Shockwave Jet Truck (THREE Engines) At Bradenton, Drag Races And Sets Fire To Track with 36,000HP

Are jet trucks the kings of drag racing? Is Shockwave the king of kings? Or do you like Bob Motz better? Thanks to Chris Darnell for speaking with us!
Three engines, and tens of thousands of horsepower can push the jet truck speed to over 300mph, so long as there is enough space to stop, such as at air shows. At those shows, they even do jet truck vs plane races.
They might not be the quickest (Top Fuel Dragsters and Funny Cars have them covered) but no one can look away when these beasts begin their show. You can see the track literally burning at 05:00 when the afterburner lights!
Seeing a jet truck is a sensory experience. It might be fun to watch Street Outlaws or the NHRA, but these trucks are something totally different. You can feel the heat from the fire show and the sound is terrifying.
This video was filmed at the Snowbird Nationals at Bradenton Motorsports Park, which is next door to the Cleetus McFarland owned Freedom Factory.
00:00 Introduction
00:27 First Fire Show
01:43 First Run
02:30 Second Fire Show (Epic!)
05:18 Second Run
06:00 Interview

[@z2002marlene]

RIP and thanks for all the thrills every time I watched Shockwave at an air show. Condolences to his family.

[@isaacfulton7731]

The Interview at the end is very interesting it's incredible how Shockwave is a franchise that's been going on a very long time to the point where this driver was a kid the first time he was ever in it I suppose a problem was bound to happen eventually I would say I wish there was a way to make it safer but aside from putting the thing on a rail I don't think there is any way to

[@pmccoy8924]

@@isaacfulton7731 I am sure he'd not want to go out of this world any other way. Doesn't make it any easier. Young man had a lot of life ahead of him. Condolences to his family/friends. RIP. What exactly happened? Looked like rear tire blew out and became impossible to control.

[@miskaffon]

Very sad end to this team. RIP Chris Darnell and Shockwave. It was an amazing thing to see!

[@harpoon_bakery162]

Have they come up with a reason yet? I'm thinking one of the engine turbine blades gave way and caused WWIII in the back of that speed wagon. I hope all ends well for the investigation to put some light onto what truely happened because there are other guys out there running Jet Trucks and until the investigation has concluded, they will be running their Jet Trucks in terror.

[@vindicatedrascal]

I performed w the Marine Corps Band for years at Cherry Point. Shockwave was always the big hit. RIP Chris.

[@user-up3xc1np4g]

I saw Shockwave in 2018. It was yellow at the time. Me and my brother was pretty close to it when it was shooting flames out of the afterburners. It was a rush that's for sure. When watching this video it brought back memories and how the ground shook and the thrust it was pushing 😳 .

[@carolreilly5789]

There was nothing more breathtaking than a performance of Shockwave! We attended the Jet Cars Under the Stars in NH most every year just to see that truck run. The pulsing of those engines moving up to the starting line could be felt in every part of your body and it was thrilling. I enjoyed every performance and the wonderful memories you brought to me and my family over the years. My deepest sympathy to the Darnell Family and the Shockwave team during this time. My whole family sends their thoughts and prayers and our love as you navigate the days ahead. 💔💔🙏🏼

[@pikasnipe1]

Hearing the "Getting them to stop" line brought chills.

[@shaggydaboy2]

RIP Chris Darnell and Shockwave.

[@MrGregsanderson22]

R I P Chris Darnell Condolences to his family 🙏

[@JoeBlow-ii2oe]

Rip chris the only real jet truck driver

[@littlemuffin943]

I'm so sad... I grew up watching shockwave and the team of other trucks at air shows and at New England Dragway. I am going July 30th to jet cars under the stars and bringing my 7 year old daughter for the 1st time and I just showed her videos of shockwave and she was so excited to see it in 2 weeks. RIP Chris Darnell I'm so glad i got to meet you and the crew and your family many times over the years, jet cars under the stars will not be the same this year and drag racing and airshows will never be the same. i hope your dad rebuilds the truck and dedicates it to you you with your face on the hood. love you guys Chris and shockwave to the stars ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@skyedog24]

R I P. I don't know what to say except so sorry for your loss my sympathy and condolences You made the end of a drag racing day that much better for the audience nothing thrills the end of a spectacular event such as the shockwave did. Your memories will not soon be forgotten.

