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SALT LAKE CITY — Ron Duncombe has spent decades competing in motor sports.
It was a natural progression for him to move from racing BMX bikes as a child to motocross, followed by auto racing, before starting a career driving monster trucks. The West Jordan resident will be competing with his truck Monster Trakker at the “Monster Jam” in Salt Lake City Friday and Saturday.
“Motocross is a young man sport, so as I got a few more laps around the track I decided to do things that were somewhat safer with a roll cage and seat belts,” he said. “Monster trucks are so fascinating that everybody in the world wants to drive a monster truck. Anytime you can drive over cars, vans and buses, things of that nature, it’s a lot of fun.”
Duncombe, who is sponsored by Maverik and Young Automotive Group, travels the Western U.S. for competitions. However, he said one of the favorite parts of his job is the chance he gets to interact with the public.
The monster truck drivers are available after shows and will stick around until the last person gets an autograph, according to Duncombe. The drivers often have unique opportunities to serve as well.
“Whenever you compete with the big boys in your sport it’s a feather in your cap if you will, and that’s a lot of fun, but … being a local guy here from West Jordan, we’ve done different things where we’ve visited folks with Make-A-Wish and the Angel’s Hands programs where we’ve had the opportunity to drive our trucks right to the doorstep of some of these kids that are sick,” he said. “Those are always amazing.”
Anytime you can drive over cars, vans and buses, things of that nature, it's a lot of fun.
–Ron Duncombe, driver
Duncombe said he is looking forward to having this weekend’s competition close to home. His family and friends will be coming out for support.
“My wife absolutely loves this event because for whatever reason it always seems to fall on Valentine's Day,” he said. “You know it’s a great thing when you can take your best gal to the Monster Jam.”
Tickets range from $25 to $45, with $10 tickets available for children ages 2-12. They can be purchased online or by calling 800-888-TIXX. There are shows at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at EnergySolutions Arena.
An additional show starts at 2 p.m. Saturday and will be preceded by a “Party Pit” pre-show, which runs from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
