Trucks

DRIVER

Name: Jim Koehler
Martial Status: Married to Michelle
Date of Birth: 07/13/1966
Residence: Columbus, Michigan
Driving Since: 1997

How did you get started in Monster Trucks?

JK – Our 4X4 trucks kept getting bigger and bigger. More power, better parts, and eventually, I had a monster truck. Avenger debuted in 1997. The Avenger name came from my father’s drag car. Growing up from mud trucks to cars all had the Avenger name on it.

What are your favorite things to do in your down time?
JK – Spending time with my family is the best when we’re not on the road. Enjoying the outdoors here in Michigan is always great.

What’s your favorite food?
JK – Seafood! Lobster!

Favorite thing about monster truck racing?
JK – The adrenaline. When you have 70,000 screaming fans cheering you on because you rocked the house, that the best and biggest adrenaline rush you could ever imagine.

Favorite Color?
JK – AVENGER GREEN!

Truck

Body: 1957 Chevy Bel Air
Chassis: Avenger Racing
Shocks: Patrick Enterprises and Race Source
Engine: 575 Chevy Big Block
Transmission: Coan/Bewick Power Glide

Sponsors: AEM, Aristocast, Aurora Bearing, Air Air Colors, B & M Shifters, Bell Helmets, Boyce Equipment, Burkard, Coan Transmissions, Fun Bike Center, Green Grease, ISP Seats, Kinser Fuel Injection, Luacs Oil, MSD, NG, PTM Corp, RJS Racing Equipment, SATA, Six B Apparel, Smith Brothers Welding, SNS Chrome, VFN Finishes, Wiseco Performance Products.

DRIVER

Name: Devin Jones
Martial Status: Married to Samantha
Date of Birth: 01/16/1983
Residence: Miami, Oklahoma
Driving Since: 2007

How did you get started in Monster Trucks?

DJ – While I was in high school my father and I helped our D.A.R.E officer build a local tuff truck to promote drug awareness to kids. few yrs later we decided to get into racing them ourselves at monster truck shows. in 2006 a older monster truck called Road rage came available for sale so we thought we would try it.

What are your favorite things to do in your down time?
DJ – I enjoy working on cars, going to off-road parks with rock crawler and helping out my church doing mission works.

What’s your favorite food?
DJ – Mexican and Alfredo

Favorite thing about monster truck racing?
DJ – That we all our willing to lend a helping hand to each other to get back out there and put on a show for all the great fans that travel so far to see their favorite drivers.

Favorite Color?
DJ – Blue

Truck

Body: 2011 Ford Super Duty
Chassis: 2016 Ka-Boom Motorsports Chassis
Shocks: 26″ Knight Stalkers with Overtime CNC inners
Engine: 540 Merlin
Transmission: Abruzzi Monsterglide

Sponsors: Garner’s Towing, JAX Polishes,

DRIVER

Name: Darron Schnell
Martial Status: Married to Rebecca
Date of Birth: 5/27/1984
Residence: St. Louis, MO
Driving Since: 2012

How did you get started in Monster Trucks?

DS – I started out volunteering on a team while I was in college. When I graduated from school, I was presented the option of a desk job or chasing monster trucks. Six months of living out of my car later, I ended up at my dream job at BIGFOOT.

What are your favorite things to do in your down time?
DS – Riding motorcycles and reading

What’s your favorite food?
DS – Italian

Favorite thing about monster truck racing?
DS – The wonderful people I meet and the stories they tell

Favorite Color?
DS – Purple

Truck

Body: 2014 Ford Raptor
Chassis: CRD
Shocks: Patrick
Engine: 540 Merlin
Transmission: Abruzzi 2 Speed

Sponsors: Firestone, Summit Racing, Odyssey Batteries, Traxxas, Lucas Oil Products 

DRIVER

Name: Jimmy Creten
Martial Status: Married
Date of Birth: 07/10/1967
Residence: Tonganoxie, Kansas
Driving Since: 1996

How did you get started in Monster Trucks?

JC – I was always into street trucks and from there it just keep growing. I purchased my first monster truck in 1996 and started competing. It was a truck called Shark Attack and became the original Bounty Hunter truck.

What are your favorite things to do in your down time?
JC – What down time?

What’s your favorite food?
JC – Steak

Favorite thing about monster truck racing?
JC – Meeting the fans and picking up wins!

