Fernando Martinez

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Fernando Martinez

2024 Truck

El Toro Loco

2024 Tour

Arena Championship Series Central

Hometown

Rialto, California

Birthday

February 19

A lifelong Monster Jam fan, Fernando Martinez helped out at various events hoping to one day make it as a Monster Jam driver. He graduated Monster Jam University in 2023 and made his debut in Nampa, ID, in October. Martinez describes his driving style as “a mix of smooth technical moves, spiced up with a healthy dose of jaw-dropping moments.” He earned Rookie of the Year honors in 2024.

career highlights

2024 Rookie of the Year

about

What are some of your interests/hobbies/favorite pastimes?
I love doing anything that allows me to create: painting, sculpting, video production, etc., listening to music or watching documentaries.
Who are your role models?
Oh man, so many, for various reasons: Chris Bumstead, Travis Pastrana, Will Tennyson, Ozzy Osbourne, and I’m probably missing so many more.
Do you have any pre-event rituals you run through?
Grounding is key for me. I take a walk, find a quiet spot to reflect, and practice gratitude. It brings me peace and gets me ready to hit the track with a mindset focused on having as much fun as I can.
What’s something a lot of people don’t know about you?
Only about 17% of the world’s population can wiggle their ears, and I’m one of them.
What is your favorite memory on or off the racetrack?
Going to events in Anaheim with my dad come to my mind. He introduced me to Monster Jam and essentially helped me find my life’s passion. Going to events with him was and still is very special.
What is your most prized possession?
When I was a kid, I found a car key to a Saturn vehicle in a ditch. Not sure why, but I always made sure to keep it around.

life on the road

What is the best and worst thing about being on the road every weekend with Monster Jam?
Best: sightseeing, experiencing new cultures and meeting new people; Worst: increased amount of Christmas cards I have to send out with every new friend I make!
While on tour, what is your favorite thing to do during your free time?
There’s so much to do that when I get tired out, I find myself a mellow spot to listen to music or talk with friends and family from back home.
How do you keep fit?
Simple. 10,000 steps daily. No steps? no donuts.… balance.
What item(s) can you not live without while traveling on the road with Monster Jam?
Headphones and a comfy hoodie sweater
What is your favorite city to travel to? Why?
Undecided, but I will say, whichever city gets the most wild and crazy for Monster Jam will always have my vote.

career

How did you get started competing in Monster Jam?
Monster Jam has been my passion since I was a kid, when my dad first introduced me to it. Once those trucks caught my eye, there was no turning back. It quickly became my life’s goal to become a Monster Jam driver. As I grew up, I couldn’t get enough of it, and when I hit 18, I decided to soak up everything I could about the industry. I didn’t just study it; I jumped in, volunteered working on the trucks or doing event prep, made some cool friends, and believe it or not, ended up trying out and getting trained by none other than Tom Meents and his fantastic coaching team. It’s been an insane journey thus far.
What is your favorite part about competing in Monster Jam?
The connection with the fans. They bring the energy, and we give it right back. It’s an incredible bond we share.
How would you describe your driving style?
I’d say it’s a mix of smooth technical moves, spiced up with a healthy dose of jaw-dropping moments. It’s all about keeping the crowd (and myself) guessing.
What advice would you give to kids who want to become a Monster Jam driver?
Be a student of the game. Listen more than you speak. And most of all, your greatest strength is to be yourself.
What is your greatest memory as a Monster Jam driver?
When I could look my parents in the eyes and say, “All the late nights, sacrifices, and support you’ve given me, it wasn’t in vain. I made it.” Their dedication and love are what got me here, and I’ll never forget that.
Who in Monster Jam do you look up to for inspiration?
My childhood heroes in Monster Jam were definitely Tom Meents and Dennis Anderson. Nowadays, I believe inspiration can be found in anyone or anything that has something to teach, as long as you’re willing to learn.

fun facts

Do you have any nicknames?
Variants stemming from “Fern”: Fernie, Ferocious Fern, Ferniefreestyles, Fern Dawg. The possibilities are endless.
What’s your favorite movie?
How can I pick one? The Outsiders, Talladega Nights: Ballad of Ricky Bobby, The Simpsons Movie, Hot Rod, and The Crow.
What’s your favorite television show?
Whose Line Is It Anyways?
What’s your favorite color?
Orange
What’s your favorite thing to eat?
Chicken Pad Thai
What’s your favorite restaurant on the road?
Any hidden treasures recommended by the locals
How would your friends and family describe you?
Mom: “Sweetest boy. Travieso with a good heart.” Dad: “Hard worker. Taller than me” Sister: “Bestiiieeee”

