| A monster truck is an automobile, normally a | | | | crush them. |
| pickup truck that has been customized, with very | | | | Monster trucks now have specially made tubular |
| large wheels and suspension, and is used for | | | | chassis, with engines, just behind a driver, and |
| amusement. Many times, they are featured along | | | | these engines usually run on methanol. Axles are |
| with Motocross races. | | | | modified to have a terrestrial gear reduction at |
| Usually, in a monster truck show, a monster truck | | | | the core to help turning tires. All trucks are |
| crushes smaller vehicles beneath its massive tires. | | | | supplied with hydraulic steering in both the front |
| Monster trucks can run up and over most | | | | and the rear, and front wheels are controlled by a |
| man-made obstructions, and hence they are | | | | steering wheel and rear wheels by a toggle |
| equipped with remote shut-off buttons, called | | | | switch. |
| Remote Ignition Interrupter (RII). This is done to | | | | As far as safety issues are concerned, a driver's |
| prevent an accident if a driver loses control at | | | | seat is in the center of a cab for better visibility, |
| any time. The term "monster truck" was coined | | | | and there are clear floorboards for easier |
| by United States Hot Rod Association founder | | | | navigation. Drivers need to wear fire-suits, and |
| Bob George. | | | | helmets, and most moving parts on the truck are |
| Driving a monster truck is somewhat like "figure | | | | safeguarded. |
| skating" with a huge truck. Drivers are free to | | | | Monster trucks are popular in rural areas of the |
| choose their own routes around a track and its | | | | United States, and people from cities are also |
| barriers. They often try a 'Donut', also called a | | | | becoming attracted to them. They are frequently |
| Cyclone, which involves rotating a truck at a high | | | | portrayed as a form of motorized professional |
| speed, in a circle, even intentionally rolling the truck | | | | wrestling and have names rather than numbers |
| over. Additional items, such as a movable home, | | | | and sponsors. |
| are frequently placed on a track for drivers to | | | | |