Grave Digger to battle Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle in monster truck drag race showdown  

After a mind-blowing year of over-the-top motorsports action in 2011, Thunder Jam returns with its most aggressive schedule in history with a “game changing” lineup of America’s favorite thrill acts at affordable family prices. 

In 2012 America’s premier drag racing entertainment show showcases stops at many familiar dragstrips along with several exciting new venues. By far, the biggest addition to the 2012 schedule is Thunder Jam’s debut event at Memphis International Raceway in May, while return trips to Palm Beach International Raceway and Tulsa Raceway Park highlight the eight city tour of the United States and Canada.   

“2012 will be the most exciting season ever for the Thunder Jam series,” said Jim Marchyshyn, Thunder Jam Operations Manager. “With stops at some of the best facilities in North America and a lineup of incredible motorsports talent, we look forward to wowing fans of all ages across the United States and Canada.” 

Following last year’s events pitting the drag racing Grave Digger against a jet dragster, Thunder Jam is pleased to announce that North America’s most recognizable racing vehicle Grave Digger, driven by Randy Brown, will return to challenge Joey Parnell and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle monster truck in a side-by-side battle of the most massive racing vehicles in the world.  

“If you thought last year was huge, just wait. We’ve doubled it up.  With two monster trucks taking up every inch of the track, you never know what is going to happen,” Marchyshyn said. “Along with drag racing two of the most recognizable race vehicles in the world, we will also showcase our incredible lineup of jets, wheelstanders and more all for an incredible price. Not only will the two trucks race each other, but Joe Zaccaro and the ‘Spirit of Alabama’ jet dragster will return to continue it’s ongoing competition with Randy and the Grave Digger. 

“What can a family of four do for $40 these days,” asks Marchyshyn. “ You can’t ride a roller coaster with your family, or go to a sporting event,  for sure.  With family friendly prices of $20 for adults and $5 for kids under twelve with a discount coupon, your entire family can enjoy Thunder Jam.  Throw in free parking and all access pit pass and you have a great night of family entertainment.” 

Thunder Jam is also pleased to announce that in 2012 most events will also feature IHRA Ironman Classic events, giving local bracket racers an opportunity to race in front of a packed house for a coveted Ironman trophy during one of the biggest races of the year. 

The 2012 Thunder Jam season will kick off with the much anticipated debut at Memphis International Raceway on May 12.  

June includes a trio of stops including a return to Kanawha Valley Motorsports Park in West Virginia June 9, a trip to legendary Piedmont Dragway in North Carolina June 16 and a Western Canadian event at Eagle Motorplex in British Columbia on June 30.  

Always one of the biggest Thunder Jam events of the season, the series will make its highly anticipated return to Tulsa Raceway Park in Oklahoma July 28. The traditional summer shootout at Jeff and Angel Miles fantastic Carolina Dragway featuring some of the top doorslammers in the country will take place August 18 and the season finale at state-of-the-art Palm Beach International Raceway in Florida will take place October 6. 

Additional  Thunder Jam dates will be announced shortly. 

“Last year Grave Digger and the rest of the lineup rocked the house at tracks all across North America and with the addition of ‘Turtle Power’ we expect the same this year,” Marchyshyn said. “The 2012 season will be our most memorable yet.” 

2012 THUNDER JAM SCHEDULE  

DATE                     VENUE                                                                CITY  

May 12                 Memphis International Raceway              Memphis, TN 

June 9                   Kanawha Valley Motorsports Park            Charleston, WV 

June 16                 Piedmont Dragway                                    Greensboro, NC 

June 30                 Eagle Motorplex                                        Ashcroft, BC (Non Monster Truck show) 

July 28                   Tulsa Raceway Park                                  Tulsa, OK 

August 18              Carolina Dragway                                     Augusta, GA 

October 6              Palm Beach International Raceway          West Palm Beach, FL       

TBA                        Edinburg International Racetrack             Edinburg, TX   

       RANDY BROWN                                  VS.                        JOEY PARNELL 

About Feld Motor Sports®  

Feld Motor Sports^®, Inc. is the world leader in specialized arena and stadium-based motor sports entertainment.  Feld Motor Sports, Inc. productions include Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam^®, Monster Energy Supercross, AMA Arenacross Series, Nuclear Cowboyz ℠ ,IHRA^® Nitro Jam^®and Thunder Jam. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a division of Feld Entertainment, the world’s largest producer of live family entertainment.  For more information on Feld Entertainment, visit www.feldentertainment.com .