It all started in the early '80s with Bigfoot, but now there are about 300 monster trucks loudly competing at rallies across the United States. Monster trucks don't have prissy names. They have sinew-tearing names. At the Monster Jam Summer Heat this weekend, you'll encounter champion trucks like Grave Digger, Little Tiger, El Toro Loco, Gunslinger, and something you never want coming down the road in front of you, Bad News. Monster truck rallies originated in farm tractor pulls of the American heartland. And to this day, they maintain a strong American sensibility, a testament to the philosophy of supersize. For example, to compete, monster trucks must weigh a minimum of 9,000 pounds. Their tires are roughly 66 inches high -- about an inch shy of Tom Cruise. In an average run (about 250 feet), a monster truck will burn 2.5 gallons of methanol, which gives them a rough fuel efficiency of about 0.02 miles per gallon.
And to get traction in arenas that don't have dirt, Coca-Cola syrup is applied to the concrete floor and then covered with a powder that helps the trucks get bite. So monster truck roads are literally paved with Coke. It doesn't get more USA than that. The Monster Jam Summer Heat event takes place at 8 p.m. Friday and at 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday at Office Depot Center (1 Panther's Pkwy., Sunrise). Get tickets ($20 adults, $10 kids) at ticketmaster.com, or call 954-523-3309. --Dave Amber
The Heat Is On
Wrestling takes on Davie PAL
SAT 8/21
World-class wrestling is coming to South Florida this Saturday night when Pro Wrestling Fusion presents Heatstroke 2004 at the Davie Police Athletic League complex (4300 SW 57th Ter., Davie). So what, you might ask, is so special about this wrestling show? For starters, the night's docket includes two title fights and a six-man tag team extravaganza. Sprinkle in no fewer than five other top-notch matches and you've got yourself one promising fight night. The evening's headliner is a bout combining nearly a ton of wrestling strength. David Babylon, Sedrick Strong, and "Straight Up" Mikey Batts take on the likes of Erick Stevens, Roderick Strong, and Alex Shelley in this six-man tag team race to the bell. Other action includes Billy Fives versus "Black Nature Boy" Scoot Andrews for the vacant NWA Southern Heavyweight title and reigning Junior Heavyweight Champion "Mr. 630" Jerrelle Clark putting his title on the line against challenger Fast Eddie. Tickets cost $10 each. Call 954-326-3077. --Russ Evans
Chicks Dig the Long Ball
Um, can you show me how to get to home plate?
WED 8/25
So we all know there's no crying in baseball. Most of us also know a regulation game lasts nine innings. Fuzzy on some of the finer details beyond these? Well, you're not alone. And if you're a chick, you've got a great way to learn more about the game. The Florida Marlins are sponsoring Ladies Nite, a 45-minute baseball chat session for female fans 18 and older. It goes down at Pro Player Stadium (2267 Dan Marino Blvd., Miami), Section 240, at 6 p.m. Wednesday. Admission is free with a ticket to the night's Giants game, and the session will include Marlins players, coaches, and local celebrities. Participants are encouraged to register early. Call 305-623-6239. --Russ Evans
Life in the Fish Lane
SAT 8/21
Think bowling is not a sport? Turned off by the whole shoe rental thing? We can't say much to sway those opinions, but you might decide to undertake the pastime nonetheless in the name of charity. The Florida Marlins Bowling Tournament to benefit Cornerstones for Kids will take place Saturday at Don Carter's University Lanes (5325 S. University Dr., Davie). Fees are $25 per person, and check-in starts at 7:30 p.m. Call 305-623-6497. -- Russ Evans