Favorite Color?
JC – Yellow

Truck

Body: Ford Expedition
Chassis: Patrick Enterprises, Inc.
Shocks: Custom Built by 2Xtreme Racing
Engine: 551 Cubic Inches
Transmission: Hughes Performance 2-Speed Powerglide

Sponsors:

DRIVER

Name: Brad Allen
Martial Status: In a Relationship
Date of Birth: 03/15/1988
Residence: Columbus, Michigan
Driving Since: 2011

How did you get started in Monster Trucks?

BA – Kind of just fell into it. Rich Hilgendorf called me because he was getting put into the drivers seat of Spike and Team Scream needed a crew guy and help rebuilding the shop that recently burnt down. That day I quit my job as a cook and moved to Columbus.

What are your favorite things to do in your down time?
BA – If I do have any I like doing anything outside that involves a motorized toy. quads, dirt bikes, you name it!

What’s your favorite food?
BA – Velveeta Shells

Favorite thing about monster truck racing?
BA – The adrenaline rush! If u don’t like the rush then u shouldn’t be racing monster trucks. And I can’t forget about the fans. If it wasn’t for them monster trucks wouldn’t be as big as it is. Because of them we do what we do every weekend. Long hours and hard work just to put the show on. Whatever it takes, and that’s no lie

Favorite Color?
BA – Red, like the monstah lobstah!

Truck

Body: 3D Rottweiler by Jason Becker
Chassis: Racesource
Shocks: 26″ Racesource and Patrick Enterprises
Engine: 565 Chevrolet Big Block
Transmission: Coan/Bewick Power Glide

Sponsors: AEM, Aristocast, Aurora Bearing, Air Air Colors, B & M Shifters, Bell Helmets, Boyce Equipment, Burkard, Coan Transmissions, Fun Bike Center, Green Grease, ISP Seats, Kinser Fuel Injection, Luacs Oil, MSD, NG, PTM Corp, RJS Racing Equipment, SATA, Six B Apparel, Smith Brothers Welding, SNS Chrome, VFN Finishes, Wiseco Performance Products.

DRIVER

Name: Jared Vogel
Martial Status:
Date of Birth:
Residence: Weyburn, Saskatchewan
Driving Since: 2015

Bio Coming Soon!

Truck

Body: 1955 Chevy Truck
Chassis: GO N Big
Shocks: Overtime CNC
Engine: 540 Merlin
Transmission: Coan 2-Speed

Sponsors: The Fans!

DRIVER

Name: Greg Wichenbach
Martial Status: Married
Date of Birth: 03/03/1973
Residence: Jefferson, Maine
Driving Since: 1996

How did you get started in Monster Trucks?

GW – I was a huge 4×4 enthusiast for years so in 1996 I purchased my first truck and ran it for a few years before it was destroyed in a wreck. I drove the Devil’s Dodge truck for a few seasons and then purchased the Patrick Chassis that is now Crushstation. Many people don’t realize that it was a 10 year build to get Crushstation to where it is today. I debuted Crushstation in 2009.

What are your favorite things to do in your down time?
GW – I enjoy camping and hanging out with family.

What’s your favorite food?
GW – Steak and Shrimp… and of course lobster.

Favorite thing about monster truck racing?
GW – Having a great time with the monster family is my favorite part.

Favorite Color?
GW – Blue

Truck

Body: Fresh Maine Lobster
Chassis: Patrick Enterprises, Inc.
Shocks: 26″ Patrick Enterprises, Inc.
Engine: 540 Merlin
Transmission: Turbo 400

Sponsors: McLaughlin Seafood, Castle Products, Rod End Supply, Valley Fashions, Porterfield Brake Pads, and Brown and Miller Racing Solutions.

DRIVER

Name: Jerry Beck
Martial Status: Married to Jess
Date of Birth: 6/19/1979
Residence: Lafayette, Indiana
Driving Since: 2013

How did you get started in Monster Trucks?

JB – I was always into off road vehicles, quads, trucks, bikes, you name it. We are good friends with all the folks at the Badlands Off Road Park in Attica, Indiana. Motorsports has always been a big thing we’ve done as a family. I bought 2 trucks in 2013 and turned one into Quad Chaos. The other truck which was the former Screamin Demon, became Dirt Crew. I wanted to create something that represented me and my daily life. I’ve owned and operated an excavating company and wanted a cool identity that represented what i do and all of the other hard working folks out there so Dirt Crew hit the track in 2015. #FlyingDumpTruck

What are your favorite things to do in your down time?
JB – I own an excavating company and monster trucks, what is this “down time” you speak of?

What’s your favorite food?
JB– Steak!

Favorite thing about monster truck racing?
JB – Getting to meet the fans and race with some great people. The competition is awesome and going out there and putting on a great show for the fans is a very rewarding feeling.

