Batman (truck)
Batman was a monster truck that competed on the USHRA circuit, where it is the 2007[1] and 2008 Monster Jam World Racing Champion.[2] The truck is officially licensed by DC Comics and has a replica of the Batmobile as the body.[1] It is driven by John Seasock[3] and debuted with Jason Childress driving in Charlotte, North Carolina in 2006. It has also competed in six Monster Jam World Finals, and won racing in both the 2007 and 2008 events. The body was designed at Downs Manufacturing in Lawton, Michigan by Jamie Downs and his team of designers, Terry Payne of Arlington,TX, and Doug Forbes of Three Rivers, MI. In 2013, Batman received a new look with half-sized fins and a new bat logo. In 2014, two time racing world champion John Seasock returned to the driver's seat of Batman.
![]() Batman in 2014 | |
Owner and driver information | |
---|---|
Owner | Feld Entertainment |
Driver(s) | John Seasock |
Home city | Frackville, Pennsylvania |
Truck information | |
Year created | 2006 |
Body style | Custom concept body |
Engine | 540 cu in (8,849 cc) Merlin Chevy V8 |
In 2014, DC's contract expired, ending the use of all of the licensed trucks, including Batman.
Driver history
In 2006, Jason Childress drove it. Then in 2007, John Seasock drove it and took home the World Finals Championship. The truck repeated the feat and retained the World Racing Championship in 2008.
In 2009, the original Batman truck became Grave Digger #22 (Driven by Charlie Pauken). Seasock drove a new Batman chassis which made its debut in 2009. In 2011, former Blue Thunder driver Norm Miller started driving Batman after Seasock went to drive the Advance Auto Parts Grinder.
References
- Matta, Sam (April 1, 2007). "Seasock honored as world champion". The Hazleton Standard-Speaker. p. B3. Retrieved 28 July 2020.
- "Monster truck wins". Pottsville Republican-Herald. April 6, 2008. p. B11. Retrieved 28 July 2020.
- Whitney, Katherine E. (April 1, 2007). "Parade marks monster win". Pottsville Republican and Herald. p. A3. Retrieved 28 July 2020.