Discovered by Monster Jam producers in North Carolina in 2006, monster truck driver Bari Musawwir, who grew up in Cleveland Heights, admits the huge vehicles represent a departure from the radio-controlled trucks he raced as a kid.
After four years of training, he earned a spot on the Monster Jam tour in 2010 and hasn't looked back. He's currently among the top competitors on this year's circuit.
Yesterday, we spoke to him backstage at the Q where Monster Jam, the annual monster truck rally, commences today.
The event turns the arena floor into a racetrack by dumping truckloads of dirt and building a series of jumps and obstacles. At approximately 12 feet tall and 12 feet wide, Monster Jam trucks sit atop 66-inch-tall tires that allow them to roll over just about anything. The trucks can even fly up to 125 to 130 feet in distance.
Competition commences at 1 and 7 p.m. today and takes place again at 1 and 6:30 p.m. tomorrow at the Q. We recommend ear plugs.
