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When the 2024 calendar year started, the folks that were constant attendees and participants at the summer and fall 4-Wheel Jamborees were starting to feel a little excitement after having to go through a few years of anxiety, and having many unanswered questions with the ownership. Entering the year, Bonnier Corporation decided it wanted to let go of the jamboree tasks and everyday needs, with a group that had once owned and operated the events making an offer to in essence take back what they once had.
The three-year plan they envisioned began one year ago, focusing on the participants that spend their money to either show off what they own, or compete against others with what they built.
It not only reinvigorated interest in the 4×4 culture, but it was clear that the fans were excited to see some familiar faces running the weekend tasks. They would come out and show out on each day, and despite maybe a few hiccups and issues, most were pleased to see that the show was making a turn.
In fact, the motto when it came to the summer jamboree in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, was “Return to Glory.” Without question, they accomplished that when the line to get registered, or to simply pick up the registration they already paid for, was all the way to the main roadway.
Year two in the plan for the jamboree focuses on the vendors, bringing in both new ones to be exposed to a new audience, while also bringing back some others that maybe stepped away due to less reach. Should the participants return like they did a year ago, and the vendors be able to reach a broader audience, the third year of the plan will take care of itself, because the third year focuses on the people who enter through the gate to see the beautiful show trucks, and the intense competition.
A strong majority are making their way back to see the infield action of the big highlight of the Monsters of Destruction, returning for a second year to hit the dirt and gravel of the Bloomsburg dirt track.
For the second year, a seven-truck field hits the track. Some trucks are new, but teams are familiar, and all will put on a show. Here’s the 2025 Steve Shannon Tire Center 4-Wheel Jamboree field for Bloomsburg:
Raminator: Mark Hall
2025 Ram Heavy Duty
When Events Inc. took over the jamborees last year, with the idea of bringing it back to what it once was, in their mind they knew the first team they needed to call when it came to the monster truck action.
One call brought back the popular Ram Trucks operation of Hall Brothers Racing, and they did so with their top drivers and namesakes. This year is no exception, because Mark Hall is coming back to get back into victory lane in his iconic Raminator.
He would get shut out of racing a year ago in Bloomsburg and Indianapolis, which is a rarity for the team. This year, Hall is not only bringing back his powerful HEMI machine, but for the first time since 2014, the Raminator is coming with a complete new look.
Ram Trucks, along with Chrysler Corporation, revealed that the HEMI engine was making a return once again, and to do so the Hall Brothers team brought a pair of trucks to do a commercial to help welcome the HEMI back, and also welcome Ram Trucks back to the Craftsman Truck Series in NASCAR. In the commercial, one of the HBR trucks was their newest identity, which will be revealed later on. But, the second truck was Hall, and gone was the familiar black and grey body with the ram head on the sides.
To go with the return of the infamous engine, the team completely revamped the look of the Raminator. Gone are the 3D heads on the sides of the cab, and now a new, more aggressive, almost Terminator-style ram on the sides, plus a brand new scheme of black and yellow. It’s the first time since 2009 the Raminator, or any Hall Brothers truck, had yellow as a dominant color on the body.
It is an aggressive and mean look for the truck, and the entire operation is taking on this new look as the HEMI makes a return. It may just lead to victory.
War Wizard: RJ Turner
1941 Willys Pro Mod
Although it’s not technically a truck body, one of the most popular trucks that attended Bloomsburg a year ago certainly had the look and attitude of a vehicle made more for the 1/4-mile instead of the dirt. Still, the War Wizard made an impact when it took to the track.
It didn’t compete with a front clip, and utilized a tarp for a roof, because weeks earlier the truck suffered body damage and there was not enough time to get it looking somewhat like a 1941 Willy’s. But, even with the body panels missing, driver RJ Turner certainly made memories.
Who could forget the final day when Turner decided to go back to his roots, taking the Wizard for a romp in the mud. Mom and crew chief, Allison Turner, had a look as to say, “He just gave us more work than needed,” but Turner couldn’t help but take a trip into the pit and see if he could make it through in one piece.
Luckily for all, the only mud seen all weekend came when Turner took a trip into the soupy pit, and the hope is that this year’s event proves more of the same.
Ramdemption: Kurt Kraehmer
2025 Ram Rebel TRX
This year, Hall Brothers decided it was time to let the Rammunition name of the team, one that has been with the operation since 2002, enjoy some retirement. But, it also meant that the No. 2 driver on the team needed a new name.
On Sunday, June 8, that name was revealed when Ram Trucks revealed they were going back to racing in NASCAR. Just outside Michigan International Speedway, off came the red tarp, and what was revealed was the black and red body of the all new Hall Brothers truck.
The HEMI returned, and it was looking to gain a bit of…Ramdemption. The new red and black machine was a major hit with the team, and driver Kurt Kraehmer was loving the new look that he would campaign for the team.
It will be July when the Ramdemption name makes it’s competition debut, and Kraehmer has shown that he is capable of winning at any moment as his ability and talent has grown immensely over the last several years. This young man has a tough task in carrying a new name on his chassis. But, he’s been able to overcome and prove he belongs among many of the talented drivers in the lineup. This young man is looking to redeem himself and bring the HEMI to victory.
New name, familiar driver, and horsepower a plenty. This machine and wheelman could steal a win or two if they play their cards right.
