NASCAR drivers have a rich history of testing their skills beyond the racetrack, often stepping into diverse motorsport arenas to challenge themselves and entertain fans in new ways. From Tony Stewart’s legendary forays into dirt track sprint cars and drag racing to Kyle Busch’s championship runs in grassroots racing, many drivers embrace varied formats to broaden their experience. Now, adding to this tradition, a young rookie’s monster jam debut has gone viral.

Racing in a car-crushing monster truck for the very first time, his leap into the arena amazed fans and showcased his daring, athleticism, and crossover appeal that NASCAR drivers uniquely bring to motorsports entertainment.

Ryan Vargas shifts gears from NASCAR to Monster Jam

Ryan Vargas, a young and versatile racer hailing from La Mirada, California, has steadily climbed the ranks in various NASCAR series. Since starting his racing career in Bandolero cars in 2012, Vargas has steadily progressed through the ranks, including the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, ARCA Menards Series, Xfinity Series, and the Craftsman Truck Series.

Known for his tenacity and adaptability, he has amassed over 100 race starts, gaining invaluable experience despite not yet clinching a win. But the reason he got viral is his debut in Monster Jam freestyle, driving the iconic El Toro Loco monster truck. His performance stunned audiences with his fearless maneuvers and control, showcasing skills that translated surprisingly well from stock cars to monster trucks.

“As a lifelong Monster Jam fan, this couldn’t be more exciting. I attended my first ever Monster Jam Event when I was about 5 years old and it kickstarted my whole passion for motorsports. So, to summarize, this is an absolute dream come true,” Vargas had said ahead of this viral debut.

Vargas’ entry into Monster Jam marked an unexpected but electrifying crossover that captured the attention of fans beyond traditional stock car racing. His debut run was filled with high-flying jumps and signature crushing moments, demonstrating his quick learning and natural athleticism. He himself posted the same on his X account as well.

This leap into a dramatic, crowd-pleasing motorsport exemplifies the growing trend of NASCAR drivers exploring new avenues to thrill audiences and diversify their professional portfolios. With fans buzzing about Vargas’s Monster Jam debut, anticipation builds over the reaction and impact of his surprising success.

The next section will dive into the viral fan responses and how his performance is reshaping perceptions of driver versatility in motorsports entertainment.

NASCAR community reacts to Vargas’ debut

One fan exclaimed simply, “YOU’RE IN MONSTER JAM?????????????????????” highlighting how unexpected the crossover felt to the NASCAR community. Vargas himself had announced the news proudly on social media, “Bet y’all didn’t see this coming…,” calling it a dream come true, revealing that he’s been a lifelong fan of Monster Jam since attending his first event at around age five.

Another enthusiast rated his run a “6/10” on a 10-point scale, noting, “Solid run, kept the truck clean, had some moments of big air and fun sideways landings, but could have used donuts and wheelies for more variety.” Vargas’s control was evident, especially considering the notorious flat landings in Monster Jam that fans describe as “spine crushers” due to their intensity.

Flat landings in Monster Jam occur when a monster truck lands squarely on all four wheels simultaneously after a jump, rather than absorbing impact gradually. These landings can feel like “spine crushers” due to the sudden jolt and intense force transferred through the truck’s chassis and the driver’s body.

El Toro Loco, the truck Vargas piloted, is a perennial fan favorite revered for its wild, bull-inspired design and high-energy antics, further captivating Monster Jam audiences. Another fan excitedly said, “I haven’t seen Monster Jam in a while but El Toro Loco is still my favorite.”

Post-show comments showered praise on Vargas, with one fan exclaiming, “Absolutely cooked in your debut and still more events left in the weekend to continue cooking, would love to see you get a shot at a stadium event someday.” The intensity of the event was heightened by Monster Jam legend Matt Cody and his team, Grave Digger, with a viewer adding, “HELL YEAH. Bet it was nice to hold the lead… well at least until Matt Cody & Grave Digger went next.”

Matt Cody is a highly regarded Monster Jam driver known for piloting the legendary Grave Digger truck, one of the most popular and iconic vehicles in the sport. He began his full-time driving career in 2014 after working as a crew member and crew chief, climbing the ranks through dedication and skill. The Grave Digger team is a fan-favorite known for its green flames and fierce presence.

The enthusiastic reception from fans signals a promising future for Vargas as he navigates this thrilling new motorsports arena, exciting fans with his fearless adaptability and showmanship.