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Fernando Martinez
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Fernando Martinez

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Fernando Martinez

2024 Truck

El Toro Loco

2024 Tour

Arena Championship Series Central

Hometown

Rialto, California

Birthday

February 19

A lifelong Monster Jam fan, Fernando Martinez helped out at various events hoping to one day make it as a Monster Jam driver. He graduated Monster Jam University in 2023 and made his debut in Nampa, ID, in October. Martinez describes his driving style as “a mix of smooth technical moves, spiced up with a healthy dose of jaw-dropping moments.”

about

  • What are some of your interests/hobbies/favorite pastimes?
    I love doing anything that allows me to create: painting, sculpting, video production, etc., listening to music or watching documentaries.
  • Who are your role models?
    Oh man, so many, for various reasons: Chris Bumstead, Travis Pastrana, Will Tennyson, Ozzy Osbourne, and I’m probably missing so many more.
  • Do you have any pre-event rituals you run through?
    Grounding is key for me. I take a walk, find a quiet spot to reflect, and practice gratitude. It brings me peace and gets me ready to hit the track with a mindset focused on having as much fun as I can.
  • What’s something a lot of people don’t know about you?
    Only about 17% of the world’s population can wiggle their ears, and I’m one of them.
  • What is your favorite memory on or off the racetrack?
    Going to events in Anaheim with my dad come to my mind. He introduced me to Monster Jam and essentially helped me find my life’s passion. Going to events with him was and still is very special.
  • What is your most prized possession?
    When I was a kid, I found a car key to a Saturn vehicle in a ditch. Not sure why, but I always made sure to keep it around.

life on the road

  • What is the best and worst thing about being on the road every weekend with Monster Jam?
    Best: sightseeing, experiencing new cultures and meeting new people; Worst: increased amount of Christmas cards I have to send out with every new friend I make!
  • While on tour, what is your favorite thing to do during your free time?
    There’s so much to do that when I get tired out, I find myself a mellow spot to listen to music or talk with friends and family from back home.
  • How do you keep fit?
    Simple. 10,000 steps daily. No steps? no donuts.… balance.
  • What item(s) can you not live without while traveling on the road with Monster Jam?
    Headphones and a comfy hoodie sweater
  • What is your favorite city to travel to? Why?
    Undecided, but I will say, whichever city gets the most wild and crazy for Monster Jam will always have my vote.

career

  • How did you get started competing in Monster Jam?
    Monster Jam has been my passion since I was a kid, when my dad first introduced me to it. Once those trucks caught my eye, there was no turning back. It quickly became my life’s goal to become a Monster Jam driver. As I grew up, I couldn’t get enough of it, and when I hit 18, I decided to soak up everything I could about the industry. I didn’t just study it; I jumped in, volunteered working on the trucks or doing event prep, made some cool friends, and believe it or not, ended up trying out and getting trained by none other than Tom Meents and his fantastic coaching team. It’s been an insane journey thus far.
  • What is your favorite part about competing in Monster Jam?
    The connection with the fans. They bring the energy, and we give it right back. It’s an incredible bond we share.
  • How would you describe your driving style?
    I’d say it’s a mix of smooth technical moves, spiced up with a healthy dose of jaw-dropping moments. It’s all about keeping the crowd (and myself) guessing.
  • What advice would you give to kids who want to become a Monster Jam driver?
    Be a student of the game. Listen more than you speak. And most of all, your greatest strength is to be yourself.
  • What is your greatest memory as a Monster Jam driver?
    When I could look my parents in the eyes and say, “All the late nights, sacrifices, and support you’ve given me, it wasn’t in vain. I made it.” Their dedication and love are what got me here, and I’ll never forget that.
  • Who in Monster Jam do you look up to for inspiration?
    My childhood heroes in Monster Jam were definitely Tom Meents and Dennis Anderson. Nowadays, I believe inspiration can be found in anyone or anything that has something to teach, as long as you’re willing to learn.

fun facts

  • Do you have any nicknames?
    Variants stemming from “Fern”: Fernie, Ferocious Fern, Ferniefreestyles, Fern Dawg. The possibilities are endless.
  • What’s your favorite movie?
    How can I pick one? The Outsiders, Talladega Nights: Ballad of Ricky Bobby, The Simpsons Movie, Hot Rod, and The Crow.
  • What’s your favorite television show?
    Whose Line Is It Anyways?
  • What’s your favorite color?
    Orange
  • What’s your favorite thing to eat?
    Chicken Pad Thai
  • What’s your favorite restaurant on the road?
    Any hidden treasures recommended by the locals
  • How would your friends and family describe you?
    Mom: “Sweetest boy. Travieso with a good heart.” Dad: “Hard worker. Taller than me” Sister: “Bestiiieeee”

