BIG STARS, BIG WHEELS ROLL INTO TOWN: LET THE "THUNDER" SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL!

The 10th edition of the U.S. Hot Rod Thunder Nationals will converge on the Show Me Center Jan. 28-29.

The event, sponsored by the Bootheel GMC Truck Dealers, will begin at 8 each night.

The show offers the combination of thrills, acrobatics and speed.

Five of the world's top high-powered Monster trucks will grab the spotlight as they challenge each other in side-by-side racing over the top of junk cars, 360-degree and free-style competition.

Towering at heights of 12 feet, weighing a minimum of 12,000 pounds and boasting 1,500 horsepower, these machines are designed to create a spectacle befitting the show's name.

Veteran driver Kirk Dabney of Nitemare, a GMC, will take on the 1991 champion Bill Weaver in Rambo (Chevy), Tim Tesmer in Hercules Racer (Chevy), Roger Grate in Thunderstruck (Ford) and Bobby Zee, who will be driving Giant (Ford).

In addition, there will be Mini Monsters thrown into the package. The 150 horsepower trucks will compete in the Mini Monster truck race.

When the Outlaw Quad Wars hit the track, anything goes. The best quad riders from Missouri and Illinois meet on the track in a race where there are literally no rules.

Any size engine, any size tires and any style of driving, whether it includes ramming or shoving, is legal.

The competition gets rough when these interstate rivals battle to the finish with nothing but bragging rights on the line.

The high-powered excitement cranks up a notch when the Thrill Show begins.

Perhaps the Show Me Center crowd will witness an historical feat by Brilliant Bob Student Stuntman, who will attempt to break the world indoor speed record.

With 12,000 horsepower stuffed into a 1,200-pound rocket car, Brilliant Bob's chances of setting the record appear good -- if he doesn't crash -- again.

Tickets for the 10th annuyal U.S. Hot Rod Thunder Nationals are available at the Show Me Center Box office, Disc Jockey Records, Schnuck's and Capital Bank.

For phone orders call (314) 651-5000. Ticket prices for adults are $12 in advance, $13 the day of the show and $5 for all children 11 years of age and younger.