COLUMBUS TWP. — This father, son duo will have the home advantage for the upcoming Monster Jam event.
Monster Jam will be returning to Ford Field this weekend, and two of its drivers, Jim and Chris Koehler, will be back on their home turf. Although they reside in Columbus Township, the Koehlers were born in and grew up in Detroit. Both said they are excited to return to Ford Field.
Jim Koehler said they have a hometown advantage for the competition.
“This is our building, fanbase and people,” he said. “To be able to come and perform in front of everyone we love is awesome.”
Monster Jam is a two-day event chockfull of monster truck races, skill showcases and freestyle performances. Chris Koehler said the freestyle performances are what really steal the show, as each driver will have 120 seconds to show off their best tricks.
The Koehlers called it controlled chaos.
“It’s a high-octane motorsport with giant monster trucks inside one building,” Chris Koehler said. “There’s not much more you could ask for.”
Saturday’s events start at 12:30 p.m. with the Monster Jam Pit Party. Fans can get up close to the trucks, meet their favorite drivers and crews, get autographs and take photos. Then at 3:45 p.m., fans can experience Monster Jam trackside with activities such as competition previews, driver interviews, giveaways and opening ceremonies.
The competition portion of the event on Saturday will start at 5 p.m.
Sunday will have the same festivities but will take place at different times. The Monster Jam Pit Party will start at 11:30 a.m., trackside events will begin at 1:45 p.m. and the competition will start at 3 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased at www.monsterjam.com. or www.ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices start at $28.
The Koehlers are two of 12 competitors battling for the championship. They will be competing individually, scoring points for their own stats as well as for their group Team Scream.
The father and son duo have a friendly rivalry and said they don’t give each other free passes just because they are family.
“I’m the kind of parent that makes the kid earn it and there are no free ribbons on this team,” Jim Koehler said.
Chris Koehler said the second helmets go on they are competing against each other. Chris Koehler said that is there is anyone he could lose to; he would rather it be his father, despite knowing this means he will have bragging rights.
Jim Koehler has been a driver with Monster Jam since 1997. Chris Koehler said having grown up around Monster Jam, he saw his father put his heart and soul into the motorsport. He made his debut as a Monster Jam driver in 2020.
Contact McKenna Golat at [email protected].
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