Monster trucks - and plenty more - are in Canberra this Australia Day weekend

"This is what we live for," he said, as he watched his 23-year-old son Michael drive their monster truck Tropical Thunder on its two back wheels around the arena of Exhibition Park in Canberra.

Sam likes to keep it a little smaller than his son. His speciality is driving a sunny-yellow 1974 120Y Datsun around on its two side wheels.

"I've been doing this ever since I was 15," Sam said. "Ever since I got my first paddock basher I've been wanting to do this. And I'm still learning."

Sam is equally enthusiastic about the other performers in this Saturday night's Smash Fest at EPIC including Steve "Program" Ellis.

The massive bloke - for the waiting media on Thursday - nonchalantly drove, at high speed, a beat-up Mitsubishi Magna into stationary Toyota Rav4, causing a massive bang and sending debris over the ground.

"He just lives for demolitions," Sam reckoned, of the hefty Program.

"You want it wrecked, he can wreck it."

A night of crazy stunts and action are promised on Saturday night at EPIC.

The family-friendly chaos includes racing lawn mowers, freestyling motocross riders, heavy machinery at war, Benny the clown, a jet car that performs the "Doughnut of Death", rides for the kids and country music star Adam Brand as MC.

And monster trucks. Crazy monster trucks.

Michael, who lives with his dad on an acreage full of jumps and obstacles in the Gippsland, has been driving monster trucks since he was 15.

"I got to ride one of these before I got my licence," he said.

Tropical Thunder boasts a 572 cubic inch big block Chev engine that throws out 1500 horsepower. That simply means it is loud and powerful.

"Awesome," is how Michael describes the feeling of driving the intimidating vehicle.

Tickets for the Smash Fest at EPIC - gates open at 3pm; show starts at 6pm - are available here.