Over the two decades Mike Menter worked as a corrections officer and then a U.S. Marshal, ferrying prisoners across the country, he dreamed of driving a monster truck.

Five years ago, that dream came true when he bought his own truck, which he called WarHead, and started doing state fairs. Three years ago, that dream blew up even bigger when Hot Wheels called, asking if he’d drive one of their themed trucks. He was all in.

“I love it. I say this every weekend — driving a truck is super rad,” Menter said from the road. “I like interacting with fans because I was a fan. It’s full circle for me.”

Menter will be the man behind the wheel of the truck dubbed Tiger Shark when Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire comes to The Broadmoor World Arena Saturday and Sunday.

What can you expect at the show?

Seven Hot Wheels-themed trucks, including Rhinomite, Skelesaurus and Mega Wrex, will compete in three competitions: wheelies, donuts and long jumps. The top five trucks, score-wise, make it into a final freestyle competition, where drivers have one minute to do whatever they want.

The show also features three freestyle motocross riders and an intermission act by a transforming robot. Pre-show parties give attendees the chance to see the trucks up close and meet the drivers.

Your freestyle move of choice?

“A donut. After that, I hit whatever’s in front of me, like a car,” Menter said. “In freestyle, they have a van stack in the center — a van with two cars on either side — and you’re not allowed to hit the van pile unless you’re in freestyle. If you’re nervous or scared, you don’t hit it at all, because when you hit the van pile, you get big air, like 30 feet.”

Do you get nervous?

“You do, but it’s a good nervous,” Menter said. “When you buckle in and get settled, if you don’t get that nervous tingly feeling, you should check yourself. It’s a good thing. It makes you aware of your surroundings. You’ve got 10,000 people in an arena, and you want to put on a good show, but you’re also thinking about safety and how to beat the other trucks.”

How did monster trucks hook you?

Two decades ago, Menter drove past the Hampton Coliseum in Hampton, Va., and saw all the trucks parked out back. They were like a siren call, and he promptly pulled off the highway, doubled back, and bought tickets for all three shows that weekend.

“The adrenaline from the trucks and how loud the trucks were and seeing what they can do in arenas, it was like, wow,” he said. “I didn’t know where to start. You can ask 100 people, and 95 say I want to drive a monster truck, but then 1% follows through. People told me it’s like jumping in the ocean. You just keep swimming and get it done, or you’re going to drown. Take your time with it and stay with it.”

How did you learn to drive the truck?

“Seat time. Doing repetitions,” Menter said. “Understanding if you do this, the truck will react and do this. If you do this, it’s a good or bad idea.”

Has your truck flipped over?

“I flipped over twice with Hot Wheels. Both times were during the wheelie competition,” he said. “It’s the hardest competition because you’re not just hitting a car. It’s a science. You have to judge how a car reacts to the trucks, then make sure you have enough throttle response to scoot the truck forward. If not, it wants to go backwards.”

Have you gotten hurt?

“Just my pride and feelings,” Menter said.

Where do the cars and vans used in the show come from?

Local junkyards. The day before the shows, a crew removes the windshields and fuel and disconnects the batteries.

How many cars and vans do you go through in a show?

Menter guesses at least 50 cars and vans per tour stop.

If you go

What: Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire

When: Noon Saturday, with pre-show party at 9:30 a.m.; 7 p.m. Saturday, with pre-show party at 4:30 p.m.; 2:30 p.m. Sunday, with pre-show party at noon; Family Night, 7 p.m. Saturday, four tickets for $99 using code FAMILY

Where: The Broadmoor World Arena, 3185 Venetucci Blvd.

Price: $21-$81; axs.com, broadmoorworldarena.com