Favorite Color?
JB – Silver

Truck

Body: RAM Dump Truck
Chassis: Patrick Enterprises, Inc.
Shocks: 26″ Patrick Enterprises, Inc.
Engine: 500 c.i. Chevrolet by Schmidt Racing Engines
Transmission: Turbo 400

Sponsors: High Octane Graphics, Badlands Off Road Park,

DRIVER

Name: Tyler Groth
Martial Status:
Date of Birth: 08/23/1983
Residence: Gig Harbor, Washington
Driving Since: 2012

How did you get started in Monster Trucks?

TG –

What are your favorite things to do in your down time?
TG – Jeeping!

What’s your favorite food?
TG –

Favorite thing about monster truck racing?
TG –

Favorite Color?
TG – GREEN

Truck

Body:
Chassis: 2015 Straight Up Racing
Shocks: 26″
Engine: 540 Merlin
Transmission:

Sponsors:

DRIVER

Name: Bryan Wright
Martial Status: Married
Date of Birth: 03/03/1973
Residence: Grandy, North Carolina
Driving Since: 2010

How did you get started in Monster Trucks?
BW –

What are your favorite things to do in your down time?
BW –

What’s your favorite food?
BW –

Favorite thing about monster truck racing?
BW –

Favorite Color?
BW – Blue

Truck

Body: 2006 Cadillac Escalade
Chassis: Patrick Enterprises, Inc.
Shocks: 26″ Patrick Enterprises, Inc.
Engine: 540 Merlin
Transmission: Coan 2-Speed

Sponsors: Custom Stone Company, Hooker Harness.

DRIVER

Name: Matt Pagliarulo
Martial Status: Married to Laura
Date of Birth: 06/09/1972
Residence: Deltona, Florida
Driving Since: 2015

How did you get started in Monster Trucks?

MP – It started back in the mid 1980’s when I went to my first show and was instantly hooked. Back then it there wasn’t any internet, YouTube or social media and the coverage on TV just didn’t exist except for a few times a year. I followed the sport when I could and over the years as I got older started going to more and more shows and even started traveling to the World Finals in Las Vegas with my family. Then in 2012, I met JR McNeal, TJ Tripp and Roy Pridgeon during their first visit to the World Finals. I had never seen their team before and after talking with them found out that they were a Florida based team and that their shop was only about 15 minutes from where we lived. The following year I ran in to them again at a pit party where we talked further and where they invited me to come out to their shop whenever I wanted. I started helping out at the shop from time to time and it was at that point that my family and I decided we would start building our own truck. For the rest of that year and over the summer I crewed for JR and the team at various shows to get some experience. Then in 2014, I started crewing with them full time during first quarter and learned a bunch while at the same time continuing to work on building our truck. We completed our build in late 2014 and started performing at shows soon after. Even now I am still a huge fan of Monster Trucks and I enjoy being a part of such a great sport.

What are your favorite things to do in your down time?
MP – Unfortunately there is not a lot of down time between the race team, spending time with my wife and kids while also running our businesses. When I do actually have some down time I enjoy riding motorcycles and quads and spending time outdoors with my wife and three kids.

What’s your favorite food?
MP – YES! I mean anything Italian or a good Cheeseburger

Favorite thing about monster truck racing?
MP – I would have to say first and foremost the fans. All of the drivers started as fans of the sport at one point or another and I like to think that my family and I were (and still are) huge fans. It’s great to talk to the Super Fans because they know every detail about the trucks, the history, what type of chassis you run and who has driven the trucks over the years. A very close second I would have to say is the sports history. Some of the first shows I ever attended were back in the mid 1980’s and it’s great to see how far the sport has evolved and how technology has helped to make it bigger, better and safer.

Favorite Color?
GW – Blue!

Truck

Body: 2013 Cadillac Jestalade
Chassis: 2018 Patrick Enterprises, Inc. XT
Shocks: 26″ Front and 30″ Rear Patrick Enterprises, Inc.
Engine: 540 Chevy by Central Florida Machine and Speed
Transmission: 2 Speed Powerglide by FTI
Transfer Case: 16′ Cylcone Gearbox

Sponsors: Central Florida Machine and Speed, Central Florida Powder Coating, Cyclone Gearbox, Energy Suspension, FK Rod Ends, FTI Competition Converters and Transmissions, Hooker Harness, PEI, Spaghetti Menders, Starr Creations

DRIVER

Coming Soon!

