Like many Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam drivers Donald Epidendio started out racing motocross at age 14 and then at age 16 he got into lifted trucks. From there he continued to develop his machines and kept making them bigger and bigger. Epidendio says that he broke a lot of parts but learned with each step forward. Eventually all of that evolved into getting a truck with terra tires and planetaries and creating his own monster truck.  Epidendio continued to work his way up in the sport and then got the opportunity to compete in Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam.

Q&A with Donald Epidendio

MonsterJam.com: How did you get started competing on the Monster Jam circuit?

Donald Epidendio: I followed (Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam official) Keith Speller around until finally getting a chance to talk to him and then I presented him with a demo DVD and from there I was able to book a display for the World Finals. Things have just continued to grow from there.

MonsterJam.com: What do you enjoy doing while on the road with Monster Jam?

Donald Epidendio: One of my favorite things to do when on the road is to try new types of food.

MonsterJam.com: What do you do with your free time?

Donald Epidendio: Free time, really there is not any with a monster truck, at least not when you’re the driver and the crew guy.

MonsterJam.com:  What is your greatest memory as a monster truck driver?

Donald Epidendio: The first show that I did in Ukiah CA. and finally getting to compete against other professional trucks.

MonsterJam.com: Do you have any pre-show rituals that you run though?

Donald Epidendio: Not really, although I do like to watch the other trucks that run before me so that I can see how the obstacles are throwing the trucks.

MonsterJam.com:  If you were not competing on the Monster Jam tour, what career path would you follow?

Donald Epidendio: Unfortunately I am not able to compete on the Monster Jam circuit all year. We have a family construction business that is really a team effort so whenever I am not working on my truck, I am paving asphalt, pouring concrete, laying pipe or moving a serious amount of dirt.

MonsterJam.com:  What’s your favorite food?

Donald Epidendio:  Any kind of pasta.

MonsterJam.com:  What’s your favorite movie?

Donald Epidendio:  Bio Dome.

MonsterJam.com:  What’s your favorite television show?

Donald Epidendio:   Monster Jam of course.

MonsterJam.com:  What’s your favorite color?

Donald Epidendio:   Yellow.

TRUCK INFO

Truck Name:  Titan

Body:  2001 Chevy hd

Chassis: Epidemic chassis

Engine size:  548” Chevy

Transmission:  Hughes glide

Shocks:combs 26” and 30”

Sponsors:   Epidendio Construction, Parker Plastics, Al’s Upholstery, Lee Campbell, Epic Graphics, Caps Coatings, Ogden Chrome, Jonas Oil, KRS Chipping Services, and Clear Lake Machine Shop