'How fast would you like to go?': Find out what it's like to drive a monster truck

After strapping in, the first thing driver Cassius Stevenson asks is, "how fast would you like to go?"

Not one to back down from a challenge, I say, "as fast as you're allowed."

Mr Stevenson laughs before turning on the engine and the power of these beasts makes itself known.

If you think the trucks are loud from where you watch on in the stadium, that's only a fraction of the noise you hear from inside the truck itself.

The noise reverberates throughout the truck, allowing you to feel it from your head all the way down to your toes.

As the car begins to move forward I couldn't help but look out over Dubbo Showground and see just how small everything looks below us.

With my hair flying everywhere, the rush of wind hitting my face and dirt flying when we make a sudden spin, I can't manage to wipe the smile off my face.

By the time the ride is coming to an end we are hurtling at speed towards our photographer and for a split second I worry we won't stop in time.

I shouldn't have worried though, I was in more than capable hands as we come to a complete stop less than a metre away.

I laugh and thank Mr Stevenson for the ride - one that was exhilarating for me, and most likely boring for him considering the tricks he is capable of.

It's no wonder he has been driving these monster trucks since he was 11-years-old with a pillow under his seat so he could reach the pedals.

"Honestly, I was just a fan - that's where it all starts from - when I was young I used to love the hot wheels cars and toys, I used to watch all the monster truck DVDs and go to the local shows when they came to town," he said.

When the 18-year-old talks about what he loves about the trucks, it's easier to relate to them after a quick ride in the extreme vehicles.

"I love the noise, the adrenaline rush, the crowd, the fans, just everything about it, it's exciting," he said.

At 12-years-old Mr Stevenson jumped his first car.

"That's when the adrenaline hit and I just kept coming back," he said.

For Mr Stevenson, he just wants to put on a good show for people - so they having something to go home and talk about.

"We've got three of Australia's top monster trucks, we've got rollover cars, we've got a jet van, there's comedy acts, it's good for the whole family," he said.

The monster trucks will be coming to Dubbo Showground on Saturday, February 17 and the show, which performer Clive Featherby says is aimed at kids between four and 14, will be one of the biggest.

It's been 15 years since the crew from Monster Thrillmasters Live came to Dubbo, and Mr Featherby said they couldn't be more excited.

"We have the world's youngest monster truck driver and we have Outback Thunder, which is the number one truck in the country by far - it's been all over the world," he said.

The truck has been throughout America and has won numerous awards in World Final competitions. It was also the first truck to perform live in China.

The show that will be coming to Dubbo won't just include monster trucks, but also a jet pack water show, comedy cars, flame throwing jet van and fireworks.

"It's just a massive program...it's not just a monster truck show, it's a full blown action packed, family thrill show," he said.

"All the things that kids dream about when playing on the playground, all come to life."

Mr Featherby who drives the Outback Thunder truck has been in the industry for more than 20 years now.

Having spent so long in the business there was a time when he stopped touring, but four years ago just before COVID hit, he took up a contract in America.

"I still had trucks over there so I brought them back and now we don't non-stop tour like we used to, we just pick some venues each year and go to those shows," he said.

As for why he chose to come to Dubbo - the answer is simple.

"We went to Gilgandra Show a couple of years ago because it had some of my trucks in it and it was the best crowd ever, and a lot of the crowd were from Dubbo," he said.

"This is the first time we've had the opportunity to come back so we're really excited about it."

With tickets already a third of the way sold, Mr Featherby hopes it will be a packed out event.

You can purchase tickets here.