A 5-year-old has six questions for a monster truck driver
This weekend, the Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam rolls into town for three races at the BMO Bradley Center.
As the father of a 5-year-old, I've come to learn a few things about monster trucks. My son, Jake, seemingly has every one of the Hot Wheels versions and knows most of the drivers and trucks by name.
So, when I had the chance to talk to one of the drivers I had Jake come up with the questions.
To start, he was pretty excited that I'd get to talk to the driver of Grave Digger, Randy Brown. And, impressively, he even knew that the original owner and driver of Grave Digger was Dennis Anderson. "But, Daddy, Dennis Anderson is the real driver of Grave Digger." Sorry, Randy.
Anyway, Jake's questions were pretty good and thanks to Randy Brown for being a good sport over the phone.
Jake Sherman: How do you not crash?
Randy Brown: We actually crash more than many other motors sports do because we tend to push it over the edge. But, you get used to driving it and we do a lot of test sessions so you get better at handling something that big. You learn your boundaries pretty quickly – how far it can go and how much it takes to turn it. It helps a lot to have four wheel steering. It's another thing to get used to, but once you do it's really not that bad.
JS: What kind of car do you drive when your not driving Grave Digger?
RB: My every day car is a 2009 (Ford) F-150.
JS: What got you into monster trucks? Â Did you have Hot Wheels when you were 5?
RB: Oh yeah, I had every car toy that you could imaging when I was a kid. My Dad was into drag racing and into the sport of truck and tractor pulling. So, I just kinda grew up around it. Right down the road from me growing up was Dennis Anderson with the Grave Digger team. So, I've pretty much known him my whole life. So it just felt like a good fit for me to do racing.
JS: Have you ever been to Milwaukee?
RB: It's been a long time, but I think it was about nine years ago. Had a good experience then so I'm looking forward to coming back.
JS: What's your favorite food?
RB: Man, I like about everything really. But, I've developed a pretty good passion for sushi and hibachi grills.
JS: How fast can you get Grave Digger up to?
RB: The fastest I've had this truck up to is right at 90 mph. We welcome everyone to come down this weekend and we're looking forward to a great time!
The 2013 Monster Truck touring season is also a celebration of Maximum Destruction’s 10th anniversary.  So, if you're ready for some motor sports fun – or, have a young boy in your life – get to the BMO Bradley Center this weekend for some serious trucking. Â
Talkbacks
![]() |
1 comment about this article. Post your comment/review now |
Facebook comments
Disclaimer: Please note that Facebook comments are posted through Facebook and cannot be approved, edited or declined by OnMilwaukee.com. The opinions expressed in Facebook comments do not necessarily reflect those of OnMilwaukee.com or its staff.
Recent Articles & Blogs by Jeff Sherman
Happy Small Business Week, Milwaukee
Published May 20, 2013
We're all in it together, so this week the City of Milwaukee's Small Business Conference will feature meetings, conferences, work shops, round tables and more. All with the goal of growing and developing the area's business arena. Kickoff is tonight with events all week.
Rise in transit tides lifts all boats
Published May 16, 2013
Everyone wants to be able to get around a city easily. It's simple in stuff. Cities need bike lanes, roads, side walks, taxis, rail, trolleys, busses and other forms of transit to move people from here to there.
Milwaukee Talks: ART Milwaukee's Jeremy Fojut
Published May 16, 2013
ART Milwaukee's Jeremy Fojut is leading a new charge in Milwaukee, one full of creativity and passion. The organization he helps lead enriches, empowers and inspires the community through art programming and events Learn more about Fojut and ART Milwaukee in this latest edition of Milwaukee Talks.
USA Today: Milwaukee leads in percentage growth of college graduates
Published May 15, 2013
Twenty-somethings have flocked to America's largest metros since 2006, according to USA Today. And Milwaukee has one of the largest growth percentages among that group.
What's the appeal of Adirondack chairs?
Published May 15, 2013
While they seem more Madison than Milwaukee, they're popping up everywhere now that the weather is turning. Oddly, though, I rarely see people sitting in these Adirondack chairs.
The adventures of Milverine
Published May 14, 2013
Kudos to Allison Miller who, via Facebook, posted this awesome class project of Milwaukee "super hero" Milverine.
Eight random observations about how I shop
Published May 13, 2013
I generally like shopping, and I appreciate good stuff, great service and cool design. Yet, like most, I also love a good deal. So, indulge me - this retail week - if you will, here are eight random observations about how I shop today.
Badgers, wolves and bears. Oh my.
Published May 8, 2013
The Professional Bowlers Association has unveiled three distinct new lane conditioning patterns that will debut during the GEICO PBA Summer Swing in the Milwaukee area May 20-June 2, expanding the PBA's current library of "animal pattern" lane conditions.
Third Ward's (shoo) adds space, welcomes Sachen as neighbor
Published April 30, 2013
Store store, (shoo) has expanded its Milwaukee location in the Historic Third Ward by adding 1,000 square feet at 241 N. Broadway. The women and men's shoe store also is adding a new retail neighbor.
New Riverwalk art catches a question
Published April 26, 2013
Jeremy Shamrowicz from Flux Design has a new piece on the Milwaukee Riverwalk. It was just installed today. It seems to ask question. Maybe we should think inside the box.
Like Us
Follow Us