Truck

Body: GMC Top Kick
Chassis: Custom
Shocks: 26″ Patrick Enterprises, Inc.
Engine: 540 Merlin
Transmission: Turbo 400

Sponsors: McLaughlin Seafood, Castle Products, Rod End Supply, Valley Fashions, Porterfield Brake Pads, and Brown and Miller Racing Solutions.

DRIVER

Name: Deidra Ballard
Martial Status: In a Relationship
Date of Birth: 05/07/1983
Residence: Fortville, Indiana
Driving Since: 2017

How did you get started in Monster Trucks?

JG – I own a towing company and I had my wrecker at the Indianapolis Four Wheel Drive Jamboree in 2009. Brutus blew the motor on Friday night so I towed it back to the pits. I told Chris I could use the wrecker to help put the truck in the trailer. He started asking questions about my wrecker being custom painted and said he would like to eventually get his trailer painted. I told him we could help him out, so we exchanged phone numbers. Shortly after, we custom painted both Jim and Chris’ trailers. We became pretty good friends throughout the process. I eventually started painting the Brutus body and the one off bodies Jim does for the Vegas World Finals. I started meeting them at shows to help out. They knew it was a dream of mine to have my own monster truck. In late 2012, I was given the perfect opportunity to buy a truck when Perrin Motorsports decided to sell their truck to enjoy some family time. And here I am!!!

What are your favorite things to do in your down time?
JG – I don’t really have down time! I have a custom painted wrecker that I take to truck shows throughout the year. I also like to enjoy time with my family riding four wheelers, cooking out, and swimming.

What’s your favorite food?
JG – Italian! My favorite is spaghetti and fettuccine alfredo!

Favorite thing about monster truck racing?
JG – My favorite thing about this sport is the fans!!! It’s awesome talking to the kids and seeing the excitement on their face!!! It makes it all worth it! And who doesn’t like big air a lot of destruction????

Favorite Color?
JG – Red

Truck

Body: 2014 Chevy Silverado
Chassis: Cohen
Shocks: Custom by Josh Garcia
Engine: 540 Merlin by Richard Midgette
Transmission: FTI

Sponsors: Garners Towing, Protect The Harvest

DRIVER

Name: Jamey Garner
Martial Status: In a Relationship
Date of Birth: 05/07/1970
Residence: Fortville, Indiana
Driving Since: 2013

How did you get started in Monster Trucks?

JG – I own a towing company and I had my wrecker at the Indianapolis Four Wheel Drive Jamboree in 2009. Brutus blew the motor on Friday night so I towed it back to the pits. I told Chris I could use the wrecker to help put the truck in the trailer. He started asking questions about my wrecker being custom painted and said he would like to eventually get his trailer painted. I told him we could help him out, so we exchanged phone numbers. Shortly after, we custom painted both Jim and Chris’ trailers. We became pretty good friends throughout the process. I eventually started painting the Brutus body and the one off bodies Jim does for the Vegas World Finals. I started meeting them at shows to help out. They knew it was a dream of mine to have my own monster truck. In late 2012, I was given the perfect opportunity to buy a truck when Perrin Motorsports decided to sell their truck to enjoy some family time. And here I am!!!

What are your favorite things to do in your down time?
JG – I don’t really have down time! I have a custom painted wrecker that I take to truck shows throughout the year. I also like to enjoy time with my family riding four wheelers, cooking out, and swimming.

What’s your favorite food?
JG – Italian! My favorite is spaghetti and fettuccine alfredo!

Favorite thing about monster truck racing?
JG – My favorite thing about this sport is the fans!!! It’s awesome talking to the kids and seeing the excitement on their face!!! It makes it all worth it! And who doesn’t like big air a lot of destruction????

Favorite Color?
JG – Red

Truck

Body: 2014 Chevy Silverado
Chassis: Cohen
Shocks: Custom by Josh Garcia
Engine: 540 Merlin by Richard Midgette
Transmission: FTI

Sponsors: Garners Towing, Protect The Harvest

DRIVER

Name: Aaron Cain
Martial Status: Married
Date of Birth: 03/29/1978
Residence: West Lafayette, Indiana
Driving Since: 2013

How did you get started in Monster Trucks?
AC – Racing has always been in my blood. I grew up watching my dad race on dirt tracks. I have also been into monster trucks since seeing Bigfoot and USA-1 at the Purdue Tractor Pulls in West Lafayette, IN. In 2013 I was working for Jerry Beck when he came up with the idea for Quad Chaos.  He knew that I had some experience in racing and approached me to see if I was interested in working on and driving this new truck so here we are!