Who Owns Grave Digger Monster Truck
Grave Digger is currently owned by Feld Entertainment, the parent company behind the Monster Jam series. The truck operates under the Feld Motorsports division, which manages a fleet of professional monster trucks across North America. Dennis Anderson, the original creator and driver, remains a central figure in the brand, but Feld Entertainment holds the primary ownership and commercial rights. The operation is structured as a corporate-controlled touring entity, with Feld overseeing scheduling, sponsorship, and logistics. This ownership model aligns with how other major monster trucks are managed within the industry. For background on Feld Entertainment's business structure, see this overview on Forbes.
Dennis Anderson originally built the first Grave Digger chassis in the late 1970s and early 1980s in Maryland. He later sold the rights and operational control to Feld Entertainment, which expanded the brand into a global touring phenomenon. Today, multiple Grave Digger trucks exist on the tour, each maintained by Feld's in-house engineering and fabrication teams. The trucks are not individually owned by the drivers; instead, drivers are contracted employees or independent operators under Feld's sanctioning umbrella. This centralized ownership allows for consistent branding, safety standards, and revenue distribution across the tour.
Corporate Structure and Business Model
Feld Entertainment is a privately held company headquartered in Ellenton, Florida, and it operates as one of the largest live family entertainment producers in the world. The company owns and operates several touring brands, including Monster Jam, Disney on Ice, and Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey. Grave Digger is a marquee asset within the Monster Jam portfolio, which generates revenue through ticket sales, broadcast rights, and corporate sponsorships. Feld's ownership means Grave Digger benefits from the company's national and international distribution networks. The business model relies on stadium tours, arena events, and media partnerships rather than individual truck ownership.
The Monster Jam series, which features Grave Digger, is broadcast on networks such as Nickelodeon and Discovery, with streaming rights managed through Feld's partnerships. Feld Entertainment works with major sponsors like Monster Energy, Advance Auto Parts, and others to fund the trucks and tours. Sponsorship dollars help cover the cost of building, maintaining, and transporting the fleet of trucks each season. The company also controls merchandise, video games, and licensing tied to the Grave Digger name. This integrated approach maximizes the commercial value of the brand under a single corporate owner.
Key Figures and Drivers
Dennis Anderson remains the most recognized name associated with Grave Digger, though he has scaled back active driving in recent years. Other drivers who have piloted Grave Digger trucks under Feld's banner include Tyler Menninga, who currently drives the primary Grave Digger entry on the tour. Drivers are typically selected and contracted by Feld's talent and operations team based on skill, availability, and brand fit. The company also employs dedicated crew chiefs, engineers, and fabricators who maintain the trucks between events. These staff members are salaried employees of Feld Entertainment, not independent contractors tied to a single truck.
Feld Entertainment's ownership structure means that individual drivers do not hold equity or long-term ownership stakes in Grave Digger. Instead, drivers earn compensation through salaries, bonuses, and performance incentives tied to event appearances and championships. The company retains full control over truck livery, specifications, and competition rules. This setup ensures that Grave Digger remains a consistent, repeatable brand across different tours and seasons. For details on Feld Entertainment's corporate history and other properties, see the company profile on the official Feld Entertainment website.