Bandit Monster Truck

The Bandit monster Truck started life as the “Carolina Crusher” in North Carolina, USA where it was built and driven by Gary Porter. It went on to win the Monster Truck Racing Association title in 1996 beating famous trucks like Bigfoot and Gravedigger. In 1997 it was imported into the UK and Scott May purchased the truck in 2001.

As it stands today the Bandit is powered by a big-block Chevy engine.  It has a moulded fibreglass body mounted on a specially designed tubular chassis with hugely powerful shock absorbers to cushion the impact of its spectacular jumps.

When fitted with its specially trimmed floatation tyres, which are 66 inches in diameter, the truck stands at an imposing 11 feet high and weighs around 5 tons.

The huge wheels have to be removed for transportation and smaller, narrower wheels are fitted so that it can be loaded into its trailer. With each wheel weighing in at approx one ton a piece, and ten wheel-nuts securing each one in place, it is a demanding job for the crew to prepare the truck for each show.  Regular fuel and oil drain-downs, changing plugs, daily tyre checks and chassis inspections make this a very demanding beast to keep running.

Technical specifications

Weighs 5 tons. Stands at 11ft high, 12ft wide and 19ft long with Rockwell Military Axles. Lightweight fibreglass body, shaved 66” tyres. Tubular steel chassis designed for racing. Big block 454 Chevrolet engine with TH 400  3 speed automatic transmission. King nitrogen shocks with 30” coil over springs. Fitted with a remote ignition interrupter (Rii). Central driving position. Rear engine truck.