High Roller: Colton Kiser
1979 Ford F150
Every now and then, a driver comes along that simply has everything that makes him the perfect fit. Attitude, work ethic, good with people; all qualities that make an impression. Combine that with running their own equipment as hard as possible every chance, and add in a name that had not been in competition for several years, and it’s a combination that can’t be denied.
Last time the jamboree saw Colton Kiser behind the wheel was back in 2023, with the American Scout name that he carried for his entire career. Unfortunately for him, his weekend was plagued with struggles in the truck, and he never got to truly show off for the fans what he could do.
Now, he makes a return with a name that is celebrating 40 years in the business.
Kiser will be piloting the High Roller III Ford, the latest installment of the name that debuted in 1985 as a street truck. As a bonus, the original street truck, High Roller II, will also be in attendance alongside Kiser to show both the past and the present versions of the truck.
This young man has shown that he can handle any truck he’s put in, from a few weekends in Pretty Wicked to Quad Chaos, to now his own chassis which originally carried the Nitemare name. This kid could steal a couple wins either in racing or freestyle.
In a way, this high roller is ready to put in all his chips, and hopes to cash in.
Predator: Allen Pezo
Custom 3D Panther
The Hall Brothers are not the only team that’s bringing in some HEMI power to Bloomsburg for 2025. Another Ram is making it’s way to the famed fairgrounds, but this one doesn’t exactly have the same truck nose as it’s competitors.
It is, however, a truck that many years ago joined in the movement of adding in a “concept” to it’s name.
Back in the early 1990’s, Allen Pezo’s Predator went under a change when he moved away from his light blue Chevrolet. The name didn’t quite match what he thought of would be an eye-catcher for the fans, so he went to work and decided to join in the idea of making a 3-D mold to make his truck unique. When done, the nose of the machine took on a cat concept, complete with teeth, stand-up ears, and glaring eyes. Over the years, the look of the truck went through a few different views, from black and blue, a tiger version named Prowler, and even a cheetah entitled Pouncer.
The current version of Predator has been Allen’s most famous look to date, with blacks, blues, and purples to accent the chassis. The bedsides may still have a look of a Ram truck, and he puts the power down with a HEMI, but this truck is much different than his other competitors. The one-off chassis design that includes a single shock on each corner has proven that it can get the job done every chance it gets.
There’s a predator on the loose in Bloomsburg, on the prowl and will pounce on every opportunity that’s given to him.
Hotsy: Daniel Agosh
2025 Ram Heavy Duty
It was 2018 when Hall Brothers Racing last brought a trio of trucks and drivers to hit the track at one time. Back then, it was Hall, Kraehmer, and Mat Dishman in the seat. Three times during the 2010’s, the Halls hit the jamboree circuit with three trucks, whether it was Mopar Muscle alongside the namesake trucks, or the General Tire entry to make the sponsor happy.
This year, the third truck in the fleet is not only making a return to the jamboree circuit, but doing so with the newest driver in the fleet.
Hotsy pressure washers, a long-time partner with the Hall Brothers, is back at the jamboree for the first time since 2013. Making his debut at the jamboree as a driver, long-time crew chief turned top driver, is Daniel Agosh, known to many in the monster truck community as “Cheech.”
Don’t let this man’s short stature fool you, because he has become quite the wheelman once he straps on the helmet and the driver suit. Cheech would win his biggest event just a few years ago, in the back yard of the Hall Brothers, against both his teammates along with the father-son duo of Jamey and Zach Garner. He’s become very skilled, and very driven to victory.
Consider this man to be a sleeper for victory when he hits the track against this lineup.
Virginia Giant: Cliff Vowell
1984 Ford F150
Let’s face it, nostalgia has been resurrected over the last several years in the monster truck industry. Classic names, classic bodies, classic and/or tribute looks have all in a way made a return to the industry, and fans are loving every moment of it.
One of the most popular classic looks that made a return came in 2023 when Cliff Vowell decided the time had come to replace the body on the classic-name Virginia Giant. After having experienced a rollover and a nose plant, the 2004 F150 body it was running was destroyed. Rather than just repair or replaced, he decided to surprise the original owner, Diehl Wilson, with a tribute.
That summer, the chassis that Wilson once campaigned had an entirely new body, but not an entirely new look. The pearl that the original Giant had was back, along with the blues and greys, with hints of red and a little bit of fire. Wilson got the surprise of a career when the Virginia Giant was equipped with a 1980’s Ford body. Vowell’s truck had the exact same look as Wilson’s original truck, and right away the fans clamored to see it.
Even now, despite some bumps and bruises, including a big bandage on the body after a tough rollover in Bristol, the truck is still as popular as ever.
Much like a year ago, the monster trucks will get multiple opportunities to perform in front of the Pennsylvania crowd. Three different racing programs will take place over the weekend, starting with the initial action on Friday evening, with some tough truck action in between rounds. Freestyle will also accompany the action on Friday evening, with the trucks soaring into the sunset.
Saturday sees a split of action, with a racing program in the afternoon, finishing with a freestyle frenzy under the lights.
Sunday is usually the day where every driver knows they have at least a week before they have to be back in action, so they let loose and push it harder, faster, and take more chances. The mid-afternoon delight will see every truck hit the track and leave it all on the line for the spectators.
Official schedule is not yet released. Check out 4WheelJamboree.com, or visit their Facebook page for all the updates, and prepare for a summer of fun with the monsters.
