HOUSTON – Monster Jam will take over NRG Stadium Saturday. It kicks off the Monster Truck season and is the first of three shows in Houston.
The car crushing, dirt track racing 10,000-pound trucks roared into town and revved up for competition like never before.
"We're keeping points this time," said Linsey Weenk, a driver. "In years before, you go out there and do your think and go home and you always have next weekend (to perform better). Not this year."
The circuit will crown a champion at year's end based on the number of points earned in racing and freestyle competitions starting Saturday.
Still, drivers expect tongues to wag over each jump. They said few people follow Monster Mutt, Grave Digger, and the circuits' other racers as passionately as Houstonians.
"The kids, they've got their hats, the T-shirts or the banners they made at home with their parents and stuff," said Charlie Pauken, another driver. "That's what's cool. I get Christmas cards and stuff from them."
In return, fans, who arrive to the stadium early enough, get to join drivers and trucks on the dirt before the race.
"We sign autographs," Weenk said. "We spend a lot of time answering questions and really connect one-on-one with them. That's how we keep our fans coming back every year."