[@tylerbuckley2092]

Rest in peace Chris you are truly missed

[@dennislooney4428]

Damn I just thought about Shockwave and wanted to show my son some of these videos and found out that he crashed and died a few weeks ago! 😪 Rest easy my friend u gave us some badass videos!

[@MicDropBBQ]

Amazing guy that provided so much joy for the art of engineering and racing. Can't believe it.

[@bhew7409]

I came back to this after reading the sad news. A spectacular life. RIP.

[@pikasnipe1]

RIP my dude, thanks for the thrills!

[@noahmiller876]

For all of you wondering, from what I understand and have been told, the back tires blew out before he went through the pyrotechnics display. Either way, it's a sad end to the truck and driver. I grew up watching this truck and always wanted to see it in person. Air shows just won't be the same without seeing or hearing about shockwave. Prayers to the family

[@AnythingthatRuns]

They are from around my area an have met him several times very very down to earth people. Rip sir you was awesome an will definitely be missed.

[@harpoon_bakery162]

They are and they ran / run a VERY successful business. They were already successful organizing shows prior to the SHockwave SEMI/jet trucks business for air-shows and drag-strip shows. That all has to be organized and paid for, it costs a lot of money with current cost of gas so the shows had to be increased in price, increasing the price of tickets and show cost. All of that has to be negociated, then there's the safe-T factor. A lot goes on behind the scenes and people have to be hired/fired just like any other business. But the Dad is the brains behind the organization and can work on those Jet Engines and add-on after-burner that make the Westinghouse J34-48 go so fast with the add-on from Solar Aircraft.

[@tim37471]

Rest in peace my friend. Sad to see you go at my home town airport in battle creek michigan. Was cheering you on then I knew something was wrong as did the crowd. It was silent after that. We had a memorial for you on july 4th hopefully you was proud of it. You passed away doing something you love to do

[@ChrizLizt]

RIP, there will never be anything like it again.

[@judgemental9253]

I’ve seen about 20 passes by Chris in person, and every single time it’s like your first time seeing it. There was nothing quite like shockwave, and it’s a tragic loss motorsports and the Darnell family.

[@tbbigrocker149]

Saw him a couple of time at airshow, one word. AWESOME!

[@patrickwhitcomb3707]

Shockwave will be missed and so will Chris. It was fun to see Shockwave at Airshows but at the track you definitely get a better view and sense of just how fast Shockwave could move. It will be interesting to see what the investigation bares out.

[@ZygardeCruiser]

3:32 Toyota 86: man... I leavin this thing before I got cooked by his jet💀

[@Squidfluid]

Saw this at Bradenton...amazing. RIP

[@jrrzamora13]

🙏🙏🙏💜Praying for your family! God be with them. Loved watching you! Saw you at Randolph at the Great Texas Show in May!🚛💥🔥💨💨💨💨

[@poolman8201]

Amazing show, loved it.

[@LivingNitro]

it was wild!

[@justconcentrate9843]

RIP. Was hoping to see you again this year at the night under fire I'm norwalk to night before I heard the news on that sad day. Didn't even get a mention and honor which upset and suprised me

[@Toroazul54]

Dude,that truck is awesome

[@bruceburch8301]

If you were at an airshow and this puppy dog showed up it was unbelievable.thousands of people would rush too the fence .

[@schoonbeek2]

Chris you where awesome, true legends never die! R.I.P

[@karap2825]

RIP sir. Im so sorry that happend. Im sorry for your family and friends. May God be with you. And them.

[@FloridaManRacingChannel]

Great Jet Show and Great Video!

[@LivingNitro]

Thanks a lot!

[@ovepayne]

Very sad news indeed. I had the privilege to see Shockwave perform at Cleveland Air Show in 2004. It was impressive to say the least as was the whole show!

[@Danny451]

Anything that blows out a lot of fire and noise and flashing lights is a real crowd pleaser.

[@Haider_Malik]

What a beast!! Thanks for sharing

[@LivingNitro]

No problem, thanks for watching!

