Fan Favorite Son-Uva Digger, All-New Trucks Roar Into San Diego For Monster Jam

SAN DIEGO, CA — Monster Jam trucks are racing into San Diego for another action-packed weekend.

The motorsports event tour is in town for a second weekend, so San Diego fans still have a chance to see the action Saturday and Sunday at Snapdragon Stadium. Stadium Championship Series West features 12 athletes and their 12,000-pound monster trucks tearing up the dirt in competitions of speed and skill, including Ryan Anderson, the 36-year-old driver of Son-Uva Digger.

"Monster Jam is a spectacle that's incomparable to anything else," Anderson told Patch. "It's a place where truly every walk of life can come together with their families and friends, and every single person will enjoy it."

This year's event includes the Southern California debut of three new trucks. The new trucks include Bailey Circuit, inspired by Ringling's fan-favorite robotic pup; Sparkle Smash, a six-ton unicorn with colorful charisma; and Tech Deck Wreck Deck, inspired by the world of skateboarding.

Of course, longtime fan favorites like Son-Uva Digger will also be at the event. During the series, drivers show off their skills and stunts in freestyle, skills and racing competitions.

"If you've never been to Monster Jam, I'm truly unable to explain how much you need to see it in real life," Anderson said. "Seeing it on TV and YouTube are awesome, but they don't even come close to how entertaining it is in real life. Also, if you've been to Monster Jam before you know how exciting it is, but no two events are ever the same."

Anderson has been competing in motorsports since he was 13 years old, behind numerous vehicles all named Son-Uva Digger.

The professional Monster Jam driver, who hails from North Carolina, is the real Son-Uva Digger. His father is Monster Jam Hall of Famer Dennis Anderson, the creator, team owner and former driver of the legendary Grave Digger.

Anderson got his shot to compete in Monster Jam professionally in 2010. He said debuting Son-Uva Digger in 2011 at the Monster Jam World Finals was the best moment of his career.

"It's the ultimate achievement when I get out of my truck — which most of the time is upside down, smoking, and a pile of mess — and the entire stadium is on their feet going nuts over what I just did," Anderson said. "It's an unexplainable feeling of achievement. I truly feel like I'm standing on top of the world.

"I also take great honor in doing my best to fill my dad's shoes and the Anderson legacy," he added. "My dad and Grave Digger reached immense popularity, mostly due to my dad's crazy driving style. All Monster Jam fans know that when any Anderson is on the track, whether it's the last 10 seconds or the full two minutes, it's going to be the wildest thing you've ever seen!"

The fun kicks off at the Monster Jam Pit Party on both Saturday and Sunday each weekend. Fans can see the trucks up close, meet their favorite drivers, and get autographs and take pictures.

Then get ready for the action with Monster Jam Trackside, which takes place about an hour before the event and features driver interviews, pit crew sneak peeks and giveaways.

"My favorite part about Monster Jam is that it's a live event that is mind-boggling to everyone of all ages," Anderson said. "We truthfully don't have a demographic. Kids fall in love with Monster Jam toys and come to a Monster Jam event to see it in real life, then the rest of the family falls in love with the sport, too. Monster Jam is amazing whether you're 2 years old or 100 years old. It's truly fun for all!"

Tickets and Pit Party passes are available online at Ticketmaster.com or in-person at the venue box office.

The Pit Party takes place from 12:30-3:30 p.m. on Saturday and from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. The event starts at 5 p.m. on Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday at Snapdragon Stadium at 2101 Stadium Way in San Diego.