Rockstar is a custom Can-Am Maverick X3 monster truck owned and driven by Bill Payne of Straight Up Racing out of Washington. Since its debut in 2006, the truck has been known for using a chassis that featured a wheelbase that was shorter than most trucks at the time and was a major competitor in the Monster X Tour for several years. Rockstar was also known as the first monster truck to do moonwalks, even before the move was implemented in Monster Jam, starting in 2016. Payne is also known for his wild driving style and his wife, Lorna Payne, even rides with him in the truck beginning in 2012.
History[]
Rockstar originally debuted in 2006 as the successor to Bill Payne’s previous truck, High Voltage. At the time of its debut, the truck featured a white paint scheme, which would be replaced by a black paint scheme two years later. The truck would also receive a temporary sponsorship from Fuel 90.3 FM. The paint scheme was used only twice, in shows at Calgary and Perris, California.
In 2009, Rockstar received a new paint scheme featuring an updated logo. The truck would also compete in select Monster Jam shows that year. Two years later, a new Rockstar chassis, featuring a slightly longer wheelbase was constructed to replace the original one after a total of twenty-five years of competition. After Straight Up Racing’s induction into the Monster Truck Mafia, Rockstar also debuted a new design.
Beginning in 2012, a second seat was implemented into Rockstar to allow Bill’s wife, Lorna Payne, to ride along with her husband inside the truck. Two years later, a second Rockstar debuted under Team Beast, being briefly campaigned on the Heavy Medal chassis. Meanwhile, Rockstar would receive a new Breast Cancer Awareness-themed paint scheme, featuring a yellow-pink gradient. The truck would also feature a chrome paint scheme in 2015.
In 2016, Rockstar would win that winter’s No Limits Monster Truck Championship. Two years later, a new pink camouflage paint scheme debuted. The second chassis continued to compete until 2019, when an all-new chassis was constructed. Rockstar also received a new design, featuring a custom Can-Am Maverick X3 body style that was constructed throughout the 2019 season before finishing in time for the start of the 2020 season. The previous chassis would be sold to Mirror Image Racing two years later, and converted into the new Trouble Maker.
Video game appearances[]
Trivia[]
- Bill Payne and Rockstar made an appearance on the TruTV show Operation Repo in 2010. The segment involved Payne crushing a Porsche with Rockstar that was due to be taken away after it was not paid for.
- During introductions for the teams Malicious Monster Truck Tour events, it is said Bill controls the front steering and throttle, while Lorna controls the rear steer and breaks.
- Rockstar is the only monster truck were two drivers ride together at each show. This hasn't happened any other time.
- Rockstar also ran as 96.9 The Rogue/102.7 The Drive.
Gallery[]
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