Having emerged quickly as a driver who knows how to go fast and turn in spectacular runs, Jon Zimmer’s fast rise up the ranks in Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam really came into focus when he earned his first World Finals invitation in 2010 and right off the bat was among the fastest qualifiers on the sport’s most demanding race course. Zimmer grew up in small town USA with an early love for motorsports. His first entry into the world of motorsports was with dirt bikes and 4-wheelers when he was 11-years-old.  As Zimmer got older he moved onto four wheel drive truck pulling and snow cross racing. Zimmer built a reputation not just as a talented racer, but as someone who always worked very hard on his own equipment. Zimmer says that he took that same attitude and work ethic with him into Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam, explaining that he always has found it important to work as hard as he could on the trucks to progress himself. For Zimmer he has always dreamed to be where he is today. Zimmer’s career in monster trucks stared by crewing in 2000, and then he was able to really find his calling and fulfill his dreams when he began driving in 2005.

In the 2013 Monster Jam season, Jon will have big shoes to fill as he will be apart and driving for Team Grave Digger.

Q&A with Jon Zimmer

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

Jon Zimmer:   I was a huge fan with a dream. I got the chance to start crewing through John Seasock on the Sudden Impact truck. It was through John that I began working for Andy Slifko on the Eradicator monster truck. Andy truly gave me my start and a push to go after my dreams!!!

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

Jon Zimmer:   I enjoy seeing the country side and spending time with my second family, the fans.

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

Jon Zimmer:   I spend as much time as I can with my family. My son has grown up in this with me so we do a lot of motorsports like 4-wheelers and R/C trucks. In the winter I try to snowboard when I can.

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

Jon Zimmer:    Making it to the World Finals in 2010. Having my family by my side to see how amazing the fans and teams are in this sport.  And to be truly honest there are a million amazing memories. Whether it’s someone recognizing me in Wal-Mart or taking my truck to my biggest fans birthday, the list could go on forever.

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

Jon Zimmer:   I really don’t have many other than I have to talk to my wife and kids just before I start a show. That clears my head to go enjoy what I love to do.

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

Jon Zimmer:   I guess some type of farming or construction. I enjoy running equipment and working hard.

MonsterJam.com: What’s your favorite food?

Jon Zimmer:   Anything at Applebee’s

MonsterJam.com: What’s your favorite movie?

Jon Zimmer:   Transformers

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

Jon Zimmer:   Have to go with Monster Jam. I love sitting with my son and critiquing it.

MonsterJam.com: What’s your favorite color?

Jon Zimmer:   Blue

TRUCK INFO

Truck Name: Grave Digger XVIII

Body:   1950 Chevy Panel Van

Chassis: Patrick Enterprises

Engine size:   572 Holbrook racing engine

Transmission:   Abruzzi Transmissions 2 speed glide

Shocks: 26 inch combs

Sponsors:   AMSOIL, Red Cat Racing, Chiller Specialties, FK Rod Ends, North Star Ranch