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RACERS…
MONSTER TRUCK DRIVER
SIGNATURE GLIMPSE
©1999-2002 Dwight Drum
DWIGHT CHATS WITH…THE GRAVE DIGGER…DENNIS ANDERSON
"Wild, crazy, and fun."
DOB: 10-24-60
Birth Town: Chesapeak,Virginia
Home Town: Currituck County, North Carolina
Photos by Gary Larsen Dwight Drum
Questions and Story by Dwight Drum
We arrived early to the Monster Truck Jam autograph session as the gathering of fans was increasing to get closer to the renowned Monster Tuck drivers. After a two hour session and our interview with Dennis Anderson, we had difficulty getting back through the crowd. Many were lined up, shoulder-to-shoulder, to get the autograph of the Grave Digger. Dennis Anderson is in his twentieth season as a Monster Truck Driver, and as 'The Grave Digger' has become a driving legend.
Dennis began his career in 1981 at Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, near the sand where the Wright Brothers began their careers with the first flight of the incredible flying machine. He created a monster truck from old parts and junk vehicles, and was quick to tell his opponents with new parts, that "I'll take old junk, and dig you a grave." That confidence created The Grave Digger. That confidence still permeates the demeanor of Dennis Anderson, 'The Grave Digger.' Get closer with us as I ask a few questions of this brave truck pilot…
"Being humble and personable to my fans."
Do you have a nickname?"Mister Destruction. The black-and-green wrecking machine."
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"Dale Earnhardt, Richard Petty, and John Force."
When driving a car, do you always wear a seatbelt?1. Yes. 2. No. 3. Sometimes?
"Yes. I sure do."
What drives you? What's different about you and those who don't race?"It was natural…born with it…in everything. I don't care if it was a dude with push- mower cutting grass. I wanted to out run that dude with my push-mower."
If you could make one part of your body stronger, what part would that be?"Probably, my brain."
What quality do you admire most in other people?"A wholesome smile. Down-to-earth people."
What mental routine prepares you for each run?"More than one person drives that truck. One is me the other is the fans, and both of us drive crazy."
"Back in 95. I was in a tractor-trailer that jack-knifed, but I didn't do it."
Where do you find the most peace in your life?"Carova Beach, North Carolina. I have a beach house in the Barrier Islands."
You're a skilled racer… On public highways, what's different about you and other drivers?"I'm probably more experienced at ducking a crash than anybody on highway. I've actually never been (knock on wood) in an accident on the highway…ever."
What do you fear?"Stainless steel, Like needles…Getting shots and stuff."
In a few words, how would you sum up…yourself?"Wild, crazy, and fun."
Additional Comments?"I'd like to thank all of my fans for supporting me for twenty years. This is my twentieth anniversary tour. If it wasn't for them I wouldn't have a nut or bolt to break or race."
As with my Signature Profile interview, we often select a final word that seems to best describe each driver. Dennis Anderson is a confident and skilled competitor, but as we watched him greet his fans and sign autographs, and then saw him enter the field in his colorful truck amidst fireworks and amplified sound, a grand shadow seemed to appear. Gary Larsen and I agreed that Dennis Anderson, The Grave Digger, has many attributes, but we chose to call him…
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ArtMaster: James 'Puppet' DiTullio
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