Lima Reporter

“It has been an absolute dream of mine since I was two years old to drive a Monster Jam truck professionally and be one of the top contenders in the sport,” said UNOH student Matthew Dummer on his submission video about why he should be selected to train at Monster Jam University this spring.

Dozens of UNOH students submitted applications and videos with the hopes of being chosen as the one lucky student who could travel to Paxton, Illinois at Monster Jam University. There, the student would train under 14-time Monster Jam World Champion and Driver of the Max-D truck Tom Meents.  Late this year, the selection committee notified Matthew that he won the spot.

“I’m not going to waste any opportunity I can to make it one step closer and open one more door, to chase my dream,” said Matthew.

Originally from Gales Creek, Oregon, Matthew traveled more than 2,300 miles east and began classes at the University of Northwestern Ohio in June, 2022 choosing to major in High Performance Motorsports Technology.  Matthew credits the support from his parents and family to allow him to pursue a motorsports education.

“The only reason I am here and able to chase my dream is because of my parents.  They selflessly used the inheritance money from my grandfather’s passing … and are putting me through school at UNOH to give me the opportunity to chase a dream that I’ve had since I was a little kid.”

Matthew believes his experience off-roading will help him feel comfortable behind the wheel of the 12,000-pound Monster Jam trucks.

“What gives me the confidence to get behind the wheel of a Monster Jam truck is growing up racing on quads and when I was 13 years old, getting my own project truck and turning it into my dream off-roader that’s still adapting. Being able to drive my truck, put it where I want to, have the right control to get up any obstacle, and always having vehicle awareness. I can use those skills in the Monster Jam world and put on a great show with time in the seat.”

He will most definitely put those skills to the test at MJU. The challenging tracks at Monster Jam University replicate the real Monster Jam on-track experience, which will give Matthew, along with other novice and veteran athletes, an equal chance to excel. The unforgiving obstacles test the physical strength, mental stamina, and the dexterity it takes to pilot a Monster Jam truck.

“Many people in my life said it’s not a logical goal, that I can’t make a career out of this, or that it won’t last, it’s just a phase.  I’m here to prove to everyone that didn’t support me, wrong. It’s always been this dream, since day one.”

Matthew will travel to Monster Jam University in early spring 2023 and you can bet the UNOH family will be behind him 110%!

To learn more about the High Performance Motorsports program at UNOH, visit https://www.unoh.edu/academics/college-of-applied-technologies/high-performance-motorsports.html

Original source can be found here.