Blonde to the bone - The Valley's Student Station

Timothy Chapman

Throughout the 42-year long history of the Grave Digger, many drivers have worn the famous black and green uniform, but only one is Krysten Anderson, the first female driver of the truck.

Anderson’s father, Dennis Anderson, is the former driver and creator of the Grave Digger Monster Jam truck.

She is one of more than a dozen female drivers in the Monster Jam circuit and the 2022 Monster Jam Arena Series champion. As of 2024, she is the only female driver to win a points series championship.

“I think it’s really cool for the little girls to be able to see somebody that looks like them or is a female,” Anderson said. “Like, they are driving such an iconic truck I mean the Grave Digger is like the greatest monster truck of all time. Everybody knows who it is and it’s really cool that there’s a female behind it, and I’m truly honored that it’s me.”

She said it is a lot of pressure being the only female Grave Digger driver because she believes people are more critical of her when she hits the track.

“For the most part, everybody seems to love that there’s a girl driver in Grave Digger, and I’m happy that I’m able to back it up. I’m happy that I have enough skill and enough talent to back it up,” Anderson said.

Motorsports is a male-dominated sport and Anderson said she encourages little girls who dream of being a driver to pursue their goals and let the doubters fuel their dreams.

“Women can be bold and we can be brave and we can be fierce and make a statement even in a room full of men,” she said. “And whenever you walk in and come to work, demand respect. When you come in, it’s like you’re that girl. You’re out here, you’re handling these big trucks, you’re handling that horsepower, you’re on that racetrack, nobody wants to mess with you and don’t forget about that.”

This is Timothy Chapman for Vaquero Radio.