creativity

The History of Monster Trucks: The Rise of Super-Sized Vehicles

The name says it all—MONSTER Trucks. These larger-than-life vehicles first came onto the scene in the 70s and 80s, but we all know that we smashed our toy cars with our larger toy trucks when we were youngsters.

Monster trucks were first seen as side entertainment to mud races and other motocross exhibitions, but then really started to take over the main event as they grew in actual size, speed and popularity!  

The first monster truck show was held in Pontiac, Michigan and the Silverdome in 1982. Bob Chandler is credited with building the first monster truck from a 4-wheel drive Ford F-250.  Building a monster truck is extremely expensive as just one tire can cost $1800!

Each truck is custom made, which means no two monster trucks are alike. The first Monster Trucks were modified pickup trucks and SUVs, fitted with larger suspension systems and tires, but now Monster Trucks are uniquely designed with custom built tubular chassis, four-link suspension systems and fiberglass panel bodies which make it easier to remove to fix damage.

Originally these monster trucks were popular for merely running over much smaller vehicles, but now fans flock to more than 300 Monster Truck shows a year to see the big trucks reach speeds up to 100 miles per hour and even jump ramps!

Great imagination is involved in creating and designing these big trucks of speed and destruction. Encouraging imagination and creativity in your youngsters' regular play could help them not only grow up to be a Monster Truck designer, but maybe the next great engineer or scientist!

CarBoard is a simple toy that encourages your child to build and construct different ways to play with this eco-friendly toy. Whether they are racing their own monster trucks and toy cars or creating ramps and bridges, their imaginations can go wild while also learning basic science concepts like velocity, motion and gravity!

Learn more about how much fun and learning can happen with you and your child by playing collaboratively with your very own CarBoard.