Allen Pezo
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DRIVER INFORMATION
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| Driver name: |
Allen Pezo |
| Owner of: |
PREDATOR |
| Residence: |
Brentwood, Tenn. |
| Birthplace: |
Saginaw, Mich. |
| Date of birth: |
June 13, 1968 |
| Years competing: |
Competing since 1983 |
| Marital status: |
Married |
| Children: |
None |
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DRIVER HISTORY
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Allen Pezo had his first monster truck before he even received his drivers license. With his family, he started building his first Monster truck called Lone Eagle. Pezo piloted the gasoline powered, 16,000 pound truck at tractor pulls across the country. As there were only a handful of other trucks across the country, they started calling promoters and everything grew from there. Back then it was totally different, Pezo said. Back then they were more for show. It was a novelty to have a truck. Today the cost has escalated so much, its hard for a person to get started. As more and more trucks sprung up around the country, Pezo built new trucks to stay on top of the competition. He built and debuted the first Predator in 1988 and toured the country doing exhibitions. His first race truck debuted in 1991 and featured a white Chevrolet body with neon highlights. One of the first to run a 3D or concept body, Pezo debuted the now famous panther body in New York City's Madison Square Garden in January of 1993. This is the same style body that runs on the Predator today. Pezo adores being a monster truck driver. "I love being able to crush things. There's something so amazing about being able to make these 10,000 pound trucks do things they really shouldn't be able to do." Even after 23 years in the business he still feels that it's the best job in the world. Moving his base of operations from Saginaw, Mich., to Brentwood, Tenn., allowed Pezo to be only one day's drive from most monster truck events. His central location also makes it possible for Pezo to spend more time at home. Today, Pezo runs three monster trucks from his shop near Nashville: two Predators and a sister truck called Prowler. Predator has been such a success that it had spawned the birth of Predator 4. Predator 4 has improved artwork, body, and mechanical upgrades. "I'm very proud that we've become one of the best monster truck operations in the country. It takes a lot of work and a lot of dedication to get where we are now." Keep an eye on Pezo's shop for some new suspension developments. Pezo has two favorite stops on the tour: the Lebanon Valley Speedway in New York and the Citrus Bowl in Orlando. He also likes straight line drag racing. "West Lebanon is just amazing. Those people come to the show night after night on a Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and give us quite a welcome." Pezo's advice for those who want to break into the industry is simple but true, if it's what you wanna do, then go for it. But make sure never to underestimate anybody.
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