INDIANAPOLIS — The roar of the engine echoed down the backstretch at Indianapolis Motor Speedway as Camden Murphy pushed a monster truck into the record books Sunday afternoon.
Murphy broke the world record for the fastest speed in a monster truck during Indianapolis 500 Pole Day, reaching 103 mph behind the wheel of Monster Jam’s “Power Rush” truck ahead of Top 12 qualifying.
“Man, I’ve been 200 miles an hour down this straight away,” Murphy said after the run in reference to having run the IMS road course in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. “Let me tell you, that was one of the most exciting things I’ve ever done ever in my entire career.
“To take this world record means the absolute world to me.”
The previous world record of 101.84 mph was set by Joe Sylvester on Aug. 6, 2022, in Norwalk, Ohio.
The world record attempt took place Sunday at 3:15 p.m. at IMS. Despite not getting a practice run Saturday, Murphy delivered the record-breaking speed in front of a lively Pole Day crowd.
Murphy, known as “Monster Jam Cam,” has driven Monster Jam trucks since 2017. Sunday’s run was not his first time at IMS either, as he previously raced on the speedway’s road course.
The specially designed “Power Rush” truck was unveiled Friday on 6th Street outside IMS, where it remained on display throughout the weekend. The truck stands 12 feet tall, stretched 12 feet wide and weighed more than 12,000 pounds.
Powered by more than 1,500 horsepower — the most horsepower ever used in a Monster Jam truck — the vehicle was built specifically for the record attempt. More than six devices around the speedway, including radar systems and onboard cameras, were used to officially record the speed.
“It’s just an honor to be out here,” Murphy said Friday during the unveiling of the truck. “Such a beautiful collaboration between Monster Jam and Indianapolis Motor Speedway.”
Murphy is one of several drivers to come through Monster Jam University, the organization’s premier training facility in Paxton, Illinois. Founded in 2014 and overseen by 12-time world champion Tom Meents, the program trains drivers in racing, stunts and media responsibilities.
Sunday’s run added another unique moment to Indy 500 qualifying weekend, blending the spectacle of Monster Jam with the history and speed of IMS.
Jessica Garcete is an IndyStar sports reporter. Get IndyStar’s motor sports coverage sent directly to your inbox with our Motor Sports newsletter. Subscribe to theYouTube channel IndyStar TV: IndyCar for a behind-the-scenes look at IndyCar and expert analysis.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Monster Jam truck Power Rush breaks world record speed at IMS on Indy 500 pole day
Reporting by Jessica Garcete, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