Fernando Martinez Gallery

STADIUM SERIES EAST

Champion: Tyler Menninga

POINTS THROUGH April 27, 2024

Position

Name

Truck

Points

Behind

Position 1

name Tyler Menninga /

truck Grave Digger /

points 660

behind –

Position 2

name Tristan England /

truck JCB DIGatron /

points 578

behind -82

Position 3

name Todd LeDuc /

truck Megalodon /

points 551

behind -109

Position 4

name Bryce Kenny /

truck Great Clips Mohawk Warrior /

points 511

behind -149

Position 5

name Tom Meents / Blake Granger / Coty Saucier /

truck Max-D /

points 483

behind -177

Position 6

name John Gordon /

truck Bad Company /

points 439

behind -221

Position 7

name Cole Venard / Michael Pagliarulo /

truck Black Pearl /

points 385

behind -275

Position 8

name Linsey Read / Charlie Pauken / Jamie Sullivan /

truck Lucas Stabilizer /

points 342

behind -318

Position 9

name Jamey Garner /

truck El Toro Loco /

points 315

behind -345

Position 10

name Ryan Disharoon /

truck Shaker /

points 306

behind -354

Position 11

name Matt Pagliarulo / Michael Pagliarulo /

truck Jester /

points 263

behind -397

Position 12

name Michael Pagliarulo / Nick Pagliarulo /

truck Kraken /

points 214

behind -446

STADIUM SERIES WEST

Champion: Ryan Anderson

POINTS THROUGH April 30, 2024

Position

Name

Truck

Points

Behind

Position 1

name Ryan Anderson /

truck Son-uva Digger /

points 635

behind -0

Position 2

name Adam Anderson / Charlie Pauken / Tyler Menninga /

truck Grave Digger /

points 561

behind -74

Position 3

name Camden Murphy /

truck Bakugan Dragonoid /

points 533

behind -102

Position 4

name Bari Musawwir / Todd LeDuc /

truck Zombie /

points 492

behind -143

Position 5

name Colt Stephens /

truck ThunderROARus /

points 453

behind -182

Position 6

name Cory Rummell /

truck Megalodon /

points 452

behind -183

Position 7

name Chris Koehler /

truck Monster Mutt / Northern Nightmare /

points 361

behind -274

Position 8

name Joe Foley /

truck El Toro Loco /

points 361

behind -274

Position 9

name Kayla Blood /

truck Soldier Fortune /

points 348

behind -287

Position 10

name David Olfert /

truck Velociraptor / Rod Ryan Show /

points 343

behind -292

Position 11

name Jim Koehler /

truck Avenger /

points 286

behind -349

Position 12

name Mike Christensen /

truck Vendetta /

points 240

behind -395

ARENA SERIES CENTRAL

Champion: Weston Anderson

POINTS THROUGH April 30, 2024

Position

Name

Truck

Points

Behind

Position 1

name Weston Anderson /

truck Grave Digger /

points 1568

behind –

Position 2

name Fernando Martinez /

truck El Toro Loco /

points 1207

behind -361

Position 3

name Brianna Mahon /

truck Scooby-Doo /

points 1179

behind -389

Position 4

name Jamie Sullivan / Joe Dennis /

truck Monster Mutt Dalmatian /

points 1165

behind -403

Position 5

name Brandan Tulachka /

truck Just Get-Er-Done /

points 1054

behind -514

Position 6

name Alex Bardin /

truck Stone Crusher /

points 717

behind -851

Position 7

name Mikayla Tulachka /

truck Megalodon /

points 666

behind -902

Position 8

name Frank Krmel /

truck Zombie /

points 544

behind -1024

ARENA SERIES EAST

Champion: Armando Castro

POINTS THROUGH April 28, 2024

Position

Name

Truck

Points

Behind

Position 1

name Armando Castro /

truck El Toro Loco /

points 1239

behind –

Position 2

name Krysten Anderson /

truck Grave Digger /

points 1213

behind -26

Position 3

name Zack Garner /

truck Wild Side /

points 1088

behind -151

Position 4

name Coty Saucier / Chelsea Vancleave / Joe Dennis / Tony Ochs /

truck Dragon /

points 921

behind -318

Position 5

name Chad Tingler /

truck Over Bored /

points 746

behind -493

Position 6

name Angelina Nock /

truck Megalodon /

points 642

behind -597

Position 7

name Mark Hall /

truck Raminator /

points 617

behind -622

Position 8

name Kurt Kraehmer /

truck Rammunition / Hotsy /

points 425

behind -814

ARENA SERIES WEST

Champion: Matt Cody

POINTS THROUGH April 7, 2024

Position

Name

Truck

Points

Behind

Position 1

name Matt Cody / Tyler Menninga / Coty Saucier /

truck Grave Digger /

points 1367

behind –

Position 2

name Dalton Widner /

truck Jurassic Attack /

points 1330

behind -37

Position 3

name Tony Ochs /

truck ThunderROARus /

points 1275

behind -92

Position 4

name MJ Solorio /

truck El Toro Loco /

points 992

behind -375

Position 5

name Ashley Sanford / Loghan Ashline / Bernard Lyght /

truck Megalodon /

points 898

behind -469

Position 6

name Berto Treviño /

truck Monster Mutt Rottweiler /

points 753

behind -614

Position 7

name Joe Urie / James Calhoun / David Olfert /

truck Earth Shaker /

points 628

behind -739

Position 8

name Devin Winfield / Jeff Souza /

truck Velociraptor /

points 622

behind -745

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