Jim Koehler

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2023 Truck Avenger 2023 Tour Stadium Championship Series Blue Residence Columbus, MI Birthday July 13

“Mr. Excitement” is one of the veteran competitors in Monster Jam and continues to live up to his nickname! Jim started his career in 1997, building Avenger as a tribute to his father who competed in drag racer with the same name. Jim says driving a Monster Jam truck is like being a superhero “without having to chase criminals.” He advises that it is important to stick to your dreams and, most importantly to enjoy life…and he leads by example. He is a two-time World Freestyle Champion (2003 and 2011) and has won Monster Jam’s Extreme Air award seven times!

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

2003 Monster Jam World Finals Freestyle Champion
2009 Sportsman of the Year
2010 Stadium Freestyle of the Year
2011 Monster Jam World Finals Freestyle Champion
2011 Sportsman of the Year
2012 Extreme Air of the Year
2013 Sportsman of the Year
2013 Extreme Air of the Year
2014 Extreme Air of the Year
2015 Extreme Air of the Year
2015 Sportsman of the Year
2016 Extreme Air of the Year
2017 Extreme Air of the Year
2021 Stadium Freestyle of the Year
2022 Extreme Air of the Year

ABOUT JIM

What are some of your interests/hobbies/favorite pastimes?
Welding and fabricating, riding four-wheelers, boating and jet skiing.
Who are your role models?
John Force and Dale Earnhardt.
Do you have any ‘pre-show’ rituals you run through?<
I usually tape things to my cab. A note to motivate me, a coin that I find for good luck or something I received from a fan.
What’s something a lot of people don’t know about you?
I think by now, everyone knows everything about me.
What is your favorite memory on or off the racetrack?
My newest, favorite memory was when we did an amazing job in racing and freestyle at the 2017 Monster Jam World Finals in a brand-new truck that we build. It was the first weekend it was ever driven.
What’s your most prized possession?
My trucks!

LIFE ON THE ROAD

What is the best and worst thing about being on the road every weekend with Monster Jam?
For me, the worst part is being away from home and driving all those miles to every show. The best is seeing the country and meeting all of the great fans and of course, getting to play with all of the Monster Jam trucks.
While on the road, what is your favorite thing to do during your free time?
What free time? There isn’t any free time on the road.
How do you keep fit?
Hard work keeps me fit. I never sit around.
What item(s) can you not live without while traveling on the road with Monster Jam?
Clothes and the basics. I’m a guy, I don’t take much to survive.

CAREER

How did you get started competing in Monster Jam?
I built my own truck from scratch and started competing with it. I guess they liked what they saw!
What’s your favorite part about competing in Monster Jam?
The level of competition.
How would you describe your driving style?
Moderately out of control.
What advice would you give to kids who want to become a Monster Jam driver?
Stay in school, keep out of trouble and follow your dreams.
What is your greatest memory as a Monster Jam driver?
Winning Sportsman of the Year as many times as I have and my two Monster Jam World Finals championships.
Who in Monster Jam do you look up to for inspiration?
Everyone looks up to Tom Meents and Dennis Anderson but now-a-days every Monster Jam driver inspires me. A lot of these new kids can really drive and some come from great backgrounds and have amazing stories.

FUN FACTS

Do you have any nicknames?
Mr. Excitement
What’s your favorite movie?
The Hangover
What’s your favorite television show?
The Walking Dead
What’s your favorite color?
Green
What’s your favorite thing to eat?
Steak and lobster
What’s your favorite restaurant on the road?
We don’t always eat at the nicest restaurants on the road. Not by choice, nice restaurants don’t have semi-truck parking!
How would your friend and family describe you?
A good guy… I hope!

Jim Koehler GALLERY

STADIUM SERIES BLUE
CHAMPION: TYLER MENNINGA

POINTS THROUGH May 20, 2023

Position	Name	Truck	Points	Behind
1	Tyler Menninga	Grave Digger	642	-
2	Ryan Anderson	Son-uva Digger	617	-25
3	Bari Musawwir	Zombie	517	-125
4	Cory Rummell	Megalodon	473	-169
5	Cynthia Gauthier	Lucas Stabilizer	413	-229
6	Mark List/Charlie Pauken/Chelsea Vancleve/Coty Saucier	El Toro Loco	409	-233
7	John Gordon	Bad Company	409	-233
8	Colt Stephens	ThunderROARus	396	-246
9	Chris Koehler	Monster Mutt	391	-251
10	Jim Koehler	Avenger	391	-251
11	Ryan Disharoon	Shaker	355	-287
12	Joe Foley	AXE/The Rod Ryan Show	290	-352