By Joe Contreras, Latin Life Denver Media

Who doesn’t like Hot Wheels, those super cool toy cars many of us grew up with. After all Hot Wheels has created more than 25,000 designs and produced over six billion cars since 1968, making the brand one of the largest “automotive manufacturers” in the world.

Now these toys have grown up to full blown monster truck size vehicles driven by some of the best competitors in the world. Among the best is Joe Cypher, creator and driver of Airborne Ranger. One of the many Hot Wheels monster trucks that will be competing in this weekends Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party at Denver’s Ball Arena July 27 & 28. (see below for times and tickets)

What makes Joe so unique is that he is world’s first and only disabled monster truck driver. In an interview with Latin Life Denver Media Joe Cypher talked about his long and storied love affair with monster trucks and now Hot Wheels monster trucks. “I’ve been doing this thing now for more than 30 years and it never gets old,” He said. Joe mentioned his paralysis came from a vehicle accident but that it was not associated with monster trucks. “It happened when I was serving in the military back in 1989 and it left me a paraplegic”.

So what did Joe do? He created his own custom monster truck tailored to his condition. He called it Airborne Ranger, named after a military vehicle he was associated with. “It’s all hand controlled, everything, brakes, steering, acceleration, all of it is in the palms of my hands.” Joe added, “It doesn’t put me at a disadvantage at all, I can do everything any other driver with full capabilities can do.”

“Plus I get to compete against some of top Hot Wheel monster trucks on the planet including Skelesaurus, Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, Bone Shaker, Bigfoot, Gunkster, and new comer, the brand new HW 5-Alarm, the firetruck hero of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks.”

He talked about how much fun this weekend will be, not just for him but for kids and adults that come out to see this unique glow in the dark monster truck experience. “It’s all in the dark, the entire show, with the exception of intermission. Kids, big and small will get a real kick out of it.” he said, adding “If they come early they can participate in the Hot Wheels Power Smashers Pre-Show. There is lots of merchandise for sale and kids and their parents can get close up and personal with the monster trucks and their drivers. I hope they come take a photo or two with me, he concluded.”

The Hot Wheels Power Smashers Pre-Show costs $10 and is available starting 2 1/2 hours before each showtime and lasts an hour and 15 minutes. Admittance will end 15 minutes before the Hot Wheels Power Smashers Pre-Show concludes.

The Glow Party production features a laser light show, spectacular theatrical effects, dance parties, and Hot Wheels toy giveaways. Fans can also witness a special appearance from a transforming robot, plus the high-flyers of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Freestyle Motocross Team. Special kids pricing is available for all shows providing a BIG value for the whole family! 

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party is returning to Denver! Fans of all ages will experience the thrill of watching their favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks in the DARK! This one-of-a-kind show comes to Denver at the Ball Arena for 3 epic performances!  Tickets and event information are available at www.hotwheelsmonstertruckslive.com. Tickets are subject to convenience and facility fees.

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party Show times are as follows:

Saturday, July 27, 12:30PM | Power Smashers Pre-Show, 10AM-11:15AM

Saturday, July 27, 7:30PM | Power Smashers Pre-Show, 5PM-6:15PM

Sunday, July 28, 2:30PM | Power Smashers Pre-Show, 12PM-1:15PM