The Jet Truck “Shockwave” will be a featured attraction at Saturday’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Outlaw Nationals Monster Trucks Show at Lucas Oil Speedway. (MAP Motorsports photo)
Imagine sitting behind the wheel of the world’s most-powerful truck, equipped with three jet engines pumping out 36,000 horsepower all capable of shaking the ground and making spectators’ jaws drop.
Chris Darnell doesn’t have to imagine. As the driver of “Shockwave” and its legendary combination of speed and fire-making fury, Darnell gets to experience it several times a year as he and the Springfield-based team travels the country.
This weekend, Darnell and Shockwave stay close to home as one of the attention-grabbers at Saturday’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Outlaw Nationals Monster Trucks Show at Lucas Oil Speedway.
“I call any Shockwave performance an assault of the senses because it is extremely hot, very loud and shoots out huge fire and clouds of smoke,” Darnell said of what fans can expect when Shockwave lights up the night on Saturday.
“This truck demands your full attention,” added Darnell, a former competitor on the dirt oval at Lucas Oil Speedway. “I can guarantee seeing it for the first time is something you will never forget. It will give you chills watching even though you almost can’t stand the heat.”
Shockwave will literally melt down cars when its turn comes Saturday. The lights will go out as Shockwave’s ignition switch is flipped on a program that includes eight big Monster Trucks, a Monster Truck Back Flip, UTV Racing and Pit Party on the midway that will include driver autographs and trick or treating.
This is certainly no regular Peterbilt, with its three huge J34-48 Pratt & Whitney Jet Engines originally out of US Navy T2 Buckeyes. The combined horsepower from those engines are capable of producing 21,000 pounds of thrust, which can propel the big truck to speeds over 350 miles per hour while racing plans at air shows all over North America.
There won’t be any drag racing this weekend, but Darnell said that won’t diminish the impression Shockwave will leave on the fans.
“We should have room to do a quick ‘launch’ which will make you feel like you are standing there next to the space shuttle when it takes off,” Darnell said. “Driving Shockwave is the ultimate adrenaline rush.
“Most of our performances throughout the season are at major air shows all over North America where we will actually race an airplane who we give a 150 mile-per-hour head start and pass them like they’re stopped,” Darnell added. “We do a handful of NHRA drag races each year as well. I don’t get to torch stuff often so I’m looking forward to melting down some cars this Saturday at Lucas Oil Speedway.
“Since this is a night performance, it just amplifies all of those senses by the glow of the fire with the smoke. We will light up the sky with what looks like an incredible thunderstorm creates by the three massive after-burning jet engines.
“This is as close to home as we perform to Springfield where we are based so I consider this our home show for 2020 and want to make it a memorable one for all the fans. It will be a different trip around the 3/8 mile dirt oval than I remember in my days racing dirt cars at the speedway for several years.”
For more information about Shockwave, including a full appearance schedule plus photos and videos, visit shockwavejettruck.com.
The O’Reilly Auto Parts Outlaw Nationals Monster Trucks Show is bigger and better this year, presented by MAP Motorsports. Discounted advance tickets are available at O’Reilly Auto Parts locations.
Monster Trucks that are scheduled to compete include Avenger, Barbarian, Black Pearl, Bounty Hunter, Twisted Addiction, Scarlet Bandit, Over Bored and Spike. The trucks will have 2-Wheel contests plus an optional donut, bracket racing and a Freestyle round.
Also for the first time at Lucas Oil Speedway, there will be a Monster Truck back flip. Pit Bull Powersports UTV racing will be held in 170cc, Open and 570cc classes.
Other highlights of the show will be the Pit Party and Autograph session before the event, with fans getting a chance to take photos with their favorite drivers and trucks; and a Mighty Monster Bus Ride Truck, a chance to strap in and take a ride around the track in a real Monster Truck.
Fans are encouraged to wear their favorite Halloween costumes and “trick or treat” with all the show performers at the Pit Party.
Another first-time activity will be Remote Control Monster Truck Racing as the St. Louis Club, MTRC and the Kansas City Club, Busted Axle Racing, will meet up to battle it out. They will have Vintage, Sportsman and Modified classes in Racing and Freestyle competitions battling it out behind the grandstands from 4-6:30 pm.
Gates are scheduled to open at 4 p.m. with the Pit Party from 5-6:30 and the program at 7.
*Advance discounted tickets are available at O’Reilly Auto Parts locations or go online for ticket info at LucasOilSpeedway.com, mapmotorsports.com and https://www.showclix.com/events/8559.
*Advance tickets:
Adults (16 and up) – $23
Youth (ages 6-15) – $13
Seniors (62 and up)/Active Military – $20
Kids (5 and under) – FREE
Day of Show tickets:
Adults (16 and up) – $25
Youth (ages 6-15) – $15
Seniors (62 and up)/Active Military – $22
Kids (5 and under) – FREE
Family pass – $65 (on-site only)
*Applicable fees may be applied
Saturday’s schedule
4 p.m. – Spectator gates open, Monster Truck Rides begin, Remote Control Monster Truck action behind grandstands
5 p.m. – Monster Truck Pit Party on the Midway
7 p.m. – Opening ceremonies/driver introductions
7:05 p.m. – Prayer and National Anthem
7:10 p.m. – 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 … Engines Start
For questions about tickets or camping for any event at Lucas Oil Speedway, contact Admissions Director Nichole McMillan at (417) 282-5984 or via email at [email protected].
CONTACT:Danny Lorton
Lucas Oil Speedway General ManagerOffice: (417) 282-5984 [email protected]