Getting dirty: Jerry Beck brings creations to Toughest Monster Truck Tour at Rio Rancho Events Center

Jerry Beck’s life changed when he became an owner of a monster truck.

A year later, he became a monster truck driver.

Today, he says he’s an entertainer as he’s behind the wheel of Dirt Crew.

“It was a bad idea that turned out great,” he says with a laugh. “I enjoy traveling in the motor sports world. If it has horsepower and tires, I’m there. Now I get to entertain people all over the country and show off some of my creations.”

Beck is one of a handful of drivers that will take center stage at the Rio Rancho Events Center when the Toughest Monster Truck Tour arrives for a two-day stay on Friday, Jan. 12, and Saturday, Jan. 13.

The tour will have monster trucks competing on an all-dirt track inside Rio Rancho Events Center with lots of big dirt jumps, old-school crush cars and racing that isn’t just side by side in a straight line but involves lots of turns which only the highest level drivers can navigate.

This year’ line-up includes Blockhead driven by Daron Basl, Dirt Crew driven by Beck, Dozer driven by Marc McDonald/Jack Brown, Maximus driven by Travis Groth, Tailgator driven by Tim Jones, The Veteran driven by Tyler Groth and high-flying tricks and stunts of Freestyle Motocross.

Aside from the actual competition, Beck says the pit party is a great moment for fans to get early access to walk on the dirty track and see the trucks up close.

“We also get to take pictures and give autographs to the fans,” he says. “It’s amazing to be able to give them an up-close look at what we do for a living. It’s great to see the excitement from all the little kids that are amazed by the monster trucks.”

Beck says being part of the monster truck industry is nonstop.

“We’ll do a weekend of racing and it will take about 100 hours to make sure the truck is good for the following weekend,” he says. “You never park it and wait until the next time to get it out. The vehicles are constantly needing work. When you crash, that’s even more work.”

Beck has a team of four people working full time to keep up with the Dirt Crew. He will often get his hands dirty fixing it.

“I work on them,” he says. “We build the bodies. I’ve built five bodies during my time. There’s been Quad Chaos, Dirt Crew, Dirt Crew Dozer, Maximus and Blockhead. Maximus will have its Rio Rancho debut. Blockhead looks like the toy blocks people play with. I built them out of plywood. Building vehicles is an art form. I really enjoy it.”

Beck owns numerous businesses and is constantly busy.

Yet, when he takes to the track, it’s a special time.

“It’s when Jerry gets to be Jerry,” he says. “We haven’t raced for about 12 weeks and I’m ready to get on the track and enjoy myself.”

TOUGHEST MONSTER TRUCK TOUR

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12, pit party from 5:30-6:30 p.m.; 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13; pit party from 4-5 p.m.

WHERE: Rio Rancho Events Center, 3001 Civic Center Circle NE, Rio Rancho

HOW MUCH: $15-$35, plus fees, at ticketmaster.com. Pit Passes are $15 or free at Melloy Dodge.