When a Monster Truck Double Backflip Fails at 60 Feet in the Air, the Crash Is Horrible

When it comes to pushing the limits of what’s possible in a monster truck, nothing quite captures the imagination like the elusive double backflip. It’s the white whale of monster truck stunts - a feat so challenging that even the most skilled drivers in the world have struggled to nail it perfectly. Let’s dig into why these attempts are so mind-blowing and what makes landing a double backflip one of the toughest challenges in motorsports.

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Guinness record attempt

The physics behind a monster truck double backflip are absolutely brutal. We’re talking about a 12,000-pound behemoth that needs to rotate twice in the air while maintaining forward momentum. It’s not just about hitting the gas and hoping for the best - it requires precise engineering, perfect speed, and impeccable timing.

Todd LeDuc’s attempt shown above demonstrates just how dangerous these stunts can be. Coming in hot at 43 mph, LeDuc hit the ramp with everything his Monster Energy truck had, but still couldn’t quite get the full rotation. The result? A bone-jarring landing on the truck’s roof that had fans holding their breath. As one commenter put it, “I give him props, that roof landing had to be awful!!!”

What makes these attempts so crazy is the fine line between success and disaster. Too little speed, and you won’t complete the rotation. Too much, and you might over-rotate and nose-dive into the dirt. The margin for error is practically non-existent.

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Tech Attempt

The “forward momentum” qualifier makes this stunt even more challenging. While Tom Meents has landed a double backflip in a stadium setting, doing one with forward momentum (where the truck is actually traveling forward rather than just rotating in place) adds another layer of complexity. As one knowledgeable fan explained, “What Tom did in Foxboro was a double backflip, but not a double forward momentum backflip.”

The ramp design is crucial for these attempts. Many off-road gearheads in the comments point out that the kickoff angle and height need to be perfect. One fan noted, “The ramp is the problem. I think it needs to be just a little bit taller, and the metal part needs to give out a little bit later.” Others suggest that wheel speed and gearing are key factors: “You need that extra wheel speed for the spin. It’s just amazing either way to see a heavy truck like that and the person driving it to do the things all you guys do.”

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Failed practice attempt

Some experts believe the truck configuration itself might be holding back successful attempts. Rear-engine trucks tend to rotate better for backflips due to weight distribution and power delivery. As one commenter pointed out, “They should be using a rear engine truck for this, not Tom’s stunt truck.” The physics make sense - with more power going to the rear wheels, you get better rotation in a backflip.

The danger factor can’t be overstated. These drivers are putting everything on the line for these attempts. When LeDuc crashed during his attempt, he was launched nearly 60 feet in the air before coming down hard on the crush cars below. The fact that he walked away is a testament to the safety systems in these purpose-built machines and the drivers’ physical conditioning.

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Sparks fly Against the wall Body Crusher Chaos and destruction Almost...and breaks

Tom Meents, driving Max-D, has come closest to nailing the perfect double backflip. His attempts have evolved the stunt , with one particularly impressive effort resulting in what fans call a “double backflip 180” - not quite a clean double, but still an incredible aerial maneuver that had the crowd going wild. The evolution of monster truck stunts shows how far the sport has come. As one nostalgic fan commented, “Yall remember being kids and a jump getting 20 feet in the air was insane? Now we got moon walks, hand stands, double back flips… sports changed, but definitely for the better.”

Despite numerous attempts, the perfect forward momentum double backflip remains unconquered territory. It represents the bleeding edge of what’s possible in a monster truck - a high-risk, high-reward stunt that continues to captivate fans and challenge the best drivers in the business.

The quest continues, and you can bet that drivers will keep pushing the envelope until someone finally sticks that perfect double. When it happens, it’ll be one of those “where were you when” moments in monster truck history. Until then, we can only marvel at these incredible attempts and the wheelman who are brave enough to send it for our entertainment.