UPDATED: Friday, January 29, 2009 --- 9:10 p.m.
By NBC15's Chris Woodard

One year ago hundreds of fans watched in horror when a monster truck announcer was run over and killed at the Alliant Energy Center.

Tonight the show is back, moving forward and remembering the accident that changed all of their lives.

For fans of all ages the goal is a care free night of fun.

Five yr old Aidan Berriochoa says, "I like Sampson. He went high and then on the cars."

Bert Fuller says, "I enjoy seeing the excitement from them (the kids)."

The Monster Truck Nationals at Alliant Energy Center are drawing a packed house for the second year in a row.

The mood this time around is noticeably different.

Horror unfolded on this track last year.

In a move no one can explain to this day George Eisenhart Jr. the companies owner and announcer was killed when he walked out in front of a truck and was run over.

Those who witnessed the accident struggled to find answers.

No one who was there that night will ever forget but for the drivers and new owners there was never any question about coming back to Madison.

Jessica Hubley says, " We knew that George would want us to do this event in his honor. George was a man who was in love with the Monster Truck industry."

Before the show Eisenhart was honored with a moment of silence.

Raffle tickets were sold with profits going toward a college fund for his two daughters and a whole page in the program is dedicated to remembering the man who got this company started.

Hubley says, "We wanted to honor George because of all he did for the Monster Truck Racing Industry."

They say the best way to do that, is to continue racing.

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POSTED: Thursday, January 28 at 3:00 p.m.
By NBC15's Chris Papst

The image is forever etched in their minds.

One year ago, George Eisenhart Jr. was killed when he accidentally walked out in front of a truck during a show at the Alliant Energy Center.

"It's tragic," said Bob Holman who drives a monster truck. " We're all friends. We've known each other for 15, 20 years. When something like that happens it's like losing a family member."

Eisenhart owned the company that put on the show. He was also the emcee, producer, promotions manager and president. Some say he took on too much and that led to him making a mistake.

Despite what happened last year, organizers say they didn't change much of anything with the show. Because this was a freak accident. And you can't stop it.

Throughout the weekend, raffles will be held with a portion of the proceeds going to a college fund for Eisenhart's young daughters.

"George is a super guy," added Holman. "One of a kind guy. But, he is also one of those guys that would tell you to quit whinning and get the job done. So that is what we are here doing."

This year marks the 15th for the show in Madison. But now there are different owners. And before each show this weekend, the former one will be recognized.

"We don't want to put too much emphasis on it because of the kids in the crowd. But, yes we will recognize him. And produce the show in his honor," said MTN's Mike Moore.

The show runs Friday and Saturday nights and then Sunday afternoon.
For more information go to Newslinks on this webchannel.

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UPDATE Tuesday, August 11th, 2009 --- 12:50

The Monster Nationals truck rally is returning to Madison after the promoter was fatally injured during the January 2009 show.

Below is the release from The Promotion Company-Family Events of Indianapolis. So far no specific show dates have been announced.

(Indianapolis) The Promotion Company - Family Events of Indianapolis, IN has acquired the Monster Nationals series of family oriented monster truck shows from Image Promotions Inc. of Chardon, OH. Image Promotions, Inc. has produced The Monster Nationals Series since 1993. Family Events plans to produce 15 Monster Nationals events beginning in the winter of 2009-2010 at venues across the Midwest.

Monster Nationals and Image Promotions, Inc. was led by the legendary George Eisenhart Jr. until his tragic and untimely passing in January, 2009. George was held in universally high regard in the monster truck and entertainment community, and his memory has been honored at events and in event coverage throughout 2009. George's wife Donna Eisenhart explained her choice of The Promotion Company - Family Events to carry on the Monster Nationals series: "Everything about George was extraordinary. He loved what he did. He did it extraordinarily well with the admiration and respect of all who knew and worked with him. I feel that the series that George worked so passionately to make successful should be carried on by people with years of experience, a great reputation, and a commitment to providing families with the same kind of outstanding entertainment our company did. I believe that Family Events is that company; and I am very happy that we have been able to reach this sale agreement."

