Analyzing Monster Jam’s Rookie Class

With the Monster Jam season well under way, the 2024 rookie class has had two months to shine under the bright lights of arenas and stadiums nationwide. This is one of the largest rookie classes in Monster Jam history with nine superstar drivers looking to cement themselves as not only the future, but also the present of the sport.

Fernando Martinez grew up a Monster Jam fan and developed his skills playing Rigs of Rods, a popular simulator game. After graduating from Monster Jam University, Fernando made the most of his first opportunity to drive El Toro Loco, winning three event championships in Nampa, Idaho. The Rialto, California native finds himself second in the points standings on Arena Championship Central.

Sarasota, Florida resident Angelina Nock has gone from bona fide daredevil to Monster Jam superstar in a short period of time. Her charisma is undeniable as she has added another fiery female driver to the Megalodon team, joining Ashley Sanford and Mikayla Tulachka. Could she go from America’s Got Talent to Rookie of the Year? Only time will tell as Arena Championship Series East rolls on.

‘Iron’ Mike Pagliarulo began the year driving Kraken on Stadium Championship Series East, respectfully filling in for his brother Nick who welcomed a baby girl into this world just a few weeks ago. After rejoining Team Tomfoolery, opportunity knocked again in the form of The Black Pearl with Mike once again making the most of it, recording multiple racing round wins and holding his own on the racetrack against the likes of the Tyler Menninga, Tristan England, and Bryce Kenny.

MJ Solorio is living the dream, as the former podcast host now pilots El Toro Loco on Arena Championship Series West. Out of Pasa Robles, California, MJ left the podcast world for an opportunity on the independent circuit, working his way into a seat in Monster Jam. After picking up a racing win in his debut weekend last year, MJ currently sits fourth in the very competitive West series.

The name Alex Bardin should be familiar to Monster Jam fans, as the Rockport, Texas native briefly competed in the league back in 2019 as a part of 2Xtreme Racing. After the pandemic, Bardin continued to compete on the independent circuit before getting an opportunity with Monster Trucks Unlimited out of Virginia Beach and finding himself on a championship series, even picking up a racing win, which has him sitting in sixth on Arena Championship Series Central.

Team Throttle Monster is one of the top independent teams in the sport. Mike Christensen and Paul Jensen not only have a solid operation out in Utah with great equipment, but they know how to spot talent, adding two phenomenal drivers to their already stacked roster in Berto Treviño and Devin Winfield. Both rookie drivers have unmatched determination and worked their way from USHRA officials to competing on Arena Championship Series West where they have proven themselves as contenders on any given night.

We have also seen flashes from a few other rookie drivers who have made the most of their time on the track. Loghan Ashline graduated from Monster Jam University and made her debut in 2023, winning a donut competition. She competed in Denver earlier this year, driving Megaladon and made waves in the sport with her driving style and energy. Although new to Monster Jam, Loghan has IHRA jet car license and a bright future lies ahead for the North Carolina native.

Finally, Orlando, Florida native Joe Dennis found his way into Monster Jam after sharing the Marvel Universe Live stage with Bernard Lyght. After learning from the Professor Tom Meents at MJU, Joe found his way to the dawg pound piloting both Scooby Doo and Monster Mutt Dalmatian at events in 2023 and 2024. With Joe being a former stuntman like Bernard, maybe we will also see him perform a backflip after hitting the backflip ramp.

The race for Rookie of the Year is wide open and no matter which series you attend, chances are you will see one of these incredible drivers staking their claim for that prestigious award. If you want to see who gets crowned in person, book your trip to Inglewood, get your tickets to World Finals and the awards ceremony at Monsterjam.com and I will see you in Los Angeles when we honor the sport’s biggest, brightest, and best stars.