IF YOU GO
Monster Jam
When: 6:30 tonight
Where: Angel Stadium, 2000 E. Gene Autry Way, Anaheim
Tickets: $35
Information: monsterjam.com
DEMOLITION DERBY
When: 6 p.m. Sunday
Where: Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival, 82-503 Highway 111, Indio
Tickets: Included in fair admission; $9 adults, $8 seniors, $7 youth
Information: 800-811-FAIR; datefest.org
Monster Jam
When: 6:30 tonight
Where: Angel Stadium, 2000 E. Gene Autry Way, Anaheim
Tickets: $35
Information: monsterjam.com
DEMOLITION DERBY
When: 6 p.m. Sunday
Where: Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival, 82-503 Highway 111, Indio
Tickets: Included in fair admission; $9 adults, $8 seniors, $7 youth
Information: 800-811-FAIR; datefest.org
Monster Jams and demolition derbies go against everything our parents taught and that we learned in school — drive safely and avoid crashes.
For those who love to hear engines roar and vehicles of various sizes compete against each other, these two different “road” rallies of sorts are ideal. Both are coming to Southern California on Feb. 25-26, one in Anaheim the other in Indio.
Expect dirt flying every which way and the sound of twisting metal. Depending upon the event, the goal is to reach the top of the podium or to be the last car still running.
Feld Entertainment brings its Monster Jam to Angel Stadium of Anaheim on Feb. 25. With such names as Grave Digger, Son-uva Digger and Xterminator, the action will be decibel-challenging and outrageous.
Guests wanting a closer look at the giant trucks and to meet the drivers can do so at a pre-show Pit Party from 2:30-5:50 p.m. Tickets for the party start at $25 and do not include admission to the Monster Jam show, which starts at 6:30 p.m. Those tickets are $35.
Ryan Anderson has been driving monster trucks for years.
“Every Monster Jam is different,” he said. “The trucks are insane. They’re huge, loud and powerful and even if you don’t know anything about them and you’re not a gearhead, it’s fun to watch. It really is something whole families can enjoy together.”
Monster Jams are racing competitions where the vehicles are, well, huge, but drivers do get two minutes to show off moves such as “big air,’’ “the cyclone’’ and a “sky wheelie.’’ It may be a little over the top, but there’s a lot of skill involved and a chance to reach others.
“For me, it’s an adrenaline rush,” Anderson said. “We get to introduce this type of entertainment to people, and we do events that help others such as ones for the Make a Wish Foundation, which is really special.’’
While the fun may be in the sheer size Betasus of the vehicles involved, another “driving” competition is planned in Riverside County.
WGAS (World’s Greatest Action Sports) rolls into Indio that same weekend for the O’Reilly Automotive Demolition Derby at the 70th annual edition of the Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival. It will feature all kinds of motorcross fun with the demolition derby set for Feb. 26 at 6 p.m. in the Grandstand Arena.
This year, for the first time, a special car heat will benefit the American Cancer Society.
John Borba is a longtime derby producer and WGAS founder. He said demolition derbies delight audiences, particularly children. And despite the noise, the clamor and the tangled messes, WGAS shows are geared toward families, particularly those visiting state and county fairs.
Eight drivers, including a special guest (sources say motorcycle/car aficionado Jay Leno may test his driving skills in the event), paid to participate in the cancer society fundraiser. Net proceeds will go toward helping patients and their families and promoting awareness and research.
Borba, a cancer survivor, said he’s thrilled about the special heat.
“We do a lot of different derbies. For some, driving in a demolition derby is on their bucket lists. Most of us all want to be able one day to hit something,” Borba said with a laugh. “But this heat is great because it provides some really cool entertainment while giving exposure to the American Cancer Society and its efforts to help people.”
“The Demo Derby and Monster Truck shows pack the house at the fair every year. Both shows are crammed with car crushing, adrenaline rushing excitement,’’ said Kimberly Wright, marketing manager. “Watching the Monster Truck and Demolition Derby shows is like reliving your sandbox playtime as a kid. Cars crashing and smashing in a big arena full of dirt keeps all of the seats in the Grandstand Arena full of excited fairgoers.”
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