C. Bruce Hubley, founder and owner of The Promotion Company- Family Events said: "This transaction is a bittersweet opportunity for our company. For many years our company has looked for a first-quarter motorsports events acquisition that would complement our traditional summer schedule. The acquisition of Monster Nationals is a great fit for The Promotion Company, but our company's opportunity comes under tragic circumstances. George Eisenhart has left his mark on the industry as a good businessman, trusted promoter, creative producer, and great showman."

Mike Moore, president of The Promotion Company - Family Events said: "Our team is very excited to be able to expand our marketing and production skills indoors during the winter months. We have long admired the way George Eisenhart promoted and produced the Monster Nationals. Our plan will be to carry on the series with a passionate commitment to excellence in all we do. The Monster Nationals series will allow us to double our schedule of events and expand into a number of major markets. Everyone at our company is eagerly looking forward to this new and exciting challenge."

The Promotion Company - Family Events plans to produce Monster Nationals events in these markets beginning in winter 2009-2010:

Iowa.........................Sioux City
Illinois.....................Champaign, Chicago
Kansas.....................Topeka
Kentucky.................Corbin, Pikeville
Michigan..................East Lansing
North Carolina.........Boone
Ohio.........................Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Youngstown
Pennsylvania...........Erie
West Virginia...........Huntington
Wisconsin................Madison

The Promotion Company - Family Events has produced more than 1,000 motorsports and other general-interest entertainment events designed for family audiences at venues throughout the United States for more than 35 years. The company's staff of 22 has expertise in operations, event production, risk management, box office, group sales, marketing, media buying, publicity, promotions, and sponsorship sales and fulfillment. The company is well known as the major outdoor monster truck show producer in the U.S. with its series of "General Tire Monster Truck Thunder Drags®" events at six "4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals®" and the "Truck and Jeep Fest®". Complete information on these and other Family Events can be found at www.familyevents.com.

George Eisenhart's family has established The Shelby and Sarah Eisenhart Memorial Fund in George's memory. The fund is dedicated to raising funds to assist George's children in future expenses for education. The George Eisenhart Jr. Memorial Golf Outing will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2009 at Legend Lake Golf Course in Chardon, OH. Information on the fund and the golf outing is available at www.georgeeisenhartjrgolfmemorial.com.

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UPDATED Monday, January 26, 2009 --- 3:55 p.m.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- The promoter of monster truck shows who was fatally injured during a show over the weekend in Wisconsin is being described as a close friend of the driver whose huge truck accidentally ran him down.

The promoter, George Eisenhart, stepped into the path of a truck driven by Daniel Patrick during Saturday night's show in Madison. It happened as Patrick returned the truck to a parking area. Eisenhart later died of his injuries.

A coroner says it appears that neither Patrick nor Eisenhart saw each other before the collision. Authorities say Patrick will not be charged.

A spokesman for the Monster Truck Racing Association says Patrick and Eisenhart were like brothers. Eisenhart was the president of the association, and Patrick is the group's technical director -- playing a role in truck design and construction.

The spokesman says both men were focused on safety issues.

This was the nation's second fatal accident at a monster truck show in a little over a week. A 6-year-old boy was killed at an event in Tacoma, Wash., after he was struck on the head by a chunk of metal that flew off a truck.

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

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UPDATED Monday, January 26, 2009 --- 9:20 a.m.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- A federal safety official says a preliminary investigation suggests the death of a Monster Truck show promoter was an accident.

Kim Stille, director of the Occupational Safety & Health Administration's office in Madison, says her agency's investigation has not turned up any obvious safety issues. She says the investigation continues but "it does appear to be a tragic accident."

Authorities say 41-year-old George Eisenhart Jr. of Chardon, Ohio, died on Saturday night when he stepped into the path of one of the huge trucks during the Motor Sports Monster Truck & Thrill Show.

Coroner John Stanley says preliminary investigation shows neither the victim nor the driver saw each other before the collision.

