A top driver for Dan Rodoni’s California-based monster truck team, Andrew Peckham’s story is that of a young man who got an opportunity to join a top team, worked his way up as a mechanic for the team, and eventually landed in the driver’s seat of a top-notch machine, which turned in some great performances in Monster Jam ® competitions. Hard-working and motivated, some of Peckham’s top runs in Tropical Thunder ® have come at events televised by Speed, showcasing that he is one of those drivers who loves the big stage and the brightest spotlights. Peckham’s love of monster trucks continues to propel him forward as one of the sport’s rising stars.
Q&A with Andrew Peckham
MonsterJam.com: How did you get started competing on the Monster Jam circuit?
Andrew Peckham: I started out as a member of the pit crew, on The Patriot. At the age of 21, after showing an interest in driving, Rodoni put me in the driver’s seat for Tropical Thunder. In my younger years, I took center stage at the Watsonville Speedway driving dirt track stock cars.
MonsterJam.com: What do you enjoy most about competing in Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam?
Andrew Peckham: The best part of being a monster truck driver, no doubt, is the adrenaline rush and then meeting and hanging out with the devoted fans. Kids who want to become monster truck drivers need to stay in school and believe in their dreams. The best part of signing an autograph for a kid is the excitement in their eyes when they get to meet the guy in the "BIG TRUCK."
MonsterJam.com: What do you do with your free time? |
Andrew Peckham: I love a nything with horse power: jet skis; boats; and, of course, 4x4s.
MonsterJam.com: What is your greatest memory as a monster truck driver?
Andrew Peckham: My first weekend in the truck, I smoked the competition in racing. This win gave me the confidence I needed to continue to compete with the some of the fastest trucks in the industry. I am motivated, competitive, fun, and hard-working.
MonsterJam.com: What preparation does it take to compete in Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam?
Andrew Peckham: To prepare for the season, we spend many hours going through the truck to make sure that everything is secure and ready for the start of the season. I try catch up on my sleep, because once the season starts we will be on the GO! The favorite stop on the series tour is Las Vegas, baby! This season, I’m looking to improving my stats, tearing some stuff up, and getting lots of BIG AIR! Monster trucks are fast, powerful, exciting, and destructive.
MonsterJam.com: What’s your favorite food?
Andrew Peckham: Steak and potatoes
MonsterJam.com: What’s your favorite movie?
Andrew Peckham: Days of Thunder
MonsterJam.com: What’s your favorite color?
Andrew Peckham: Black
TRUCK INFO
Truck Name: Tropical Thunder®
Body: 2007 Chevy Silverado Classic
Chassis: Willman style-chassis, originally built by Guy Wood and re-designed by the team in 2006
Engine size: 540 CI Dart Motor
Transmission: Coan 2-speed Monsterglide
Shocks: A combination of Comb and RaceSource bypass
Sponsors: Central Coast Four Wheel Drive, South Bay Driveline, Dart Machine, Bayside Oil, M2D Camo, Permacool, MSD
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