Revving up in Wolverhampton for monster of a City Show

Big Pete and The Grim Reaper have been show regulars for almost a decade, and are back by popular demand.

Michael Merty, the 'Monster Truck Man', said it was humbling to be asked back.

During today and tomorrow, the team is putting on four half-hour shows, destroying 16 cars donated by Church Road Motors in Wolverhampton – with one car totally torn in half as part of the 'tug of war' stunt. Karen Shutler and Christopher Merty share driving duties of the Grim Reaper, while Michael gets behind the wheel of Big Pete.

Driving monster trucks for 15 years now, the Yorkshire-based driver said: "Driving monster trucks is not really something you can teach, you have either got it or you haven't. There are many qualities needed. One, a lack of self-preservation.

"It is quite a daunting thing, especially when you get out in front of a live audience for the first time. You have to just shut off to the crowd and do it as safely and as well as possible. The number one priority is public safety."

The city show is being held at Wolverhampton Racecourse for the first time and bosses are hoping for more than 20,000 visitors over the two days. The monster trucks are one of the three main arena acts in a packed line up, which also includes the two-day Wolvestock country music festival.

Gates open on both days at 11am, with arena shows starting at 11.30am. The show finishes at 6pm both days. Ticket prices are £5 for adults, £4 for children and free for under 2s. Car parking is £3 per car per day, to be paid on the day.