[@martysquires1291]

My deepest condolences to Chris family ,always enjoyed Shockwave jet truck

[@ladyslbenz687]

I saw Shockwave several times here in RI…absolutely amazing every.single.time. RIP and condolences to the family. Very sad indeed

[@coolmoodee]

Rip Chris.... prayers to family and friends .

[@morphman21]

Rest in peace chris. I do hope they rebuild the truck and keep running it in Chris's memory. Who agrees?

[@red-doggracing5557]

Less Shockley belt that truck back in 1985 -1986 back in galena Kansas I work for Shockley in 1987 -1988 a lot of fun the Truck has change appearance since then

[@crypkrazee]

Chris you are the Man RIP, may Gods grace help your family to heal.

[@tmambaz]

RiP Chris, condolences to his family

[@Nlangkirby135]

I saw this very truck at the defunct Willow Grove NAS at night. RIP Chris Darnell.

[@ronjanssen6188]

Spectacular!!!

[@TerrellSpivey]

Amazing!!!

[@Bobbyd0052]

GOD SPEED BROTHER ! WE ALL THANK YOU ! 🙏

[@TreybleRockLake]

Going to miss my friend… love you brother

[@rollydoucet8909]

Tragedy has struck this great team. Condolences to family and friends.

[@mikevalestrada640]

That's something you will never see again.

[@spadgm]

So sad, he brought such joy and excitement to people, and what a crazy thing that truck was!

[@mikenodine6713]

The biggest problem I see with the vehicle is the very tall tire profile. I like classic 15" wheels and tires on my cars because the tall sidewalls give a more comfortable ride, and protect the rims from curb rash, but these are NOT the kind of sidewall profile you want on a high speed vehicle of any type! The reason is that in a high speed situation, a tall sidewall tire blowout causes a dramatic change in the vehicle's suspension geometry as the blown tire causes the suspension to suddenly drop several inches on that corner(s). This causes the vehicle to lean or "list" to one side, which in turn causes the suspension to steer or turn the vehicle in a direction other than straight. Because a blown out tall sidewall tire causes the suspension to drop the height of the sidewall, this results in compressing some suspension springs and decompressing springs in the opposite corners of the vehicle. The compressed springs then rebound and compress the other corners which themselves rebound and compress their opposite corners. This results in inducing suspension oscillations, "rocking and rolling", which also steers and turns the vehicle away from a straight direction with a constantly changing swerving motion. Because steering an unlevel oscillating suspension cannot easily be accurately simulated and practiced by a driver, and "keeping up" with the constantly swerving vehicle direction in real time typically requires reflexes faster than humans are capable of, delayed steering reaction and oversteering are inevitable and only compound the uncontrollable nature of a vehicle in the situation. Applying brakes to the wheels in this situation also worsens the out of control nature of the vehicle because the coefficient of friction (traction) is made unequal by the blown tire(s) and adds even more unpredictable steering inputs. One solution that would mitigate, but not entirely eliminate, the suspension being affected as much in a high speed blowout situation would be to run steel wheels made to support the weight of the vehicle for considerable distance with no more than 1" of solid rubber tread bonded and bolted to these rims for lateral steering traction and braking traction as well as to protect the track surface from rim gouges. If such a tread separated from the rim, or chunks of this solid rubber tread separated, the suspension geometry would only be changed by 1" on that corner and spring compression and decompression would be limited to that 1". This would make control of the vehicle much easier to maintain. If the look of tall sidewall tires is desired, the steel rims could be constructed in such a way to simulate tall sidewalls and either paint this section of the rim black, or apply cosmetic thin rubber discs to the sides of the rims to simulate the look of tall sidewalls. As for jet powered land vehicles, Nomex, Kevlar or other heat resistant materials should be used at least for a backup chute, if not for both the main and the backup chutes. Also emergency sheet metal air brake flaps should be considered like the air brake used on the F-16's which would be immune to heat and jet exhaust turbulence and at least bleed off some speed so that other measures could be employed to stop the vehicle. A large sand trap should also be required beyond the end of the track like the runaway truck turnoffs we see on many mountain roads. With a sand trap, a driver could concentrate on getting to the sand trap to stop rather than being distracted by trying to control the vehicle while also trying to stop it, two separate tasks that are often in conflict with each other. My prayers and condolences to the family and friends of such a fine young man, who left too soon, but with great courage in a gallant way doing something he loved. Chris will be missed, but also remembered as one of the greats of legend like Pete Robinson, Blaine Johnson, John Lingenfelter, Scott Kalitta, and others who did those things so many wished they could do but were only able to watch with wonder and amazement.

