Michael Pagliarulo

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2023 Truck Jester Hometown Osteen, FL Birthday April 16

After watching his father and brother competing in Monster Jam, Michael Pagliarulo knew it was time to step up in the family operation and get his own truck. He assisted with the team until making his Monster Jam debut in Pensacola at the age of 18 driving his father’s Jester and competing against his brother Nick. Michael is inspired to do his best, especially when lined up against family. He studies videos to help get acclimated to the challenges of Monster Jam and aspires to start adding awards like the rest of the family.

ABOUT MICHAEL

What are some of your interests/hobbies/favorite pastimes?
I’m interested in are riding quads and driving side-by-sides.
Who are your role models?
My dad and brother are my role models.
What's something a lot of people don't know about you?
I retired at the age of 12 from little league baseball after 5 years of playing
What is your favorite memory on or off the racetrack?
My favorite memory on the track has to be my debut weekend in Pensacola, FL, driving Jester.
What is your most prized possession?
My pinball machine

LIFE ON THE ROAD

What is the best and worst thing about being on the road every weekend with Monster Jam?
The best thing about being on the road is having the opportunity to travel the world and getting to see things you don’t normally see. The worst thing about being on the road has to be the long-distance drives.
While on tour, what is your favorite thing to do during your free time?
If I do get free time on tour, I usually like to sightsee and do new things I don’t normally do in Florida.
How do you keep fit?
Trying to close my eyes when I pass by a fast-food restaurant. But usually I stay fit by being active at least 3 days out of the week.
What item(s) can you not live without while traveling on the road with Monster Jam?
My computer: I do all my work by studying videos of past Monster Jam events
What is your favorite city to travel to? Why?
My favorite city to travel to is Anaheim. It’s a really good place to sightsee and has a lot of good restaurants.

CAREER

How did you get started competing in Monster Jam?
My dad, the driver of the Jester monster truck, started as a fan and built our first truck about 8 years ago. That’s really when I wanted to drive a monster truck. We built our second truck for my brother, who drives Kraken, and we just finished the third truck for me.
What is your favorite part about competing in Monster Jam?
My favorite part about competing in Monster Jam is getting to meet all the fans and getting to race against my brother and dad.
How would you describe your driving style?
I would say my driving style is more on the wild side than tame side.
What advice would you give to kids who want to become a Monster Jam driver?
Keep pushing and never give up. Dreams do come true.
What is your greatest memory as a Monster Jam driver?
My greatest memory as a Monster Jam driver is getting the chance to race against my brother and dad and also getting the chance to race against the drivers I grew up and watched.
Who in Monster Jam do you look up to for inspiration?
Jon Zimmer, Sr.