Big wheels, big spectacle

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This article was published 04/02/2023 (1161 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Fans at Canada Life Centre were treated to an afternoon of high-octane fun Saturday, as they gathered to watch the Ram Motorsports Spectacular.

“Is there anything like a monster truck engine to get the blood going?” the event’s MC asked the crowd, before introducing the trucks and their drivers, which included the likes of Spitfire, Rockstar and the California Kid.

“These are the big toys with the big noise,” he said, promising “one heck of a show.”

A few thousand parents and children watched in awe as the 1,500-horsepower trucks revved their engines and performed acrobatics. Heavy metal riffs, exhaust fumes and flying mud complemented the performance.

Some children clapped, while others covered their eyes and ears, overwhelmed by the sound and spectacle.

“They love it,” Jocelyne Fournier said, referring to her sons Finlay, 7, and Rowan, 3.

The 28-year-old mother brought the boys to the show early so they could get an up-close look at the massive trucks.

Canada Life Centre opened up the “pit” for early birds, transforming the arena floor into a mud-covered showroom for spectators to take pictures and take rides on a monster truck.

Smiling children scurried through the dirt, posing for photos, feeling the tread on the truck tires and jockeying for position in lineups to meet the drivers.

“It’s pretty sweet for them to get up close to see the trucks,” Fournier said. “We’ve seen (monster truck shows) before, but they didn’t have this.”

The event marked the return of monster trucks to the downtown Winnipeg venue for the first time since 2020, said Kelli Heinrich, a marketing specialist with True North Sports and Entertainment.

In previous years, Monster Jam hosted truck events at Canada Life Centre, but the company is not currently touring in Canada. A review of its website shows events across the United States and internationally in Europe, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.

Twelve-year old Owen came with his father Keith to watch the show. He was surprised to learn the typical Monster Jam line-up, featuring Grave Digger, Monster Mutt and Dragon, was not performing.

“It was good, but a bit weird,” he said,

Keith, who asked to withhold his last name, said he has brought his children to Monster Jam shows numerous times.

“We’ve done it for three or four times, and the boys really enjoy it. That’s why I keep coming back.”

During the Motorsports Spectacular, seven trucks and their drivers competed in a series of challenges, like wheelie competitions, races, and a car-crushing freestyle.

The event also included quad racing and freestyle motocross.

Canada Life Centre hosted two shows Saturday. The third and final performance is today at 2 p.m.

Tickets are still available online at a cost of $15 for children 12-years-old and under, and $25 for people older.

tyler.searle@freepress.mb.ca