Americas Toughest Jobs Monster Trucks

This week’s episode takes the remaining contestants to Salinas, California to drive monster trucks as part of Monster Jam.  They will have a chance to drive one of three monster trucks including Grave Digger, and be judged by the man behind Grave Digger, Dennis Anderson.   They will also be observed by saftery officials and each truck has been fitted with a remote device that is able to turn off the ignition if needed to avoid any disasterous events caused by the inexperienced contestants being behind the wheel of the 1500 horespower machines.  The first practice runs go well for Rick, Rie and Ben, while Rommel is a little timid on the throttle.  Eric and Chis fare much worse and their engines are remotely shut off as they both over accelerate.  Chris also takes some heat for not braking when the engine is cut even when given a second chance and once again is pulled from the cab as happened with the trucking job.  Bryce does one worse as he leaves before the green light is given and almost runs over one of the officials.

Grave Digger

Next stage of the competition involves changing one of the tires in teams.  The massive tires weigh 720 pounds each and need to be carefully positioned and then the truck needs to be raised or lowered on the jack to line up the lug nuts.  The team of Chris, Eric and Rie and being led by Rick fail to do this correctly and instead try to push the tire on the truck causing the truck to fall off the jack.  Luckily the only casuality is the $2000 jack which will be deducted from the prize winnings.  Dennis is now somewhat worried about Rick’s ability to handle the pressure.

Finally each contestant is given a chance at three jumps to see how well they have mastered driving the monster truck.  The three women continue to excel, as Rie, Sandy, and Michaela execute their jumps perfectly as do Steven and Rommel.  Bryce and Chris however

Rick Broider

struggle, Rick shifts accidentally in neutral and Eric leaves before the green light sealing all four of their fates as the bottom four.  Ben, by the way, scored the best with the judge and looked like a natural behind the wheel.  Each of the four is then given two chances each at a 90 degree wheelie jump.  Eric and Chris each score one good jump.  Bryce goes almost perfect on the firt and then flips the truck over going high into the air on the second.  Tha ambulance rushes to the scene but he is unharmed.  Finally it’s Rick’s turn but he is unable to get much air on either attempt and is eventually informed that this will be his last job.  As the other contestants say their good byes and travel to the next location, it is revealed that Rick left his job in the software industry and his currently building his own gym for mixed martial arts.