Hot Wheels havoc

Those iconic Hot Wheels toys take to the tracks when the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow party lights up Nassau Coliseum.

Once again, fans of all ages can watch their favorite Hot Wheels trucks come to life when the action returns to Long Island, Jan. 20-21. The spectacle will involve families in monster mayhem, with a laser light show, dance parties, theatrical effects, toy giveaways — with the spotlight on exciting monster truck and motorcycle stunts.

It’s truly a family affair, starting on the track. The Holman family — Bobby, his son, Cody, and Cody’s wife, Taylor — all will be behind the wheel when the tour arrives here. They’re among the drivers who adeptly handle these 12-foot-tall, 10,000-pound machines that bring audiences to their feet, racing and ripping up a custom-designed track full of obstacles.

“It’s really cool for us,” says International Monster Truck Hall-of-Famer Bobby Holman. “A lot of people say they can’t work with family. But for us, it’s a really good deal and keeps us together. We expect more out of each other.” 

The elder Holman pilots Tiger Shark, a monster truck that, as he tells it, combines the best parts of both tiger and shark, making it a standout favorite for the kids. On top of driving Tiger Shark, he also had a direct hand in creating the epic ride.

“We put it all together, and Cody painted it,” he says. “It literally looks like a shark sitting there, painted like a tiger.” 

As with the other drivers on the circuit, monster trucks are Holman’s passion. The owner of a monster truck repair shop in Dayton, Ohio — Team Beast Off-Road —  he’s been involved in the monster truck world for more than 40 years. He and his son work on many of the trucks that appear in the show, including painting and vinyl wrapping. 

“I grew up around monster trucks. From the time I was old enough to walk, I knew I wanted to be a driver,” Cody says. “When I was 17, I started doing shows with my dad.” 

This year, he’s thrilled to be driving the newest edition to the monster truck lineup, Hot Wheels 5-Alarm, known as the fire truck hero.

Father and son are joined by Cody’s wife Taylor, who drives Demo Derby. When she’s not taking risks on the track and in air, she’s devoted to caring for others on the frontline of health care as an ER nurse at a children’s hospital in Ohio. 

“Fans get to bring their family to the show,” Cody says, “and I get to bring mine.” 

Friendly competition among the drivers quickly gets fans revved up. The non-stop action includes a wheelie competition, donuts, long jumps, freestyle, and even motocross.

And if that is not enough, there’ll be a special appearance by the car-eating, fire-breathing transforming robot Megasaurus.

Cody — last year’s winner — is eager for a repeat. Fans will just have to wait and see.

“Hot Wheels is all about the kids,” Bobby says. “We even put in precautions because the trucks are typically very loud with these motors, so we put mufflers on them. A lot of these kids have never seen monster trucks up close, so we don’t want to make them afraid of the trucks. Every part of the show is geared toward them.”  

From back flips on motorcycles to the aforementioned transforming robot, the show has it all. And in show-stopping monster truck fashion, it all happens in the dark.

“The show was phenomenal without the lasers, but now it’s just incredible,” Bobby adds. “If you’ve never seen the show, you need to because it’s spectacular.” 

Everyone is encouraged to arrive early to experience the popular pre-show exclusive, Crash Zone. Fans can obtain access to the arena floor at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., Saturday, and noon on Sunday, when they can see trucks up-close and meet the drivers, get autographs, take photos, and check out some toy versions of the big trucks. Fans also can purchase a VIP experience that includes souvenirs and a special backstage tour. 

And of course, there will be Hot Wheels toys for sale including exclusive Hot Wheels trucks and merchandise. 

Bobby Holman still remembers when Cody played with Hot Wheels as a kid. Now it’s come full circle.

As Bobby puts it: “We bring toys to life. These kids see these little bitty trucks, and when they come into the arena, their eyes get wide and their smiles get big ‘cause now they are seeing a real monster truck.”