Go hard or go home is the motto – and Rusty Bell and his gang of Monster Truck drivers made sure they honoured it on Saturday night at Albury Showgrounds.
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The event returned to the Border for the first time since 2013 and was enjoyed by a crowd of more than 3000.
Operations manager Mr Bell said it “wasn’t a full house”, but crowds were decent and more enthusiastic than ever.
“As promised it was a night of carnage, we crashed and smashed it, and were very happy with the night,” he said.
“I think crowds were about the same and enjoyed the show a little bit more, because the show is constantly evolving.
“Ninety per cent were fanatics.
“Certainly there’s plenty of Albury Monster Truck fans and if they weren’t before, they are now.
“I love the feedback we get from kids at the end of the night, we spend over an hour signing autographs.”
Twelve of the best trucks from across Australia and America, with upwards of 1500-horsepower, wowed crowds with their size.
Mr Bell said American stunt driver Chris Morena was a crowd favourite.
“We wanted to give Albury something they hadn’t seen before and it will be even bigger and better next time,” he said. “It costs a lot of money to bring him out, he’s been involved in Transformer Four, Big Momma’s House, he does a lot of American movies.
“It’s the Hollywood T-boners that really had the crowds oohing and aahing.”
Mr Bell said Mr Morena lived up to his reputation, leaving spectators hanging when he misjudged a stunt and sent his car flying almost 10 metres.
“He was seat-belted in but he kissed the dashboard pretty hard, there was a bit of blood and he got pretty winded, but he continued on,” he said.
Australian driver Hayden McLeary also got the crowds going, rivalling the best talent from America in the racing events.
“He’s from the Sunshine Coast and probably the quickest in Australia at the moment, and proved that last night by winning the race against Scooby-Doo from America,” he said.
“In the freestyle, Kreg Christensen absolutely blew us away with an awesome jump, 10 metres is a long way up.”
Live music entertained the crowds for the first time, with bands Rewind 80s and Ramble Tamble playing until 11pm.
Mr Bell said he would continue adding to the attractions and return to the Border.
‘We’d love to come back to Albury," he said.
