the finals to face Digger, after Charlie eliminated Aftershock.
In the Finals, Digger was behind after the first lap in the Chicago Style track. He would only have a half lap to overtake the lead built up by the Zimmer. Pauken talked earlier about how much he liked this heavy, tacky track surface – he said it allowed him to race faster around the corners. That was all that was needed to explain exactly how Digger closed the gap, and took the checkered flag.
We began the second half with all of the young Monster Jam Fans putting on this Monster Truck Tire Ear Muffs, and preparing themselves for Radical Rob as the DynoManiac. With only custom made leathers and a helmet to protect him, he crawled into a box of explosives that equaled several sticks of TNT. After the explosion, he seemed dazed as the paramedics rushed out to his side. Given a few minutes to steady himself, the DynoManiac was able to stand, and once again walked away from a scene that showcased on scattered pieces of what was once a coffin sized box.
In the Dunkin Donuts Quad Wars, Team NY wasted no time in letting the fans know that Providence was not where they felt a quality team such as theirs should be spending it’s time. After a pre-race prediction of “a NY sweep”, the fans were ready to put every once of their support behind Team Rhode Island. Interesting how these things always seem to work out… we did have a sweep, so the NY team captain was right in that sense. But with the fan support so strongly behind them, it was Team RI that broomed NY right off of the track.
UTI Monster Jam Freestyle was a crowd favorite from beginning to end. With the addition of a seven foot van stack obstacle in the center of the floor, the crowd was treated to incredible high flying action.
The Warrior 12
Thrasher 15
Excaliber 19
Rap Attack 18
Aftershock 21
Donkey Kong 24
Amsoil Shock Therapy 21
Grave Digger 28
Using the freestyle stack, Kong and Digger battled it out to impress the judges. Kong was up first, and redefined how much air a 10,000lb truck could get flying over the track. Charlie, needless to say, had exactly the same strategy in mind. Though it was close, the video replays easily showed that Digger just seemed to find a way to get more air out of that van stack.
SAT 2pm
Friday Racing: Grave Digger
Freestyle: Grave Digger
The Dunkin Donut Center stayed hot this afternoon as the temperatures outside dropped in Providence.
The Cannonlady again led off the show perfectly navigating flight just below ceiling beams. For those fans that were seeing Jennifer for the first time, they got a rare look at just how amazing it is that a human being can be shot out of a 28ft barrel, and land so perfectly over 100ft away.
The U.S. Marines Monster Jam Wheelie Competition continue to set the pace for the show. In today’s competition, the excitement was amplified by the carnage of Monster Jam.
Excaliber 16
Aftershock 20
The Warrior 18
Thrasher 23
Rap Attack 18
Amsoil Shock Therapy 25
Donkey Kong 26
Grave Digger 30
Fan’s always like to see a monster put it all on the line to win a competition. Perhaps the most amazing highlight footage from any Wheelie competition was delivered today by Rap Attack. Coming off of his first attempt, Dave launched his truck into a picture-perfect wheel stand. But, the impact was so severe that when the truck’s rear end struck the crush car -- it collapsed. Everything under the chassis crumbled, and was left on the track. The rear axle, tires, drive train, and shocks were all hauled out separately. It was amazing to see! Since Dave could not complete a second attempt his scores were low, but, the fans couldn’t have asked for anything more. They gave a standing ovation as Dave promised to have the truck back together in time for tonight’s show. Digger would go on to do the exact same Wheel stand , but, with very different results. The truck stayed intact, and the judges awarded him the first perfect score of the weekend.
Tasca Ford Monster Jam Racing began with Shock Therapy taking down Thrasher, and Digger wiping out Warrior. In the other side of the bracket, it was Kong putting Excaliber back into the pits, and Aftershock advancing with a solo run due to the earlier devastation of Rap Attack.
The closest race of the night again came in the Semi’s. Race officials replayed the video on the big screen for the fans to determine who would advance between Shock Therapy and Digger. In this rematch of last night’s final, Digger again would narrowly take the win. In the other side of the bracket, it was Donkey Kong dominating Aftershock to set up the race between the two drivers that have developed a heated rivalry this year.
In the Finals, Digger would face his friend and rival, Kong. Charlie and Frank most certainly keep track on the side of their hauler the wins that they have over each other. Though heated, it’s a friendly rivalry that always gives the fans an incredible race. The two trucks were dead even at the half way point. Only the experience of Pauken could prove to make a difference, as Digger picked up a half second in the final turn -- just enough to notch the win over Kong.