[@russellringland1399]

I had free time so I went over to the show in Grand Rapids. I was near where ShockWave left the ramp and entered the runway. So I have pictures with Chris and his family just before the accident. Few people have mentioned the wind. The wind was North to South about 25 to 30 MPH. The wind was perpendicular to his travel on the runway. I think that put a lot of side pressure on those tires. I also have a picture with the debris from the tire traveling straight up about thirty feet. They say that parts of the tire damaged a fuel line and the truck was on fire before he lost control, slid out and rolled.

[@mikenodine6713]

@@russellringland1399 Fuel on the tires or track is like grease, very slippery

[@pmccoy8924]

RIP What tires on that rig are rated to go 300mph at 6800lbs?

[@daviddisbrow1567]

He died doing what he loves that's for sure very sorry to hear the news I have seen him run shockwave before What an awesome person!❤️

[@mikeup9160]

Wishing I can ride in one that will be so much fun ❤❤❤❤

[@joshuaochal598]

Great video. He and his performances will be well missed.

[@thembijan]

Rip I watched you for many years my heart is broken for you and your family.

[@9751asd]

Shockwave was here in Edmonton back in 2011

[@12vinyl]

God speed.

[@zackdaniels6858]

Godbless, and be well in your HEAVENLY Home sir! And Thankyou!

[@chrisotto6421]

I hope this isn't the end of shockwave R.I.P

[@kevinkeswick1243]

RIP to the driver. A sad tragedy but one that was probably inevitable. You can't strap three jet engines to the back of a truck and run it at up to 300 miles an hour without your luck running out at some point. I wonder if the massive explosion which I assume was part of the show caused the truck to go sideways? Was the explosion suppose to detonate after the truck passed the explosion point? As we can see the explosion was detonated before the truck passed that point. Did a shockwave from the explosion cause the truck to go sideways? If that is what happened that would be an ironic end to this show.

[@GlorifyLife]

Peace, i believe there's a footage showing little explosion in rear axle/tires underneath that jet engine *before* entering big explosion. Peace.

[@darreno1450]

It seems a jet engine blew and took out the left rear tires. The pyrotechnics wasn't close to the truck (even though some camera angles made it seem so) and had nothing to do with the crash from my understanding.

[@kevinkeswick1243]

@@GlorifyLife The truck was designed to spew flames out of the rear and its exhausts even when it was standing still! The over-the-top "pyrotechnics" were a big part of the excitement for the crowd so I am not surprised that what appeared to be an explosion was seen before it entered the big explosion. I have seen video's from other performances when even after the drag-chute was deployed they were spewing flames out of the afterburner. The performances were INSANE but very entertaining. So sad it had to end this way Peace

[@kevinkeswick1243]

@@darreno1450 That could well be! In that case we should find out soon if there was an uncontained catastrophic engine failure. I doubt that the engines on this truck went through the rigorous engine inspections that jet engines used on aircraft go through to detect hairline cracks in the blades that can lead to this kind of failure.

[@harpoon_bakery162]

the pyro had nothing to do with the accident. the actual explosion occurred in one of the engines then caused the other engines to blow their fuel lines, thus throwing schrapnel into the tires causing them to explode and throwing Shockwave off balance and then turn sideways as it was catching completely on fire. (my theory). I don't believe it ended up upside down or anything, i think it ended up on its side. That being said, it would have been survivable had the front cabin where the driver was sitting been a fire-proof and accident proof capsule. Yea, it would have been expensive to have one formulated, but Elon Musk would have probably helped engineer it because he knows all sides of the game (fire supression, safety capsules, jet engines ramifications, and fabrication and manufacturing). He would have been the perfect person.

