Allen Pezo knew from an early age he wanted to tame the larger than life mechanical beasts known as monster trucks that will be in action Saturday, June 14 at Monster Truck Madness presented by 4-Wheels Unlimited at Bristol Dragway.
Pezo's Predator Racing Team, based in Brentwood, Tenn., features three trucks with catlike appearances. Much like the trucks themselves, however, these aren't small cats. Pezo's Predator looks like a panther, while Prowler resembles a tiger and Pouncer favors a cheetah.
When Pezo first began racing monster trucks, the vehicles didn't feature themed bodies like most do today. His first truck, a 1984 Chevy Silverado, was purchased brand new from the showroom floor. After several modifications, the truck tipped the scales at 16,000 lbs., definitely not a lightweight.
"I've raced one thing or another since I was old enough to walk," said Pezo. "My dad was in to Jeeps and four-wheel drives. As I got older, I wanted to have the ultimate off road vehicle. I saw a monster truck once, and it was so cool. I knew I wanted my own. When I started racing, there were only five trucks. I'm one of the originators and I feel fortunate that I have been able to stay in it this long."
Lone Eagle, the name of Pezo's original workhorse, was used as an exhibition act during truck pulls and custom car shows. During these shows, Pezo strictly crushed cars and the trucks were still a novelty act. As monster trucks gained popularity, Pezo rebuilt Lone Eagle and renamed the truck Predator. While it received a new body, the underpinnings remained the same, and the truck still only was used for car crushing.
In 1991, Pezo and company built their first racing-specific truck, which weighed in at a much leaner 10,000 lbs. The lighter weight meant the truck could perform more intense maneuvers and race competitively against other famous monster trucks like Bigfoot, Carolina Crusher and Grave Digger.
When truck owners began ditching the original sheet metal bodies for new fiberglass versions in the early 90s, the familiar feline shape appeared on Predator. The new look appealed to kids young and old, and Pezo reproduced the look on other trucks within his growing stable.
"I came up with the idea of a concept-style body," explained Pezo. "I wanted to do something to distinguish myself and my truck. Everyone had a Chevy or a Ford and the trucks were all the same. I wanted to put myself in demand. I came up with the idea from the name of the truck, which was based on what the truck does. What is that? It preys on cars. That is how the name came about, and as time went by, I put it all together and came up with the body idea."
Pezo has become a fixture on the popular Monster Jam television show and kids even can find Hot Wheels versions of his monster trucks. He says knowing he played a part in helping monster truck racing reach its status is satisfying.
"It is cool knowing I helped it grow to this point," he said. "Anything motorsports is an adrenaline rush. Fans, and everyone that has seen it, knows that. That rush is cool, and being able to perform for the fans and seeing the smiling faces is great."
Pezo certainly has kept himself in demand, building five monster trucks, most of them driven by members of his family. The Pezo team is currently restoring its original monster truck and plans to take it on tour when it is completed.
Fans in attendance at Bristol Dragway's Monster Truck Madness should expect the unexpected as Pezo and the other racers take to the track during a thrilling event.
"Coming to Bristol is definitely a cool thing," he explained. "We have done a lot of exhibitions there and it is one of the nicest places to go. Plus, being from Tennessee, it is definitely a cool thing and I'm looking forward to it. It should be a real good show. I'm looking at going out and giving the fans exactly what they came to see."
Pezo and the other drivers will participate in a pre-race pit party prior to racing action. Fans are encouraged to take pictures, collect autographs and have a good time.
In addition to exciting monster truck action, fans can expect to see a high-flying motocross exhibition from Team FMX. The exhibition will include many of the same stunts and tricks that fans see on television.
Also, the "Sonic Route 44 Challenge" will take place. If a monster truck successfully jumps two cars and drives 44 yards on its two rear tires, everyone in attendance will receive a free hamburger at participating Sonic Drive-Ins.
Gates open at 6:00 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults and $5 for kids ages 6-15. Children five and under are free. The first 500 kids (12 and under) through the gate will receive a free 1/64th scale monster truck replica.
For more information about Monster Truck Madness, please call (423) 764-DRAG.