We began the second half once again with an explosion. Radical Rob as the DynoManiac crawled into that box of explosives and again blew us all way – not literally, of course… but what a great show!
In the Dunkin Donuts Quad Wars, Team NY wasted no in stealing two quick victories in the early rounds. The fans were once again behind Team Rhode Island, and were able to push their team to victory in the all-important “Main”. With the win, Team RI once again takes home the prize.
UTI Monster Jam Freestyle is always a favorite, especially when you place a seven foot van stack obstacle in the center of the floor to enable the high flying action that you’ll only see at Monster Jam.
The Warrior 14
Thrasher 16
Excaliber 20
Rap Attack --
Aftershock 21
Donkey Kong 25
Amsoil Shock Therapy 28
Grave Digger 28
There is no question that fans like a fast paced, full throttle Freestyle run. Shock Therapy and Digger both delivered exactly that. While Shock Therapy made better usage of the entire track, it was Digger that ended with a wide-open slap wheelie that he rode the length of the track. Judges scored both the same at 28. Simple truth was that both were good enough to take the win. But, since only one truck could be awarded the victory, it was an old fashioned crowd cheer off that determined that Digger would take the crown.
Saturday - 7:30
Grave Digger, Charlie Pauken. Donkey Kong, Frank Krmel. Amsoil Shock Therapy, John Zimmer. Aftershock, Bob Robbins. Thrasher, Pat Summa. Rap Attack, Dave Rappach. Excaliber, John Killinger. The Warrior, Roger Cardot.
Racing: Donkey Kong
Freestyle: Grave Digger
The Dunkin Donut Center came alive for the second time today.
Though she makes it look easy, the Cannonlady always knows that it’s a thin between a successful shot, and disaster. Jennifer carefully inspected every detail and calculation prior to dropping into the cannon. Once the blast was heard, the crowd was able to follow her through the 100ft flight and right into the perfect landing in the net.
It was the closest U.S. Marines Monster Jam Wheelie Competition of the weekend, with four of the trucks challenging for the win.
Excaliber 14
Aftershock 20
The Warrior 17
Thrasher 26
Rap Attack --
Amsoil Shock Therapy 26
Donkey Kong 28
Grave Digger 29
We continue to provide footage for this year’s highlight reels here in Providence. Thrasher had on of the best Wheelies of the weekend, as he literally walked the truck on it’s two back tires across the entire crush car stack. It seemed unbeatable, but both Shock Therapy and Donkey put themselves in line for the lead with the combination of two great attempts. Then comes Charlie. Pauken’s wheelies start from a stopped position with his front tires touching the first crush cars. When he then guns it, and launches into the air, it catches the crowd completely by surprise. It’s both the air and the distance that Digger travels before he sticks the rear axle into the last crush car in the stack that wins the judges over every time.
Tasca Ford Monster Jam Racing roared through the Ford finish line in round one with Kong beating out Warrior, and Excaliber taking down Aftershock. In the other side of the bracket, it was Digger running Thrasher off the track, and Shock Therapy taking a bye run due to the fact that Rap Attack had yet returned after thrashing the rear end of the truck during today’s earlier show.
After Digger beat Shock Therapy, and Kong blew out Excaliber, we had a rematch of the finals from earlier today. Kong would have his chance to avenge the day’s earlier loss to Digger. Both trucks ran fast on the first full lap, with no mistakes. In the final turn, Charlie seem to miss the angle, and allow Kong to pull ahead. Krmel did not allow Pauken to pick up the ground he’d lost. As the approached the final car stack, it was clear that the worlds largest Ape was doing to take down the icon, and capture the checkered flag.
Radical Rob as the DynoManiac blew us right into the second half of the show. Again tonight he needed a few minutes to steady himself after the blast. But, it would certainly seem that after being blow up for the third time in two days… who wouldn’t be at least a little disoriented.
In the Dunkin Donuts Quad Wars, Team NY took the first round, and RI came back to claim round two. The Main was controversial to say the least. NY clearly tried to take the RI captain out of the race early. He was still able, though, to fight his way back to finish in second – behind Team NY. A captain’s challenge was issue, and accepted. It ended as the NY rider launched his quad into the air one way, as he traveled the other way. RI cross the finish line, and took the third straight win for the weekend.
There is no question that Providence loves UTI Monster Jam Freestyle!
