Another competitor who learned the business starting underneath the truck as a mechanic is Rich Hilgendorf. Hilgendorf began turning wrenches for Team Scream, and eventually became the Crew Chief for Brutus. When Team Scream expanded from two to four trucks in 2010, Hilgendorf was tapped by World Champion Jim Koehler to pilot one of the two new creations, Spike, which went into competition at the same time as Wrecking Crew, adding the new pieces to Team Scream’s popular Avenger and Brutus trucks. Hilgendorf has always loved motorsports, saying, “my garage is full of ATV’s, dirt bikes, etc. I’ve always liked motorsports, no matter which ones.” 

Q&A with Driver  

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

Driver:  I was crewing for Chris Bergeron and Brutus, and then when he got his new truck, I inherited his old chassis, that became the Spike truck, and I’ve been driving it ever since. 

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

Driver:  Seeing different towns, visiting new places, etc. 

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

Driver:  Ride dirt bikes, snowmobile, etc. 

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

Driver:  The first time I raced the truck, I made it to the finals. I also won several wheelie contests right off the bat. 

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

Driver:  No 

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

Driver:  I be a prototype tester. 

MonsterJam.com: What’s your favorite food? 

Driver: Steak 

MonsterJam.com: What’s your favorite movie? 

Driver:  No Deposit No Return 

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

Driver:  N/A 

MonsterJam.com: What’s your favorite color?  

Driver:  Red 

TRUCK INFO 

Truck Name: Spike Unleashed – www.brutusracing.com 

Body:  3D dog concept by Jason Becker 

Chassis: Custom built by Avenger Racing in 2000 

Engine size:  Blown 575 Chevrolet Big Block 

Transmission:  Coan/Bewick Power Glide 

Shocks: Nitrogen Charged Fronts 26" Rears, 26" 

Sponsors:  Lucas Oil, Coan Racing, R.J.S. Racing equipment, Fatheads, Green Grease, Sata, Auto Air, P.T.M. Corporation, Port-a-mate, NGK Spark Plugs, Bewick Transmissions, Burkard Industries, Kutzall, Rubberhog, Aristocast, V.I.S., Masters Tool and Die, Bell Engineering Inc and more. Visit our website www.brutusracing.com