[@discoverymoi]

So sad to hear the news about Darnel, Godspeed, way to go. RIP.

[@roberthartzell7104]

I remember meeting him and his father less at the Long Beach airport, back when the shockwave was a rail dragster, Stewart Davis did some work on the engine my did the work on the engine.

[@meyer7312]

Many great years at MCAS Miramar

[@lunsy9420]

I don't know if it was the pyro that made it explode or if it was already on fire but it wasn't a good idea. RIP

[@saabreplay7553]

It must get great mileage. Because fuel is so cheap today!!!

[@quadsman11]

My deepest sympathies go out to the entire family ! No greater heartache can ever be known !

[@m42037]

I've seen Bob Motz run around 300! Sad he was so young. NHRA is the fastest most dangerous motorsport in the world, strange Google puts F1 as the fastest, it's not no where near!

[@tbbigrocker149]

OK, where do you sign up to learn to drive it??????

[@get1rocstartim5]

We seen him on interstate 80 in Iowa the day before the accident. So sorry rip

[@Trenton-om9qs]

Ooo it has a different look

[@LivingNitro]

The Top Gun edition!

[@plcc07777]

Sad Day for all lovers of speed. 😮‍💨

[@christophertmunro4503]

R.I.P. CHRIS DARNELL & SHOCKWAVE, MISSED & LOVED BY FANS EVERYWHERE, INCLUDING ME.

[@morphman21]

Is the truck the same chassis wise when les Shockley had the old girl or has Chris done any changes since taking ownership of her and I can't believe she's a old girl now.

[@vindicatedrascal]

This did not age well. 😪

[@danielwuiss]

I feel sad for that tragedy, Condolences to his family.

[@canyouguessthenumbergames]

Condolences to his family and may he Rest In Peace.

[@saddletramp6935]

Goodbye and rest in peace. You were doing something you truly loved. Not many can say that. Ay hello to #3.

[@angelbankslopez577]

That is a new livery on shockwave original color is yellow

[@LivingNitro]

Indeed it is! They had what they called the 'Top Gun' livery.

[@lilAK-56]

this i so sad to sit here and remember the airshows in rhode island and my mom thinking a bomber was there when the jet engiens came on than in so damn sad

[@TordLarrsonYT]

Loudest in history

[@harpoon_bakery162]

wow, the speed board said he went 176mph in that little tiny dragstrip. I could have read it wrong, it might have been slower.

[@waynenorbreyjr9638]

RIP to Chris!

[@irishnomad9993]

RIP Chris

[@leonsus9317]

Where and when does it come to Alabama? Would love to see *SHOCKWAVE!*

[@TheBeingReal]

Never now. Dead.

[@tbbigrocker149]

This nothing, you want the REAL experience? See this guy on a RUNWAY! It will BLOW YOUR MIND!!!

[@LivingNitro]

Would love to see that one day.

[@ginger_nosoul]

In still ceying, rip and best wishes 😭😭😭

[@billnict1]

RIP

[@corycrawford4524]

Rip Chris

[@josuegoris]

R.I.P cris Darnell : so shokwave is se whoso en la carrera de la noche

[@johncarter1137]

I don't think the tires were up to the task of traveling 350 mph.

[@lawrencecarlson2425]

You are right. The tires are shaved semi truck tires. But, prior to the crash the truck was on fire and the cab looked to be engulfed.

[@TheMazdamiatamx5]

RIP Chris 😔

[@Cumshot-millionare]

Rest in peace

[@GlorifyLife]

Rest in Heavenly Peace Chris Darnell

[@hanzelladriel4174]

I've read the comments that says he has passed away, What happened? An accident?

[@moontunekings]

To think I go in that lane every Thursday night 😂

[@LivingNitro]

It's crazy when you think how many different things have been down that track!

[@robertmethia7080]

the first time i saw it it crashed like the 6 million dollar man intro

[@Buff_Dave_Oprtr]

Rip Chris.

[@wllwll-zh7ig]

What engines are being used?

[@wllwll-zh7ig]

Westinghouse with aftburn

[@LivingNitro]

Chris gives some details in the interview, pretty impressive!

[@vikenkamberaj2524]

Optimus be drinking cocaine