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Monster truck show a family affair

Local kids get the feel of what it's like to see big trucks crush cars

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  • Rubi Reyes •
  • Originally published January 5, 2009 at 2:03 a.m., updated January 5, 2009 at 2:03 a.m.

To get a feel for the dirt track, Ronnie Sturges walked along the Victoria Community Center arena hours before it would be full of noise and energetic fans.

Sturges, 27, is a monster truck driver in the "Outlaw Monster Truck Spectacular" show.

He drove his first monster truck at 14 and has never looked back.

"I was born into monster truck driving and I just stuck with it," Sturges said.

He drives "Nasty Boy" and "1/2 Pint," two monster trucks in the show.

"We perform every weekend and travel during the week," he said.

Sturges was born and raised in Tucson, Ariz., and has been performing for more than 12 years. He enjoys entertaining the crowds.

"Hearing the cheers and seeing the smiles on the children's faces is worth it," Sturges said.

He is one of the youngest professional monster truck drivers, Dave Gross, event director and announcer said.

"Ronnie is an incredible driver," he said. "I have been lucky enough to watch him grow into one of the best drivers in this business."

The crowd jumps up every time he comes out with Nasty Boy, Gross said.

"I've seem him put other trucks to shame with Nasty Boy," Gross said.

Before the show, drivers signed autographs, visited and had their pictures taken with fans.

"My favorite truck is that one with the flames," seven-year-old Mason Longoria said, pointing to Nasty Boy.

Showgoers were also allowed to take a ride on Raptor, another monster truck, for $5.

"I got to take a ride and it was too cool," 9-year-old Hunter Floyd said.

Hunter attended his first monster truck show with his grandfather, Toby Floyd, and brother, Toby Floyd III.

"I'm just wondering how they're able to get on the tires," Hunter asked Floyd as they examined "The Crashmaster."

Floyd took pictures of his grandsons by the trucks and with the drivers as the young fans waited for autographs.

"This is very exciting because none of us have ever been to a show," Floyd said.

At the Friday show, Gross had to turn away a few guests because the arena had reached capacity.

"We added the third show on Sunday so everyone who was unable to attend Friday or Saturday would have a chance to experience the show," he said.

The arena was filled to capacity again on Saturday, and those that were in attendance sat at the edge of their seats, anxiously waiting for the show to begin.

"I can't wait to see the cars get crushed," Hunter said.

  • IF YOU GO

    WHAT: Outlaw Monster Truck Spectacular

    WHEN: 2 p.m Sunday

    WHERE: Victoria Community Center

    COST: VIP $25, Adults $20, Children $15

    All children under 3 years are free. Advance and VIP tickets receive a free pizza dinner.



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