The Warrior 15
Thrasher --
Excaliber 23
Rap Attack --
Aftershock 20
Donkey Kong 23
Amsoil Shock Therapy 26
Grave Digger 30
John Killenger had one of the best saves we’ve seen all year. Coming off of the freestyle van stack, Excaliber nosed down onto the track, sending the rear axle up into the air. John managed to gas the truck just enough to keep the front tires moving faster on the track than his rear axle was moving over his head. If John would have so much as tapped on the breaks, the truck would have violently gone end over end. With the space on the track running short, John, after riding his “reverse wheelie” for nearly 50ft, was able to bring it back down on all fours. After Shock Therapy’s high speed freestyle topped John’s score, it would be Charlie who ripped the victory out of the hands of all others. Charlie, for the first time this weekend, began to cross-thread the track with slap wheelies. The fact that he has such incredible track awareness is the only reason that he was able to do this, and stop the truck in time before it left the track.
SUN 2pm
Racing: Shock Therapy
Freestyle: Grave Digger
The Dunkin Donut Center sold out well in advance, with thousands of fans arriving early to join us for the Dunkin Donuts Built Ford Tough Party in the Pits.
With over nineteen years of experience, and the help of one of the best teams of tech officials, it’s no surprise that the Cannonlady again led off the show with a perfect flight from one end of the Center to the other.
The U.S. Marines Monster Jam Wheelie Competition.
Excaliber 20
Aftershock 17
The Warrior 14
Thrasher 19
Rap Attack 24
Amsoil Shock Therapy 27
Donkey Kong 26
Grave Digger 27
In yesterday’s show, coming off of his first attempt, Rap Attack launched his truck into a picture-perfect wheel stand. But, the impact was so severe that everything under the rear of the chassis crumbled. Dave Rappach had been thrashing on the truck since, and right before the show began, he finally had it all back together. He came right back out and hit his wheelies without hesitation, putting up an impressive score of 24. Shock Therapy put up the biggest air, and Digger nailed his patented wheel stand, as they both tied at 27. The crowd cheered Digger to his fourth straight Wheelie win for the weekend.
Tasca Ford Monster Jam Racing brought out the bracket of eight with Digger taking down Aftershock, and Kong edging out Thrasher. In the other side of the bracket, it was Warrior sending Rap Attack off the track for his final race, and with Excaliber out due to breakage, Shock Therapy advanced with a solo run.
In the rematch of yesterday’s two finals, Digger again would narrowly take the win over Kong to advance to the today’s finals. In the other side of the bracket, it was Shock Therapy dominating Warrior en route to a rematch with the truck that took two photo finishes earlier this weekend.
In the Finals, Zimmer would have his chance once again to take down Charlie. It was the best rivalry of the weekend, and provided several incredible races. The two trucks were dead even at the half way point. But this time, Zimmer wanted it, and would not be denied. He powered around the final turn and decisively took his first win of the weekend with Shock Therapy.
We began the second half once again with a huge bang. Radical Rob as the DynoManiac blew himself up for the fourth and final time this weekend. Likely a good thing. He had a big smile on his face in the end, but, he appeared to still be unable to walk any type of straight line.
In the Dunkin Donuts Quad Wars, Team NY took the first round, with RI coming back to snatch round two. After a NY victory in the all-important “Main, and a very disrespectful acceptance speech, the Captain’s Challenge was on. But, this time it had a twist. Radical Rob, a former Quad Wars champion, came out of the tunnel, and out of retirement to offer up a challenge to the NY team captain. Team RI handed over an official jersey and a quad – and the race was on. Radical Rob was back on a quad for a two lap, winner take all challenge that ended with the most incredible wreck of the weekend. The NY captain’s quad spun out of control, went up and over the car stack, and flung the NY rider across the top of the jagged car stack. Moments later, on behalf of Team RI, Radical Rob crossed the finish line to give RI the weekend sweep of NY.
UTI Monster Jam Freestyle was the perfect was to end a great weekend here at Monster Jam.
The Warrior --
Thrasher 16
Excaliber --
Rap Attack --
Aftershock 18
Donkey Kong 25
Amsoil Shock Therapy 24
Grave Digger 30
We just can’t say it enough; Charlie Pauken has an incredible sense of where his Digger is on the track at all times. It doesn’t even matter if he’s in mid air; he still knows exactly how much room he’ll have to brake before reaching the end of track. Kong and Shock Therapy both gave Digger a run for the final win of the weekend, but to no avail. It looks like it may have been the unexpected Donut that finished his run on the wet and tacky track that sealed his fourth straight win of weekend.