STADIUM SERIES EAST

POINTS THROUGH March 9, 2024

Position
Name
Truck
Points
Behind
Position 1
name Tyler Menninga /
truck Grave Digger /
points 479
behind
Position 2
name Tristan England /
truck JCB DIGatron /
points 434
behind -45
Position 3
name Todd LeDuc /
truck Megalodon /
points 384
behind -95
Position 4
name Tom Meents / Colton Eichelberger / Blake Granger /
truck Max-D /
points 371
behind -108
Position 5
name Bryce Kenny /
truck Great Clips Mohawk Warrior /
points 367
behind -112
Position 6
name John Gordon /
truck Bad Company /
points 340
behind -139
Position 7
name Cole Venard / Mike Pagliarulo /
truck Black Pearl /
points 277
behind -202
Position 8
name Ryan Disharoon /
truck Shaker /
points 242
behind -237
Position 9
name Linsey Read / Charlie Pauken /
truck Lucas Stabilizer /
points 228
behind -251
Position 10
name Jamey Garner /
truck El Toro Loco /
points 222
behind -257
Position 11
name Matt Pagliarulo /
truck Jester /
points 187
behind -292
Position 12
name Mike Pagliarulo / Nick Pagliarulo /
truck Kraken /
points 131
behind -364

STADIUM SERIES WEST

POINTS THROUGH March 10, 2024

Position
Name
Truck
Points
Behind
Position 1
name Ryan Anderson /
truck Son-uva Digger /
points 518
behind -0
Position 2
name Adam Anderson / Charlie Pauken /
truck Grave Digger /
points 467
behind -51
Position 3
name Camden Murphy /
truck Bakugan Dragonoid /
points 438
behind -80
Position 4
name Bari Musawwir /
truck Zombie /
points 404
behind -114
Position 5
name Cory Rummell /
truck Megalodon /
points 389
behind -129
Position 6
name Colt Stephens /
truck ThunderROARus /
points 382
behind -136
Position 7
name Chris Koehler /
truck Monster Mutt / Northern Nightmare /
points 296
behind -222
Position 8
name Joe Foley /
truck El Toro Loco /
points 288
behind -230
Position 9
name David Olfert /
truck Velociraptor / Rod Ryan Show /
points 284
behind -234
Position 10
name Kayla Blood /
truck Soldier Fortune /
points 269
behind -249
Position 11
name Jim Koehler /
truck Avenger /
points 215
behind -303
Position 12
name Mike Christensen /
truck Vendetta /
points 185
behind -333

ARENA SERIES CENTRAL

Weston Anderson in Grave Digger

POINTS THROUGH March 10, 2024

Position
Name
Truck
Points
Behind
Position 1
name Weston Anderson /
truck Grave Digger /
points 899
behind
Position 2
name Fernando Martinez /
truck El Toro Loco /
points 671
behind -228
Position 3
name Brianna Mahon /
truck Scooby-Doo /
points 640
behind -259
Position 4
name Brandan Tulachka /
truck Just Get Er Done /
points 606
behind -293
Position 5
name Jamie Sullivan / Joe Dennis /
truck Monster Mutt Dalmatian /
points 565
behind -334
Position 6
name Mikayla Tulachka /
truck Megalodon /
points 391
behind -508
Position 7
name Alex Bardin /
truck Stone Crusher /
points 389
behind -510
Position 8
name Frank Krmel /
truck Zombie /
points 315
behind -584

ARENA SERIES EAST

Krysten Anderson in Grave Digger

POINTS THROUGH February 25, 2024

Position
Name
Truck
Points
Behind
Position 1
name Krysten Anderson /
truck Grave Digger /
points 649
behind
Position 2
name Armando Castro /
truck El Toro Loco /
points 630
behind -19
Position 3
name Zack Garner /
truck Wild Side /
points 553
behind -96
Position 4
name Coty Saucier / Chelsea Vancleave /
truck Dragon /
points 550
behind -99
Position 5
name Chad Tingler /
truck Over Bored /
points 383
behind -266
Position 6
name Mark Hall /
truck Raminator /
points 357
behind -292
Position 7
name Angelina Nock /
truck Megalodon /
points 339
behind -310
Position 8
name Kurt Kraehmer /
truck Rammunition /
points 212
behind -437

ARENA SERIES WEST

POINTS THROUGH March 10, 2024

Position
Name
Truck
Points
Behind
Position 1
name Brandon Vinson / Matt Cody /
truck Grave Digger /
points 965
behind
Position 2
name Tony Ochs /
truck ThunderROARus /
points 868
behind -97
Position 3
name Dalton Widner /
truck Jurassic Attack /
points 817
behind -148
Position 4
name MJ Solorio /
truck El Toro Loco /
points 649
behind -316
Position 5
name Ashley Sanford / Loghan Ashline /
truck Megalodon /
points 607
behind -358
Position 6
name Berto Treviño /
truck Monster Mutt Rottweiler /
points 476
behind -489
Position 7
name Joe Urie / James Calhoun /
truck Earth Shaker /
points 431
behind -534
Position 8
name Devin Winfield / Jeff Souza /
truck Velociraptor /
points 399
behind -566