I love everything about my familys history with Grave Digger and our Grave Digger fans, but Id like to create some Krysten Anderson fans and fans of me and my truck. I remember being in the bottom of the rig playing with my monster trucks. [5] In 2013 Time named Anderson one of the 30 People Under 30 who are changing the world. Photo from Live Nation. Kristen Lynne Soltis Anderson is a Republican pollster, television personality, and writer whose work has appeared in The Daily Beast,[3] Politico,[4] and HuffPost. My brothers, they came out swinging both of them are going on 10 and 15 years of having a really awesome career. "When we pull up on the line," Anderson says, "we have no idea what's going to happen. Its a family tradition for us and it is something that consumes our entire lives nothing but Grave Digger, monster trucks and Monster Jam. You cant know monster trucks and not know Anderson. And that is precisely what she did in Houston. But, maybe hands down the coolest venue that Ive ever got to compete in, and Im really proud that I got to compete in it before Monster Jam stopped going there, is the Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas. Krystens pre-show ritual involves calling her dad. If you ask me to do 15 backflips in a row, I can do 15 backflips in a row, she says. Lawrence had one previous start at Daytona. After the truck is on I pull the black fuel knob to get fuel into the engine and start the truck," says Anderson. My brothers have gotten all their world championships there. But these question were far from her mind when Anderson climbed up into the most famous truck in the stadium at Houston. Im not scared, Ill do it. The Players' Tribune interviews provide unique insights that only the athletes themselves can offer, getting fans closer than ever to the sports they love. That same emotion will grip Dennis Anderson, 58, Friday and Saturday when he watches three of his four children - 21-year-old Krysten, 29-year-old Ryan and 33-year-old Adam - compete in the . Krysten proves to be a very positive role model for women out there, especially the little girls. Ive been working my butt off and a lot of people doubted me, but I ended up getting third place and the crowd is sick. Monster Jam Triple Threat Series comes to . Krysten hasnt ruled out going to college someday, but for now driving Grave Digger is where she wants to be. After the pit party, Anderson has to get suited up for the race. She has all the skills and the competitive drive necessary to make it in the world of Monster Jam. She multi-talented and draws from a unique background to push herself in motorsports and in Monster Jam in particular. Hes gotten all of his world championships there. Thank you so much for your message for my son Lucas. Update: Dylan Ferrandis return to racing delayed after Daytona Media Day RJ Hampshire to debut in Supercross 450 class at Daytona. She was extremely sought after when shops found out she was, Weve made it a habit to chat with a new Monster Jam driver ever year, and this year we had the pleasure of speaking with Soldier Fortune driver Kayla Blood. 04/25/18. [7] In 2014, she made the National Journal's annual Women of Washington list of the 25 most influential Washington women under 35. It can be a lot of pressure sometimes, but it fuels me when I have a rough show and Im getting the feedback of it, Anderson said. A: Its really tight between two arenas. My dad said, Youre spoiling them. I said, Dad, everything I buy them has got a motor on it. Monster Trucks Wiki is a FANDOM Lifestyle Community. ", Monster Jam has been involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation for years. I would be so stupid not to reap the benefits of this path that my dad had paved for me. Im not nearly as flawless or as smooth as my brothers or some of the other senior, veteran drivers who know what theyre doing a little better than I do, but that trick was a thorn in my side for an entire year. I can be just as good as my dad and my brothers. Its just eyes on the prize. Truck Line-up: Grave Digger (Krysten Anderson), Max-D (Blake Granger), Megalodon (Jack Brown), EarthShaker (Tristan England), Zombie (Joe Urie), Monster Mutt Dalmatian (Kristen Hope), El Toro . Krysten Anderson (born May 16) is a driver out of Currituck, North Carolina who drives Grave Digger since 2017. While Krysten currently leads the Arena Championship Series Central standings, she admits that at first, when she learned that she would be competing alongside drivers such as Tony Ochs (Soldier Fortune Black Ops), Blake Granger (Max-D) and Elvis Lainez (El Toro Loco), she wasn't expecting to. One of them is actually considered an arena. They're the ones who are also holding the RII, a remote ignition interrupter, which means they are able to shut the truck off if they see that it's in a bad situation. It was in 4th grade that really realized her life