IF YOU GO* What: U.S. Hot Rod Thunder Nationals.* When: 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday (gates open one hour before).* Where: McKenzie Arena, Fourth and Mabel streets.* Admission: $15, $20 and $35 plus facility fees ($2 more day of show). Tickets also available at Compact Discovery, 5611 Ringgold Road, East Ridge.* Phone: 266-6627.* Web site: www.utc.edu/Administration/McKenzieArena/event.php.PIT PARTYThe party in the pits, a chance to see the trucks up close and talk to the drivers, is 5-6:30 p.m. Saturday. Passes are not required; simply show your Saturday ticket.
You remember the Batmobile, the low-riding, four-wheeled fortress of the iconic comic-book character. This weekend, you can see it reimagined as a monster truck, complete with 66-inch wheels.
According to the U.S. Hot Rod Association, which is bringing its Advance Auto Parts Thunder Nationals to McKenzie Arena today through Sunday, the Batman monster truck is one of the more extreme customized bodies in the Monster Jam circuit.
“With the triple jet engines sticking out the back, its sleek black color and huge wings standing high in the air, you get the illusion of movement even when the monster is standing still,” says the organization’s Web site.
Driven by John Seasock of Frackville, Pa., the 1,500-horsepower truck captured two World Finals racing titles in a row, in 2007 and 2008.
Although part of the Monster Jam circuit, Thunder Nationals are races held on non-dirt tracks in smaller arenas. The event also will include thrill acts, freestyle competitions and other contests designed to show off the muscle of these high-volume, high-horsepower, high-vantage machines.
Also expected in Chattanooga this weekend are Bounty Hunter, a 2005 Ford Expedition, and Captain’s Curse, a 1941 Willys.
Prefer something with a Hemi in it? Raminator and Rammunition are 2009 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty trucks modified for competition.