Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live driver looks back to childhood in ride to bring classic toys to life at Numerica Arena

Anthony Ritter, a Tremonton, Utah native, has transformed a childhood obsession with toy trucks into a professional career with Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live. He attended his first monster-truck rally around age five and swapped free labor for hands-on training, advancing from a mechanic to crew chief before becoming a driver in 2023. Ritter joined Hot Wheels Live in 2021 and now pilots Rhinomite, the rhinoceros-themed truck introduced in January. He says understanding the machine’s inner workings helps him anticipate responses in wheelies, donuts, and long jumps, making him a sharper driver. Visibility remains a constant challenge for monster-truck driving, as the cockpit offers limited forward sight, forcing Ritter to rely on feel and experience to navigate obstacles. He describes the thrill of competing on a national tour and the teamwork behind each performance, with his crew performing maintenance and setup between exhibitions. The Rhinomite’s live shows blend a toy-brand nostalgia with high-octane stunts, a core appeal that Ritter says mirrors the excitement of his childhood and fuels his drive to entertain judges and fans across the country.