was different than most peoples. Id want it to be some kind of spin off of Grave Digger some kind of a pink or purple body that has the same Grave Digger paint scheme. I was the first and only female to ever drive Grave Digger and Im the only female Anderson. I dont really get a lot of backlash from anyone, she told ESPN. Growing up Krysten and her mom would often sing the song Mama Tried by Merle Haggard. One of those few other women is Johnna Dunn, a clutch specialist for Jim Dunn Racing. I know Im still in the infancy of my career, but as far as how long I want to race, Im not really sure. But almost every parent understands the emotion that overcame Anderson. With the last name Anderson, people naturally expect the "all or nothing" performances that they normally see from the truck. RJ Hampshire to debut in 450s Fittingly, he also broke out of a tie with Carmichael for sole possession of third on the wins list. I always put an immense amount of pressure on myself anyways, and then on top of that, the fans put a lot of pressure on me too. It was most popular in the 1970s and 1980s (for reference Willie Nelsons music would be considered Outlaw Country), Her mom never wanted her to join Monster Jam, she wanted her to become a veterinarian. The long, strange journey of Rays spring training, Blahs and bad dreams in the pandemics fourth year, Hillsborough again seeks to redevelop MOSI property, MORE MONSTER TRUCKS: Look back at some of the different versions of Grave Digger, Monster Jam World Finals at Orlandos Camping World Stadium, MORE MONSTER TRUCKS: Meet two women who drive monster trucks, Dick Vitales gala rises above college hoops dark clouds. From there she planned to pursue a career as a graphic designer for the Monster Jam trucks. And you can also tell that they all look up to and love their parents. So like I said, Krysten Anderson is not a name that can be overlooked. Howd you do it? Krysten is the only daughter of Dennis Anderson. She got her drag racing license before she got her regular license, and that tells you everything you need to know about Johnna Dunn. Ryan was a part of the designing process and designing his own truck. Krysten auditioned with Monster Jam and tested the truck out, which was the first time shed ever driven a monster truck since you had to be 18 to drive the trucks. He put his elbows wide and kept the lead. In 2017, Anderson competed on the Triple Threat Series, a 10-city tour that challenged athletes in their ability to handle Monster Jam trucks, ATVs and Speedsters. She loves spending time with her family. Mattie Graves competes in the Outlaw Diesel Super Series (ODSS) dragster class, and is the only female doing so in a class that already has very few competitors in general. I love good country music, but the arena itself has really nice dirt in it and its a very large venue. Digger!' "I didn't want to look back, I didn't want it to be a big 'what if,'" she says. It could be the best freestyle I've ever done, it could be the best race I've ever had, and that's what makes it so exciting for the fans and for the crowds. Title 24 podcast premieres Chase Sexton finished third, losing just a little ground in the standings. [5], In 2013 Time named Anderson one of the 30 People Under 30 who are changing the world. He misses the adulation. I was hoping I didnt bump him and mess something up on the bike. Its hard talking someone into to giving you a race when youve never been on a 450 before especially here at Daytona, Hampshire told NBC Sports Will Christien. I designed both of those pro mega trucks. I'm not thinking about what could happen when I get out there because you never know what could go down while out on the track. High school field? "College would always be there for me, but I wasn't sure how long a seat in a monster truck, especially Grave Digger, would be waiting for me.". Within Monster Jam, were not men and women in the sport, were drivers and were competitors and thats it. Adding her name to the Guinness Book of World Records has proven that Krysten has become a more well-rounded driver since her rookie days, and she has her eyes on becoming one of the top women in the sport and one of the top drivers in Monster Jam period. Photo courtesy of Feld Entertainment, Grave Digger and driver Dennis Anderson has long been a fan favorite at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. He is now five behind Webb and 10 behind Tomac in a season where none of these three riders have been able to gain a distinct advantage. When her oldest nephew was learning how to say her name her somehow ended up calling her Krustacean instead. For some reason, I had such a hard time finding that sweet spot or finding that balancing point. Eli Tomac extends contract She knows she can turn to him with any questions or concerns and that he will offer her great advice. Theyre all world champions. This was an opportunity that I didnt want to look back at and say, dang, I should have done that.. I hit it nice and square and then I came up in the air and the truck just kept climbing and climbing and climbing. [8] In 2015, she published The Selfie Vote: Where Millennials are Leading America (and How Republicans Can Keep Up).