Former American motocross star Damon Bradshaw is a renowned showman and it’s probably apt that he’s now one of the leading drivers in Monster Jam – the spectacular truck extravaganza that will be playing five shows in Australia between 27 September and 18 October this year.

Bradshaw, 42, sits behind the wheel of ‘Monster Energy,’ one of the custom-built, five-tonne trucks that cost $250,000 each and are powered by octane-injected engines producing up to 2000 horsepower; enough to catapult them from 0-100km/h in less than three seconds.

The Idaho resident finished motorcycle racing in 2001, after winning a clutch of US domestic titles plus the Motocross of Nations in 1990 and 1991 riding for America. Six years later, Bradshaw made his Monster Jam debut and hasn’t looked back since.

“I wanted to continue racing something after motorcycles, but I never really thought it would be freestyle in a Monster Jam truck,” said Bradshaw. “But the opportunity came along, and it’s all about entertaining people. To be honest, Monster Jam probably does that better than any other form of motorsport I’ve been involved in.

“Even in Australia, where we only performed one stand-alone show in Sydney last year, it’s amazing how many fans we actually have. It’s all about entertainment, a big show and a big party, and we allow our fans easy access to us, the drivers, and of course the trucks.”

Bradshaw expects fierce competition during the Australian tour, which begins in Brisbane on 27 September before moving onto Melbourne (two shows on 4 October), Adelaide (11 October) and Sydney (18 October). Each show will feature two separate sessions: head-to-head combat in Monster Jam racing, followed by freestyle Monster Jam madness.

“In Australia all the drivers and trucks will be top class,” he continued. “It will be our first time in most cities so we’re keen to give the fans a great show. There’ll be lots of tricks, lots of showmanship.”

In addition to Bradshaw in Monster Energy, other star performers during the Australian tour will include Grave Digger, El Toro Loco, Max-D, Madusa, Mohawk Warrior and Monster Mutt Rottweiler – all with airbrushed logos and creative paintjobs.

Bradshaw’s Monster Jam CV is impressive and includes Rookie of the Year in 2007, as well as two years later he won the Monster Jam World Finals Freestyle Championship in Las Vegas.

“I still catch a bit of racing these days, but most of my spare time is spent on my Harley-Davidson and motocross riding through the mountains of Idaho – it’s magic,” Bradshaw said. “However, I struggle to ride at 70 percent. It doesn’t work for me.”

Ticket prices range from $25 for children and $40 for adults. For the Sydney and Melbourne shows contact www.ticketek.com.au/monsterjam or 132 849, and for Adelaide and Brisbane go to www.ticketmaster.com.au/monsterjam or 136 100.