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Fernando Martinez
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Fernando Martinez in El Toro Loco

Fernando Martinez

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Fernando Martinez

2026 Truck

El Toro Loco

2026 Tour

Arena 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
  • 2025 Entertainer 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”

2026 STADIUM SERIES EAST

Champion: Tristan England

Tristan England in JCB DIGatron

POINTS THROUGH May 2, 2026

Position
Name
Truck
Points
Behind
Position 1
name Tristan England / Brandon Arthur /
truck JCB DIGatron /
points 550
behind -0
Position 2
name Camden Murphy /
truck Classroom Crusher /
points 475
behind -75
Position 3
name Chris Koehler /
truck Mayhem /
points 438
behind -112
Position 4
name Adam Anderson /
truck Grave Digger /
points 436
behind -114
Position 5
name Colt Stephens /
truck ThunderROARus /
points 417
behind -133
Position 6
name Jamie Sullivan /
truck Sparkle Smash /
points 392
behind -158
Position 7
name Mike Pagliarulo /
truck Excaliber /
points 378
behind -172
Position 8
name Cynthia Gauthier /
truck Lucas Stabilizer /
points 375
behind -175
Position 9
name Jim Koehler /
truck Avenger /
points 300
behind -250
Position 10
name Joe Foley /
truck El Toro Loco /
points 292
behind -258
Position 11
name Kevin Crocker /
truck Megalodon /
points 253
behind -297
Position 12
name Matt Pagliarulo /
truck Jester /
points 180
behind -370

2026 STADIUM SERIES WEST

Champion: Ryan Anderson

Ryan Anderson in Son-uva Digger

POINTS THROUGH May 9, 2026

Position
Name
Truck
Points
Behind
Position 1
name Ryan Anderson /
truck Son-uva Digger /
points 550
behind -0
Position 2
name Tyler Menninga /
truck Grave Digger /
points 538
behind -12
Position 3
name Bari Musawwir /
truck Zombie /
points 466
behind -84
Position 4
name Bryce Kenny /
truck Tech Deck Wreck Deck /
points 460
behind -90
Position 5
name Dalton Widner /
truck Shell Shock’ed /
points 451
behind -99
Position 6
name Zack Garner /
truck Wild Side / Rod Ryan Show /
points 449
behind -101
Position 7
name Cory Rummell /
truck Bailey Circuit /
points 401
behind -149
Position 8
name John Gordon / Deidra Garner /
truck Megalodon /
points 343
behind -207
Position 9
name Mike Christensen /
truck Vendetta /
points 328
behind -222
Position 10
name Cole Venard /
truck Black Pearl /
points 279
behind -271
Position 11
name Jamey Garner /
truck El Toro Loco /
points 254
behind -296
Position 12
name Kayla Blood /
truck Sparkle Smash /
points 252
behind -298

2026 ARENA SERIES WEST

Champion: Armando Castro

Armando Castro in El Toro Loco

POINTS THROUGH May 3, 2026

Position
Name
Truck
Points
Behind
Position 1
name Armando Castro / Matt Dummer /
truck El Toro Loco /
points 1129
behind -0
Position 2
name Ryan Vargas / Geneva Keller /
truck Monster Mutt Dalmatian /
points 1027
behind -102
Position 3
name Matt Cody / Charlie Pauken /
truck Grave Digger /
points 969
behind -160
Position 4
name Tim Hall Jr /
truck Jurassic Attack /
points 921
behind -208
Position 5
name Alex Bardin /
truck Earth Shaker /
points 775
behind -354
Position 6
name Carson Williams /
truck ThunderROARus /
points 674
behind -455
Position 7
name Ashley Sanford / Matt Dummer / Angelina Nock /
truck Megalodon /
points 584
behind -545
Position 8
name Cliff Turner /
truck Velociraptor /
points 441
behind -688

2026 ARENA SERIES EAST

Champion: Jon Zimmer Jr

Jon Zimmer Jr. in Terminal Velocity

POINTS THROUGH May 10, 2026

Position
Name
Truck
Points
Behind
Position 1
name Jon Zimmer Jr /
truck Terminal Velocity /
points 831
behind -0
Position 2
name MJ Solorio /
truck El Toro Loco /
points 696
behind -135
Position 3
name Triton Robbins /
truck Krazy Train /
points 627
behind -204
Position 4
name Coty Saucier /
truck Dragon /
points 620
behind -211
Position 5
name Krysten Anderson / Brandon Arthur /
truck Grave Digger /
points 549
behind -282
Position 6
name Montana Robbins /
truck Plane Krazy /
points 540
behind -291
Position 7
name Jon Zimmer /
truck Megalodon /
points 523
behind -308
Position 8
name Loghan Ashline /
truck Sparkle Smash /
points 353
behind -478

2026 FREESTYLE MANIA CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

Team Grave Digger: Weston Anderson & Noah Bakken

POINTS THROUGH April 19, 2026

Position
Name
Truck
Points
Behind
Position 1
name Weston Anderson/Noah Bakken /
truck Grave Digger /
points 1699
behind -0
Position 2
name Tony Ochs/TJ Tiffany/Josh Headford /
truck JCB DIGatron /
points 1534
behind -165
Position 3
name Fernando Martinez/AJ Rozboril /
truck El Toro Loco /
points 1424
behind -275
Position 4
name Chuckie Pauken/Drew Slaugh /
truck Classroom Crusher /
points 1257
behind -442
Position 5
name Mikayla Tulachka/Scott Murray /
truck Megalodon /
points 1216
behind -483
Position 6
name Brianna Mahon/Chelsea VanCleave/Gregg Duffy /
truck Bailey Circuit /
points 1206
behind -493
Position 7
name Kylie Kent/Cam Sepulveda /
truck Sparkle Smash /
points 1018
behind -681
Position 8
name Brandan Tulachka/Chandler Haider /
truck Zombie /
points 1017
behind -682