Can we all agree that Missouri is absolutely amazing? Our beloved home has made huge contributions to both the U.S. and the world, with inventors across generations introducing us to everything from the first kindergarten to downright delicious culinary inventions like gooey butter cake, the ice cream cone (although that’s a bit of a controversial one), and toasted ravioli. Some of the inventions – like osteopathic medicine – have been life-altering while others – like LCD televisions – have given us hours of entertainment. Did you know that the Monster Truck was invented in Missouri, too? That's right, it's one of many Missouri inventions. Let's check it out:
A massive truck crushing small cars is the kind of stuff kids – and those of us who remain kids at heart – live for, and few might have guessed back in the 1970s that the Monster Truck would become a cultural phenomenon.
Construction worker, off-road enthusiast, and Missourian Bob Chandler began racing his family’s 1974 Ford F-250 in the mid-70s. However, racing consistently caused damage to the four-wheel drive pickup truck. The need for repairs compelled Chandler and his wife to open their own automotive repair shop.
A few years later, in 1979, the legend of Bigfoot – the Ford F-250 –officially began. That’s when Chandler added, among other things, 48-inch wheels to his truck, and that got the buzz started among car enthusiasts.
Chandler capitalized on that interest by taking Bigfoot to car shows and tractor pulls to show it off and, simultaneously, advertise his automotive shop. The best, however, was yet to come.
One day in 1981, Chandler decided to have a little fun and try something new with Bigfoot. He got behind the wheel of Bigfoot and, with the video camera running, he powered through a field, running over two junked cars.
A promoter for a motorsports event in Colombia wandered into Chandler’s shop and saw the video of Bigfoot crushing those cars. He approached Chandler, asking him to attend the event and, with Bigfoot, crush more cars.
Bigfoot got another upgrade – this time to 66-inch tires – and Ford Motor Company approached Chandler in 1983, beginning a sponsorship that would continue for more than two decades.
Today, Monster Trucks have become big business with arenas selling out events that showcase races, skills, and, of course, crushing smaller vehicles.
Did you know that the Monster Truck was invented in Missouri? Are you a fan? Let us know in the comments! Then check out these Missouri inventions that changed the world. Next time you go to a monster truck show, make sure you bring your camera.
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/missouri/changes-and-inventions-from-mo/
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