Chuck Jordan, owner and driver of the SURVIVOR Monster Truck began his monster truck racing career in 1988 when Dennis Anderson, driver of GRAVE DIGGER, stayed at his house for about three weeks and convinced Chuck to build his street truck into a monster truck. And, only one year later, in 1989, Chuck began driving with his new concoction, his very first monster truck, DIRTY DANCING. "I didn't win a lot of races in DIRTY DANCING," said Chuck. "But I had a reputation of always being able to make it to the next round. I was nicknamed SURVIVOR by fellow drivers so that's how we came up with the new name for the truck." Chuck even named his Chevy 4x4 Street Truck SURVIVOR. Chuck's newly remodeled SURVIVOR II is a 1995 Chevrolet body monster truck, built on a Patrick rolling chassis equipped with Rockwell 106 with planetaries and 26" Comb nitro shocks. The motor is 540 cubic inch Rodeck, with Dart heads and is blown injected on methanol. The transmission is a turbo 400 with 3500 stall converter and SCS transfer case. The truck is equipped with front and rear steering and the total weight of the beast is 11,000 pounds. SURVIVOR stands 12 feet tall and 12 feet wide. For those of you that don't know what all that means, let me translate for you. SURVIVOR is one rough, tough, mean piece of machinery, ready for anything, in a sport where anything can happen! The truck certainly lives up to its name. Yes, Chuck Jordan's truck is definitely a SURVIVOR! This truck can crash, rollover and get all torn up at a show and arrive at the next event the very next weekend and look like a brand new truck. Chuck definitely deserves the credit for this fine piece of machinery, for he states, "The SURVIVOR trucks have always been known to have the look of high quality, state of the art construction, and a lot of pride." This pride and quality shows because the sport is more than a hobby for Chuck. Monster truck racing is not a part-time deal, and often, Chuck will spend 40-45 weeks a year racing and working on SURVIVOR. With Chucks humble beginnings, he credits Dennis Anderson for helping him get into the sport. As mentioned earlier, Dennis spent a month at Chuck's home and talked him into building a monster truck, his very first. Chuck also drove the GRAVE DIGGER Ride Truck in 1997 and worked with Dennis and his crew on the GRAVE DIGGER Monster Truck. If you talk about favorite moments with the man in control of SURVIVOR, one moment quickly comes to his mind. Chuck's all-time favorite racing moment is the time he won the 1997 finals against Bigfoot in Nashville, Tennessee. It was especially great because it was his sponsor's hometown. Another great moment was when he beat GRAVE DIGGER in 1999 at the finals in Portland, Oregon, 35 miles away from his home. Chuck says his worst memory is the time he left one of his crew members at a truck stop in upstate New York. In Chuck's spare time he enjoys elk hunting, camping and spending time with his wife, his children and his grandchildren. Chuck also enjoys watching drag racing and rodeos. Look for Chuck Jordan and the SURVIVOR Monster Truck at upcoming U.S Hot Rod Monster Jam events.
How did you get involved in monster trucks?
Dennis Anderson talked me into it a long time ago.
What's
the best thing about being a monster truck driver?
Meeting all the people, and all the fan.
Career
highlights? First Win?
First time I beat Bigfoot Nashville TN in 95'
What is your most memorable moment so far?
Participating in a TV show called 'Kids Songs'. I would get to spend time with kids, have fun, and ofcourse be on TV.
Describe
what it is to be a monster truck driver in one sentence.
It is the GREATEST!
Give
4 separate words that describe you.
Big - Bad - Loud - Crazy
What
is the best part about signing an autograph for a child?
Looking at their smile, realizing how knowlegable they are about the sport
What
do you do to prepare for a new season?
Maintanence, getting everything updated to stay competitive.
Whats
your favorite stop on the tour?
Tacoma Washington, because I have lots of friends and family up there.
Are
you working on anything new right now?
We are working on new truck right now.
Whats
the best thing about your truck?
Being sponsored by Martina McBride.
What
gets you pumped to compete?
The fans and going to the pit parties.
Where
are the best fans?
Tacoma Washington and Houston
Best
advice to kids who want to become monster truck drivers?
Stay in school!!!! I think you should look at the future and go for it.
Fun Facts
Favorite Food:
Ice Cream
Favorite Color:
Blue
Type of Music You Listen to:
Country
Favorite Song:
Much to Young, by Garth Brooks
Hobbies:
Elk Hunting, Vacationing, and spending time with the family
