Monster trucks have long been a popular form of motorsport entertainment in the United States. These massive, custom-built trucks compete in races and perform stunts that showcase their raw power. One of the most iconic monster trucks is Bigfoot, regarded by many as the original monster truck. So what happened to Bigfoot? Here is a look at the history and current status of this legendary monster truck.
The Origins of Bigfoot
Bigfoot was created by Bob Chandler in the mid-1970s. Chandler started modifying pickup trucks for better off-road performance in the early 1970s in St. Louis, Missouri. At the time, pickup truck owners would compete in informal events to see who could traverse rough terrain or jump over obstacles. Chandler decided to take truck modification to the next level by creating the first monster truck.
After extensive modifications, including installing 66-inch tires and a stronger suspension system, Bigfoot #1 was complete in 1975. The truck earned its name from the oversized custom tires that looked like Bigfoot’s feet. Chandler and Bigfoot started gaining fame by crushing cars in demonstrations and competing in off-road races. Their popularity grew throughout the late 1970s.
The Rise of Bigfoot in the 1980s
Bigfoot went from being a regional attraction to a national phenomenon in the early 1980s. This was fueled by two key events in 1981. First, Chandler drove Bigfoot over a line of cars at a USHRA event at the Pontiac Silverdome. The monster truck crushed the parked cars to the delight of the crowd. This public car crush showed the power of Bigfoot and monster trucks in general.
Later in 1981, Bigfoot appeared on the TV show That’s Incredible! This appearance brought monster trucks into living rooms across America. It became clear that these giant trucks captured people’s imaginations in a way that no other motorsport could match.
Throughout the 1980s, Bigfoot remained one of the most popular monster trucks in the country. Bob Chandler built numerous versions of the truck over the decade. Each new iteration incorporated technological advances and design improvements to make Bigfoot even more powerful and capable.
Major accomplishments for Bigfoot in the 1980s included:
- First monster truck to drive over cars in front of a paying audience (1981)
- First documented monster truck backflip (1985)
- First monster truck to defeat tractor pulling sleds in tug-of-war contests (1989)
Bigfoot’s fame extended beyond just the motorsport world in the 1980s. The truck appeared in television shows, commercials, children’s toys and video games. Bigfoot mania was sweeping the nation.
The 1990s and Early 2000s
While still hugely popular, Bigfoot faced more competition in the 1990s monster truck circuit. Other trucks like Grave Digger, Eliminator and King Kong gained large followings. Nonetheless, Bob Chandler continued updating Bigfoot with technology like computerized four-link suspension and triangulated four-bar rear suspension systems.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, various drivers piloted Bigfoot to racing championships and car crush victories. Notable drivers included Dan Runte, Jim Kramer and Debbie Benson. Co-drivers like Eric Tack also entertained crowds with stunts like the Cyclone, a spinning stunt with the truck on two wheels.
Key events for Bigfoot in the 1990s and 2000s:
- Introduced a four-seater themed Bigfoot truck called Bigfoot 10 in 1999
- Featured in several additional TV shows and movies like Walker, Texas Ranger
- Displayed in monster truck museums and halls of fame
- Inducted into the International Monster Truck Hall of Fame in 2000
Even with declining health, Bob Chandler remained actively involved in Bigfoot operations through the early 2000s. Sadly, he passed away in 2007 at the age of 61. His wife Marilyn took over management of Bigfoot 4×4 Inc. following Chandler’s death.
Recent Years
After Bob Chandler’s death, there was uncertainty about the future of Bigfoot. Fortunately, the Chandler family continues operating the company today and Bigfoot trucks are still crushing cars at events. The iconic original Bigfoot (Bigfoot #1) has been retired from competition but makes appearances at shows.
Some key developments for Bigfoot in recent years:
- Appearance packages released for late model pickup trucks to look like Bigfoot
- Dan Runte drove Bigfoot to a racing championship in 2013
- Bigfoot #16 debuted in 2014 with a new futuristic design
- In 2016, Bigfoot celebrated 40 years as an American icon
While the monster truck landscape has grown more crowded, Bigfoot remains one of the most recognizable and legendary trucks in the world. The distinct chrome chassis, patriotic styling and classic Ford body continues to thrill fans today.
Why is Bigfoot Such an Icon?
There are several key factors that explain Bigfoot’s enduring popularity after over 40 years:
- First mover advantage – As the original monster truck, Bigfoot gained notoriety before the field became oversaturated.
- Patriotic style – The red, white and blue color scheme appeals to American audiences.
- Authenticity – Bigfoot is viewed as an earnest expression of American culture not an advertisement.
- Reliability – Bigfoot established itself by being able to run show after show without breaking down.
- Innovation – Bigfoot introduced many monster truck firsts like backflips and car crushing.
In many ways, Bigfoot was the prototype for monster truck culture. Later trucks have pushed boundaries even farther but owe a debt to this founding father of monster trucks.
