A Monster Truck and pair of Bandit Big Rigs were on hand Tuesday at Bristol Motor Speedway to provide the media with a preview of the upcoming Metro by T-Mobile Halloween Monster Truck Mash set for Saturday, Oct. 27.

The spooktacular event just days before Halloween will feature eight powerful Monster Trucks in competition inside The Last Great Colosseum, including Snake Bite, X-Termigator, Ice Cream Man, Black Stallion, Overkill, Buckshot, Tailgator and Predator. The event will feature two forms of competition: racing and the fan-favorite freestyle.


During the Monster Truck demonstration today, popular truck Razin' Kane driven by Kristen Hope of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, showcased some of the freestyle antics that fans can expect to see when the high-horsepower behemoths mash the gas at the event next weekend. She powered across a huge pile of gravel and then in honor of Halloween, smashed a pile of pumpkins. She also performed a whirling donut routine.

"It's really neat because these trucks are big horsepower combined with the best of off road technology," Hope said. "Fans can expect to see these trucks soar really high in the air and do all kinds of tricks like insane donuts and wheelies. There's really nothing else like it."

Once the Monster Truck was done showing off, two of the performance-built Bandit Big Rigs hit the all-concrete high banks to take several exhibition laps and zoomed around the track side-by-side. Both trucks provided rides to several media members.

Run on short tracks throughout the United States, the big rig tractor trucks will face a challenge unlike anything else with the ultra-steep banking of The World's Fastest Half-Mile. Competing in two 25-lap heat races on Oct. 27, these big rigs will be fighting for survival and the ultimate prize, a victory at the historic half-mile oval.

"It's a privilege to race here on this track," said driver Allen Boles, who pilots the No. 3 big rig. "We race on short tracks all over the country but this one here, hey, it's special. I love it here. I think we'll be all right out there. It's going to be a good show and exciting. All the truckers need to come out and watch us. All the cars are pinpoint precision and these trucks are all over the place. We race hard and put on a good show."

Ricky Rude, who recently won the series championship for the Bandit Big Rigs, says he's looking forward to racing at the historic half-mile.

"I think the trucks will do great here," Rude said. "It feels real good going around the track. The steepest track we ever ran on was at Salem in Indiana, but here at Bristol, I was amazed at how you could find the line and run real smooth. The truck handled great. It's the highlight of your career to race at Bristol. It's going to be crazy, and that's what we are all about."

One of the best parts of this event will be the scary fun atmosphere for kids. Children are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes on Oct. 27 where they will be able to get lots of candy during the big Trunk or Treat Party prior to the racing portion of the event. Today, several local children were on hand to provide a preview of their Halloween costumes.

Fans should arrive early on Oct. 27 when the gates open at 1 p.m. for the Monster Truck Trunk or Treat Party, where all eight monster truck drivers will be available for meet and greets and will pass out candy to trick-or-treaters in the infield during the first trick-or-treat opportunity of the year. The pit party will also feature a best costume competition with great prizes. Visitors should also grab a seat for a ride in the Sasquatch monster truck bus at only $10 per person.

The show will begin at 3 p.m. In addition to the Monster Trucks and Bandit Big Rigs, guests will also get to see some of the most impressive jet-powered machines on the planet, including a jet dragster, jet outhouse and jet Polaris RZR.

Fans can visit any participating Metro by T-Mobile store during the month of October to enter for a chance to win tickets to the event. On Friday, Oct. 26, the Bristol Metro by T-Mobile store at 971 Volunteer Pkwy will host a Monster Truck party. Additional details on the Metro by T-Mobile store appearance will be announced closer to the event.

General admission tickets for this night of family fun are $20 ($25 day of) with advance purchase. Tickets for kids 12 and under are only $5. For more information and to purchase tickets, call 423-BRISTOL or visit www.BristolMotorSpeedway.com.