Giant trucks set to soar

A flying fleet of trucks, utes and bikes is set to be jumping, crushing and wheelspinning for the crowds in Masterton tomorrow.

The Monster Trucks event will be at Solway showgrounds from 7pm, with gates open from 5.30pm.

Monster truck drivers Benn Milne and Ian Foanes will be putting their giant-wheeled machines through their paces, soaring and squashing their way over lesser vehicles in their path.

Three monster trucks will feature, including a green machine that once appeared in a TV advertisement for V, and Milne's vehicle which is now decked out in the colours of show sponsors Demon Energy.

Foanes' son Tyrin at 12 became the youngest driver to balance a ute on two wheels, a trick perfected by his father who has balanced everything from monster trucks to tractors, and holds the world record of 43.2km for the longest ute ride balancing on two wheels.

Now 13, Tyrin was "going to have his work cut out" if the ground was as wet tomorrow as it was yesterday, Foanes said.

While the monster trucks with their massive tyres don't sweat the wet conditions much, other stunts could "be a bit of a challenge," Foanes said.

"There's nothing worse than wheelstanding a motorbike on wet ground."

The event will also see Masterton Motorcycle Club captain Rhys Jones jumping a motorbike over a line-up of cars to add a touch of local flavour.

An accomplished motocross racer, Jones says he enjoys "having a bit of a ramp jam" with a friend occasionally.

"It's a way of keeping the buzz going and not be serious racing all the time." He has been practising for the stunt which will involve hitting a 12-metre ramp.

Tickets are $25 for an adult, $15 for children aged 3 and over, and $70 for a family of two adults and two children.