Major Versions of Bigfoot
Over 150 different vehicles have carried the Bigfoot name since the 1970s. Here is a look at some of the most famous versions:
Bigfoot #1
- Built: 1975
- Original old-school Bigfoot that started it all
- Retired from competition but still displayed at events
Bigfoot #5
- Built: 1986
- More powerful than #1 with improved suspension
- Destroyed in a crash in the late 1980s
Bigfoot #8
- Built: 1992
- Went to Carmen, Illinois and helped build Brand X brand of Chicago
Bigfoot #10
- Built: 1999
- First four-seater Bigfoot monster truck
- Runs special “10” events for families and kids
Bigfoot #15
- Built: 2011
- Modern chassis design with fiberglass body
- Powered by 565 cubic inch Merlin V8 engine
Bigfoot #16
- Built: 2014
- Wild futuristic styling featuring chrome and neon lights
- Symbolizes Bigfoot’s continued innovation and evolution
Major Competitors
While iconic, Bigfoot faces stiff competition from many other monster trucks. Here are some of the top trucks that battle against Bigfoot:
Grave Digger
- Created by Dennis Anderson in 1982
- Known for purple and green ghost flames paint scheme
- Holds the record for most Monster Jam wins
Monster Mutt
- Owned by FELD Motorsports, debuted in 2004
- Animal-themed design featuring exaggerated monster truck elements
- Different versions like Dalmatian and Rottweiler Mutt
Max-D
- Created by Tom Meents in 2000
- Known for huge jumps and vertical wheelies
- Distinct blue color with shark teeth and eyes on the front
El Toro Loco
- Operated by Monster Jam and debuted in 2001
- Bull-themed truck with horns on the front and cowhide motif
- Often does freestyle stunts like huge leaps over stacks of cars
While none can match the heritage of Bigfoot, these trucks and others provide fierce competition during events. Fans are treated to amazing performances by both Bigfoot and its modern rivals.
Why Does Bigfoot Have Such Big Tires?
One of Bigfoot’s most distinguishing features has always been its enormous tires. While early monster trucks started with 66-inch tall tires, Bigfoot’s tires now stand 66 inches tall (over 5.5 feet!). But why are the tires so gigantic?
There are a few key reasons Bigfoot monster trucks use such enormous tires:
- Larger tires allow for more traction and grip on dirt, mud and obstacles.
- Raising the truck height provides better ground clearance to drive over crushed cars and other debris.
- Huge tires help absorb impacts from big jumps and drops during racing and stunts.
- It looks incredibly cool and intimidating!
In short, oversized tires are both functional for performance and instrumental for style when it comes to monster trucks like Bigfoot. The outrageous proportions are key to the appeal of monster trucks for fans.
Diesel Power vs. Gasoline Engines in Monster Trucks
Most monster trucks, including Bigfoot for much of its history, have used large displacement gasoline engines for power. But in recent years, some trucks have incorporated diesel engines. Here is a comparison:
Gasoline Engines | Diesel Engines |
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Each engine type has advantages for monster trucks. Gasoline V8s provide excellent acceleration and horsepower for racing and freestyle moves. Meanwhile, diesel engines offer superior torque and fuel efficiency while still delivering competitive horsepower figures. Top teams like Bigfoot carefully evaluate their engine options when designing new trucks.
Notable Bigfoot Appearances
Beyond competitions and motorsport events, Bigfoot has made guest appearances in TV, movies, commercials and video games over the years. Here are some of the most memorable Bigfoot cameos:
TV Shows
- That’s Incredible! (1981)
- The Fall Guy (1984)
- Nashville Network (1983)
- Walker, Texas Ranger (1999)
Movies
- Road House (1989)
- Police Academy 6: City Under Siege (1989)
- Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994)
Commercials
- Ford Trucks – Crushes Chevy Truck (1987)
- Nestea – Bigfoot Waterskiing (1990s)
- Union Pacific Railroad (2010s)
Video Games
- Bigfoot: Collision Course (1994)
- Monster Jam (multiple years)
- Monster Truck Madness (multiple years)
From crushing cars in movies to video game appearances, Bigfoot has become a pop culture icon through appearances beyond just the motorsports world.
Bigfoot’s Impact on Monster Trucks and Motorsports
It’s impossible to overstate Bigfoot’s influence on monster trucks and motorsports as a whole. As the original monster truck, Bigfoot paved the way for monster trucks to become a major form of entertainment. Key impacts include:
- Proved the appeal of car crushing as entertainment
- Inspired a new generation of monster truck builders and drivers
- Established the blueprint for maneuver designs
- Set the standard for power and capability
- Introduced key technologies like computerized suspension
- Earned respect of traditional motorsports community
Bigfoot didn’t just participate in the rise of monster trucks – in many ways it made this motorsport possible. The truck and its capabilities opened people’s eyes to the excitement and joy monster trucks could create. Bob Chandler’s pioneering vision for Bigfoot will have long-lasting effects on motorsports for decades to come.
Conclusion
For over 40 years, Bigfoot has crushed cars, jumped gaps and powered its way into the hearts of monster truck fans everywhere. While facing ever-increasing competition, this iconic truck continues pushing boundaries and dazzling crowds. After founding the entire monster truck industry, Bigfoot has more than earned its reputation as a living legend in the world of motorsports. With its patriotic style and mammoth custom tires, Bigfoot will always be remembered as the original monster truck superstar.