[7]. Its the same horsepower, but much faster and its meant for more speed and racing through the mud and obstacle course. He apparently missed the limelight of standing on the podium because he outlasted most of the field to finish second and keep his top-five streak alive. It was a tough morning and I had to take a few belly breaths after the heat but we came back swinging, Anstie told NBC Sports Will Christien. In 2020, she broke the World Record for the highest leap in a Monster Truck at 33 ft, 9.6 in. Sign up for daily stories delivered to your inbox. All the way from the start, me and Cooper [Webb] just locked up into two the whole time, Tomac said from the top spot of the podium as the stands emptied and fans rushed the stage. Krysten Anderson (born May 16) is a driver out of Currituck, North Carolina who drives Grave Digger since 2017. Racing for third midway through the race, Sexton pushed Barcia wide. Anderson's resilience has paid off. [12], Last edited on 12 February 2023, at 02:20, National Republican Congressional Committee, "These Are the 30 People Under 30 Changing the World", "Get That Life: How I Became The Republican Party's Leading Millennial Pollster", The Institute of Politics at Harvard University: "Kristen Soltis Anderson", "Kristen Soltis Anderson's Married Life With Husband Is A Beauty To Eyes; Shared A Rare Picture From Wedding Day", "https://twitter.com/KSoltisAnderson/status/1542666944934977536", "EchelonInsights - We've added a VERY good boy to our staff", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kristen_Soltis_Anderson&oldid=1138869311, Partner and Co-Founder at Echelon Insights, This page was last edited on 12 February 2023, at 02:20. Before the Daytona race, he said the dirt was trickier than he expected. Initially, she wanted to work for Monster Jam designing the trucks instead of driving them. Krysten has many young girl fans that look up to and admire her. It is a high intensity, fast-paced event that challenges both the drivers and their machines. Theyve added five competitions and, of course, the popular pit parties will be held from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day. It has competed on every tour of the Triple Threat series ( Central 2017, West 2018, East 2019) and in the Showdown competition at World Finals 18, 19, and 20. It is a big production, but none of it is staged. "Once I had a bad spill and it was time, that was The Man knocking on the door and saying, Hey, old guy, you better back it down and chill out and live life.' My brother Ryan is the one who invented the nose wheelie. We recently spoke to Randy about his PERA presidency and what some of the biggest hurdles are facing the engine remanufacturing industry right now. For the latest in womens sports news and features all year round: Bookmark the On Her Turf blog: www.nbcsports.com/on-her-turf, Follow On Her Turf on Twitter and Instagram, DAYTONA BEACH, Florida The week began with a question of whether Eli Tomac is untouchable in Daytona Supercross races and it was answered emphatically: He is.Eli Tomac now has seven Daytona Supercross trophies. Anaheim 1: Tomac wins opener for the first time, How to Watch Daytona Supercross Theyre in training.. Krysten Anderson is the daughter of Dennis Anderson and the first female driver of Grave Digger. Second to Grave Digger, its probably one of the more aggressive, meaner-looking trucks. He had a huge foot in the door for me. I was a rookie. Carmichael won his five Daytona races in a row. Follow @hoop4you. "When I think about where Grave Digger started in this tiny North Carolina town, literally up the road from my house, I can't believe it. Its just something that me, my dad and my brothers all had common ground on, she says. Aired on Discover Channel on August 8, Krysten and her Grave Digger monster truck set the new record for the high jump at 33.8 ft. crushing the old record by 12.5 ft. To be able to get out on a big spectrum like that and actually hit a metal ramp thats even more abrupt and sharper than the stadium ramp that my brothers hit and really air that thing out and set a Guinness Book of World Records and put my name in the Guinness Book was really awesome, Anderson says. [1] Marie Claire declared Anderson one of the "New Guard" of fifty rising female leaders. Second, or maybe even above that is the Tacoma Dome in Seattle. Top Rays pitching prospect Taj Bradley makes dazzling debut. And then she went out and won that part of the competition. She is basically Monster Jam royalty.or, if you please, a Monster Jam Kardashian. In 2021, she made her Stadium