Les Shockley and the Super Shockwave

In Chinese astrology it is widely known that with each new year comes a new animal that represents the year ahead.

For Nitro Jam, 2011 will forever be known as the year of the monster truck.

That is because in 2011 every Nitro Jam event on the schedule will feature one of the biggest and most exciting race machines on the planet competing head-to-head against another truck considered a monster in its own right – the big red machine known as the Super Shockwave.

And the fun will continue at the Mardi Gras Nitro Jam the weekend of February 19-20 when the world’s fastest monster truck “Maximum Overkill” takes on the fire-breathing, 30,000 horsepower Super Shockwave ’57 Chevy jet truck.

“Last year we wowed Nitro Jam fans with a drag racing first when we paired two jet trucks for an incredible, fire-filled finale. This year, we are bringing the jet truck back, but we are also adding larger than life monster trucks to the fold making for one incredible finish to each race,” said Aaron Polburn, President of Nitro Jam. “I know how incredible both of these machines are and when you put them together it will literally create fireworks on the track. I truly can’t wait to get this season started.”

   Kirk Dabney's "Maximum Overkill" monster truck made its debut in Palm Beach last month 

Both trucks are at the top of their game when it comes to putting on a show for the fans as the Super Shockwave literally shakes the earth with each pass as it erupts into massive flames and rockets down the quarter-mile at speeds well over 200 miles per hour.

And the Super Shockwave’s opponent at the Palm Beach Nitro Jam will be another machine known for its incredible speed and size as the monster truck world speed record holder “Maximum Overkill” brings its oversized Ford body to the fastest track in the south to once again push the limits and try to topple its own record.

“Nitro Jam is all about variety and putting on a great show. And this year will certainly be no exception,” Polburn said. “From the speed and rush of Top Fuel Dragsters and Prostalgia Nitro Funny Cars to the ‘monster’ finale between the Super Shockwave and monster truck, this season will certainly be one to remember.”

Ford vs. Chevy. Monster truck vs. jet truck. Man vs. machine. However you look at it, the main event at all Nitro Jam events in 2011 will be one of the biggest – literally and figuratively – in its storied history.

And the men behind the two machines are just as exciting as the trucks they represent.

Headlining the driver lineup in 2011 is Les Shockley, driver of the Super Shockwave ’57 Chevy. Shockley has been in this situation before as he took on and successful defeated the king of monster trucks “Grave Digger” at a Nitro Jam event two years ago. Now Shockley looks to make it a “monster sweep” as he tries to defeat the fastest monster truck of them all beginning at the Palm Beach Nitro Jam later this month.

In the other lane is Kirk Dabney, a longtime monster truck veteran who is no stranger to going all-out for a victory. While a jet truck will be a new addition to his long list of opponents, Dabney is quite sure that his fantastic Ford will be up for the task and can once again find itself in victory lane.

Whether you prefer the flash of a jet truck or the extreme power of a monster truck, the Mardi Gras Nitro Jam will have exactly what you are looking for. And when you throw in five nitro-powered classes in Top Fuel, Pro Fuel, Prostalgia Nitro Funny Cars, Nitro Harleys and Fuel Altereds and a pair of 300 mile per hour Jet Dragsters you have one of the biggest Nitro Jam events of the year.

Don’t miss a minute of the biggest Nitro Jam season in history at the Mardi Gras Nitro Jam February 19-20 at State Capitol Raceway!

   In 2009 Shockley battled "Grave Digger" at Rockingham Dragway