DONKEY KONG MAKES SURPRISE DEBUT AT MINNEAPOLIS

by Robert Haught, AllMonster.com

One of the most exciting things to happen at the Metrodome in Minneapolis for Monster Jam was the surprise debut of the new Donkey Kong truck, driven by Monster Jam veteran Frank Krmel. The truck was hidden away in a giant barrel similar to the ones Donkey Kong throws at enemies throughout the pit party, then blasted out to cheers of approval and surprise from the crowd during introductions. We sat down with Frank before the show to get his thoughts on Donkey Kong and what it means to drive such an incredible machine.

How do you feel about driving the new Donkey Kong truck, and how did the deal come together for you to do it?

Frank Krmel-Well, Nintendo wanted Donkey Kong to be a part of Monster Jam. Donkey Kong has been around since 1981, and everyone’s seen it all over the place, so they figured Monster Jam was the next natural progression. They got the body and the whole concept together, and now it’s ready to debut here in Minneapolis.

Why did Nintendo come to you to drive the truck?

FK-As some people know, I’ve bounced around from truck to truck, pretty much a different one every year. They’re trying to find a home for me, and luckily the Donkey Kong deal came through, and we are a great fit for each other. We have a great crew this year, and I don’t think there’s anything that can really stop us, other than ourselves really. The truck’s good, it’s prepared well, and I couldn’t ask for a better situation than the one I’m in right now with Donkey Kong. All we have to do now is go out there and make it happen!

As a child of the video game generation, did you play Donkey Kong games growing up?

FK-Oh, I loved it! When I was younger, everyone was playing at the local arcade, and as it progressed, on different Nintendo systems, and now on the Nintendo Wii, which is the most advanced system out there. You see Donkey Kong Barrel Blaster, which is a racing game, and it’s amazing how far things have progressed. For Donkey Kong to be a part of Monster Jam is just an awesome deal.

Do you plan on doing anything differently for Donkey Kong than you would if you were driving another truck?

FK-I think people that have been around the sport a bit know me and know how I drive, that I’m good at keeping the truck on all fours, but I can’t guarantee that with Donkey Kong! This is a new level of expectations for me and for the truck, and we’re here for business. We are trying to take all the big names, the Grave Diggers, Bounty Hunters, and Maximum Destructions, all of those guys; that’s why Donkey Kong is here. It’s all or nothing, so we’re going to try and come out here and show that Donkey Kong belongs. We want Donkey Kong to be around for a long time and to be one of the names people think of when they think of Monster Jam, and that’s what we’re going to shoot for.

Frank did his part to make Donkey Kong a huge success at the show, advancing to the semi-finals of racing and setting the bar high with a 21 in freestyle as the first truck out. It was good for a fourth-place finish, and included some huge air and several slap wheelies. Look out for Donkey Kong coming to an arena near you soon!