The record-setting jump, imagine being that far up in the air in a 10,000+ pound truck!

On September 16th, at the 2012 Indianapolis 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals, “Team Big Foot,” set a new world record. Bob Chandler, the King and founder of the original monster truck, has once again left his mark in the motor sport world.

His latest creation BIGFOOT 18 put on one heck of a show at this event, and with Dan Runte piloting the new truck they reclaimed the long jump title for the Chandler camp, raising the bar to an astounding 214′ 8.” In 1999, Chandler’s Bigfoot 14 set the long jump record at 202 feet. That record held until 2010, when it was broken by another team, resetting the record at 208 feet.

Bob Chandler gained his fame and fortune by creating the original monster truck. He, in fact, is the father of the monster truck! Back in 1975 Bob ordered a brand-new Ford F 250 to serve as a benchmark for his new business venture, Midwest Four-Wheel-Drive Center, which he had started in his garage. His vision to produce  aftermarket parts for four-wheel-drive trucks, mainly suspension upgrades and lift kits, led toward the creation of Bigfoot number one.

On weekends, Bob attended more than a few four-wheel-drive events along with some truck pulls. He became very popular among other competitors and gained the name “Bigfoot” because he had a heavy right foot, and he used to break a lot of parts. He finally put the right combination together by installing some heavy-duty axles and huge off-road tires, which allowed him to do crazy things with this new truck.

In 1981, he was the first one to actually climb up onto two cars and crush them while attening a local four-wheel-drive event. Once the promoters saw the video of his car crush, he became an overnight sensation. The monster truck was born; and Bob Chandler made history!

Be sure to watch this amazing jump performed by Bigfoot 18 and don’t forget to check out  Bob Chandler’s Bigfoot page to read about how one man’s dream became a new form of motorsports racing!