Monster Truck Mayhem 2026

Everything you need to know about the show at Dirt Oval 66

It’s going to be a heatwave of horsepower with the BIGGEST, the BADDEST, and the BEST Monster Truck and Freestyle Motocross show in the entire Midwest — happening ONLY this summer at the Route 66 Dirt Oval on June 20!

Are you ready for ground-shaking, sky-high jumps, high-flying stunts, and non-stop action? This event is always a crowd-pleaser and widely recognized as the event not to miss in Illinois each year with more monster trucks and more things to crush & fly over than any other show in Illinois! These monster machines bring mega fun. Don’t be left in the dust — secure your tickets today!

Parking & gates open at 4:00pm
FREE Pre-race party 4:00 – 6:00pm
Action begins 7:00pm

Reminder: Plan your travel to Dirt Oval 66 in advance due to road and ramp closures throughout the Joliet area. Read our Traffic Alert page for more details.

The machines behind the Mayhem

So, you want to know who’s bringing it? This year’s 8 monster truck lineup isn’t holding anything back! Your favorite machines you love to watch soar, roar, and bring maximum mayhem are here to stay. Louder, wilder, and hungrier than ever to get back to Route 66’s Dirt Oval we have:

TailGator
From the uncharted waters of the Ozarks in Missouri, this monster gator has emerged from the swampy depths to destroy the competition at the Dirt Oval. You’ve never seen a reptile fly like this one! TailGator is one beast ready to snap, roar and crush its way into the spotlight with its return to the Route 66 track!

Axe
Fire trucks don’t have anything on AXE! It’s screaming through the track and back for more. This monster Fire Truck isn’t putting out any fires… it’s starting them —and ready to ignite the fun in you!

Avenger
The iconic 1957 BelAir towers at 10 feet tall and 12 feet wide. Part hotrod, part harmony, all monster mayhem. The multi-time World Champion has carved a legacy of monster truck destruction around the globe and is a mainstay of Monster Mayhem. Avenger won Freestyle in 2025 and is ready to defend the top spot in 2026. Let him hear you scream!

Dirt Crew
The ORIGINAL flying dump truck! You’ve seen it before: the larger than life orange and yellow dump truck soaring through the air and crashing down on cars that look like toys compared to this beast. Jerry Beck’s DCT Powersports is always a crowdpleaser.

WHAT!? BRAND NEW BEASTS

We didn’t just bring back the favorites. Joining the lineup for the first time ever, the new trucks are gearing up to make their big air, big noise, and biggest impression for their Dirt Oval 66 debut. Introducing to Route 66 2026 Monster Truck Mayhem:

Lil’ Miss Madness
She’s mad, she’s bad, and she’s going to tear up the field with raw girl power, proving monster trucks aren’t just for the boys! This rising star got her training wheels at the Dirt Oval in 2022. She’s been roaring ever since and is ready to rock it in the big leagues with her first Monster Truck Mayhem debut.

Smashosaurus
From the same team that is bringing you TAILGATOR… is SMASHOSAURUS! They saw you fiending for more reptilian roars, ready to flip, soar, and speed its way through the track at Route 66 Dirt Oval!

Block Head
Block Head knows build ’em, break ’em, and snap together some serious chaos. Block Head aims to be #1, just like your favorite kind of blocks!

Rat Attack
The rat pack ain’t playing with RAT ATTACK! This 1963 Corvette Stingray is ready to drop its bumper and slap wheelies across the track.

Which of these 8 monster truck will turn Chicagoland upside with a BACKFLIP?! Be there June 20 to experience it live! 

Get a taste of the Mayhem to come!

Tap to view the 2025 Monster Mayhem photo gallery

Before the Crush, after the Roar

Monster Mayhem invites all ticket holders to a FREE Pit Party where you and the family can meet the drivers AND see a variety of trucks/vehicles up close at a Touch-a-Truck! That’s right, no extra cost to go on the track and meet the drivers. Everyone with every ticket is a “VIP” and that’s why Monster Mayhem is the proven best-value monster truck show in the Chicago area.

Get TWO full hours of pre-show access and to ensure everyone has a chance to see the huge trucks and nearly a dozen different obstacles right at ground level before it turns into a crush zone!

Engines will rev and roar, but before they soar, Cody Calkins will be playing live jams under the grandstand, sure to get you pumped and primed for the biggest live monster truck show in Illinois.

Let the littles color their favorites with a super fun and family-friendly Coloring Contest for a chance to win $100! Plenty of food and drink vendors to keep you full, but we know you’re hungry for more action.

That’s why, beyond the monster trucks, we’re getting you up out of your seats to cheer on the incredible FREESTYLE MOTOCROSS riders as they soar, twist, and backflip into the sky!

Get your Tickets for Monster Truck Mayhem

Online ticket sales are only guaranteed through official links from dirtoval66.com. Do not buy from ticket reseller websites! You will pay above face value and are at risk of ticket scams. Route 66 Dirt Oval tickets can also be bought by calling 815-740-8000 or in person on race day.

Tailgating is Welcome!
We don’t say no to fun at the Dirt Oval! Our parking lot opens at 4 p.m., giving you the opportunity to meet new friends as you pop down the tailgate, open your cooler, and start the Saturday off right. Bring your grill and cook up some excitement for the monster truck event. We encourage everyone to party responsibly!

Ear protection is encouraged for the sensitive & younger ears. Even outside, the 1500 horsepower monster truck engines pack quite a punch to the eardrums! Child size ear protection will be available at the merchandise stand.

Ticket prices for Monster Mayhem in Joliet

Dirt Oval 66 is not a cashless venue! We appreciate all forms of money.

• Adults (ages 13+): $33
• Kids (ages 3-12): $23
• Reserved Seats in middle of the grandstand (applies to all ages): $38
• ADA/Wheelchair section: $33
• Ages 2 & younger are FREE in general admission
• Group Rates (15 tickets or more): starting at $3 off & more! Must call 815-740-8000 to receive group discounts.

All tickets increase $5 on June 14

Parking: $5 per vehicle at the entrance payable via cash or card.

What better way to end the perfect summer night? FIREWORKS! Enjoy the show!