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

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UPDATED Sunday, January 25, 2009 -- 6:30 pm

It's billed as a family event but an accident during Saturday night's monster struck show killed the program's announcer.

Investigators say 41-year-old George Eisenhart Junior of Chardon, Ohio died from major internal injuries. He leaves behind a wife and two daughters.

No one knows why Eisenhart stepped out in front of the truck when he did, but when he was run over it was witnessed by hundreds at the Dane County Coliseum.

This is home video, shot by a spectator of one of the last Monster National races of the night.

After one truck turns around and heads back towards the starting line the other waits and then follows.

That's when announcer George Eisenhart steps out from behind the protective wall.

"A lot of people didn't really realize what had happened, I don't think anything can ever really prepare you for it," says Timm Murray.

Paramedics and crew members immediately rush to his aid while a shocked driver tries to figure out what happened and hundreds of audience members watch in shock.

"I think it's very surprising, very freakish too because with him being the announcer and knowing all the safeties of being on the floor it's just very, it's scary is what it is," says another spectator, Amanda Pete.

Among the hundreds in attendance are handfuls of children who saw it all their parents now struggling with what to tell them.

"There was a lady a couple seats over, a couple rows down that was covering her kids eyes and just, it's ok, it's ok and i was trying to keep my son calmed down and he was just trying to jump around in the seat and see and he's like is he dead?"

Investigators urge parents whose children are having trouble to talk to them about the event and get help if necessary.

They say Eisenhart and the driver of the truck both had more than a decade of experience in the monster truck racing.

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UPDATED Sunday, January 25, 2009 -- 2:30pm

From the Coroner's Office:

An accident at the Monster Truck Show last evening resulted in the death of the show promoter, who was also the announcer for the event. The man killed was identified as:

GEORGE EISENHART Jr.
Age 41
Chardon, Ohio

At the Sunday afternoon news conference, the coroner said he determined 41-year-old George Eisenhart Jr. died from "major internal injuries."

The Dane County Sheriff says the investigation is done. Investigators determined the death to be accidental, and no one will be charged in the incident. He says neither the driver nor Eisenhart ever saw each other. Eisenhart leaves behind a wife and two daughters. He comes from Chardon, OH.

Investigators also say the promoter of this monster truck show is different from the promoter of a show which took place about a week ago in Washington, during which a young boy was killed.

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From the Associated Press:

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A promoter for the Motor Sports Monster Truck and Thrill Show has died from injuries in an accident at an event in Madison, Wisconsin. It's the second fatality at a monster truck event nine days.

The county coroner says 41-year-old George Eisenhart Jr. of Chardon, Ohio, died after the accident last night at the Dane County Coliseum. A witness tells the Wisconsin State Journal that Eisenhart walked out in front of one of the monster trucks just as it was about to pass by.

The death comes just over a week after 6-year-old Sebastian Hizey died at the Tacoma Dome in Tacoma, Wash. He was struck in the head by a Frisbee-sized chunk of metal that tore off a truck doing doughnuts during the Monster Jam show, which is run by a different company.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.

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Sunday, January 25, 2009 --- 10:50 a.m.

The 1:00 p.m. Sunday, January 25th performance of the Monster Nationals has been cancelled.

Refunds for this performance are available at point of purchase.

Internet and telephone orders will be automatically refunded, no action is required by the ticket holder. All other purchases will be refunded at the point of purchase with the presentation of your Sunday performance ticket.

No information is available at this time from the Alliant Energy Center about the condition of the Monster Nationals staff member that was injured at last night's performance.

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Posted Saturday, January 24, 2009 --- 11:07 p.m.

The Dane County Sheriff's Office says one man was hurt during Saturday night's Monster National truck rally at the Dane County Coliseum.

They say a call went in at 9:39 p.m. after a male employee of the truck show, who was down in area where the trucks drive, was hit by one of the monster trucks.

The sheriff's office says the man was taken to a local hospital for treatment of injuries. No word on the man's condition.

The promoter for Monster National was not available for comment.

Stay with nbc15.com and NBC 15 News for the latest on this developing story.