Tour debut at Houston on January 30. Krysten's diet is quite intense as she has cut out several things from her diet, including gluten, fish, and dairy products. Three years later, Im still doing it.. I think its great that women are getting a platform now in motorsports and were climbing the ladder really quickly in the past couple of years, Anderson says. My dad and my brothers have competed in the Tacoma Dome, so my family has a lot of history there. I basically had an idea of it from my dad and my brothers and what they told me and what its like and this and that, but I had never fully understood how complicated they can be until I actually sat in the seat of one. When a driver levels up and takes on a new challenge, there is always a heightened level of scrutiny. But this year, I was making fast times and every time I made a pass, I was shaving time off.. I was like, Oh, this is big, this is big, this is big. It just kept climbing. Man this is special. Advertisement. "I was paying attention more to where Tony was and not where I was, and I hit a crushed car and spun out. Even after partnering with a promoter and growing the hobby into a fleet of trucks, he worried about where he might be in five or 10 years, fearing he would end up broke and selling everything for parts. He remounted and climbed back to 10th at the checkers. Making his debut on a 450, RJ Hampshire had a remarkable weekend and top-10 finish. Starting out as a Triple Threat Series athlete, Anderson had to attend 100 hours of Monster Jam University before competing in any events. I realized this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a lot of people. Thats plenty of pressure to perform at a high level. 334 talking about this. I was consistently getting beat by a second there, but when the lights come on here the track comes to me and I really find my flow again., With this win @EliTomac passes @RickyCarmichael for 3rd on the All-Time wins list , Monster Energy 450 Main Event LIVE fueled by @Amazon#SupercrossLIVE #SuperMotocross pic.twitter.com/MIpwPsU24R, Supercross LIVE! I was brand new. After earning podium finishes in his first two races, Max Anstie struggled in the Triple Crown format in Arlington, but still finished among the top five. She ultimately followed in both her father and two brothers' footsteps to become the first female driver of the truck. Pride, fear, joy, anger and disappointment all mix in an uncommon way, creating unnerving emotions you may not have known existed inside your heart. Your granddad was one, your dad was one, youre going to be one.. That amazing Anderson driving DNA runs through her blood and she knows how to use it. Its got these big, silver, aggressive-looking spikes on it and its got this crazy 3D, mechanical monster coming out of the side of it. For Krysten Anderson, 23, of Currituck, North Carolina, Monster Jam is a family affair. Saturdays Supercross Round 8 in Daytona: How to watch, start times, streaming Anderson improved massively in Night 2 and scored a 8.919, question of whether Eli Tomac is untouchable in Daytona Supercross races, For the seventh time overall and fifth consecutively, Tomac won the race most riders in the field equates to NASCARs Daytona 500, How they finished for the 450 Main in Daytona, Arlington: Cooper Webb wins for second time, closes to two of Tomac, Oakland: Eli Tomac ties Ricky Carmichael with 48 wins, Houston: Tomac bounces back from A2 crash to win third race of 2023, Anaheim 2: Triple Crown produces new winners Chase Sexton, Levi Kitchen, San Diego: Tomac, Jett Lawrence double down, Anaheim 1: Tomac wins opener for the first time, Dylan Ferrandis crashes in Daytona delaying return, Cooper Webb wins Arlington, closes on Tomac. Jason Anderson rounded out the top five for the third straight time and has not finished worse than seventh. Yes, someone sleeps with Grave Digger every night. When complete, the truck weighs 12,000 pounds. She also has aspirations to get behind the wheel of her own monster truck one day. It was something that we always loved to do. She's a talented artist, can serve up a mean plate of pancakes and, most notably, can handle the 12,000-pound Grave Digger monster truck with ease. My dad retired as a World Champion, hes an amazing driver. Mama tried to raise me better, but her pleading I denied. Their love for them seems to have rubbed off on me. As she herself pointed out, its hard for people to not take her seriously when shes part of the Anderson Dynasty. Tomac came into a bowl turn hot, but Webb would have nothing of it. But, after high school, she got a call from Monster Jam asking her if she was interested in attending Monster Jam University. I would sit there and watch videos and listen to peoples throttle rhythm and do this and do that. He'd gotten the faster qualifying time, which put her in the less favorable lane. San Diego: Tomac, Jett Lawrence double down