JIM KOEHLER
Jim Koehler is the owner of Team Scream Racing and has been driving Avenger since 1997.
Hometown: Columbus, MI
Birthdate: 7-13-66
Spouse: Michelle
Children: Ashley (9-29-95), Nick (8-23-98), Chris (10-19-99), Jon (4-15-2004)
What was your family’s reaction, when you first started driving Monster Trucks? They first thought I was crazy to build it, but once I was racing with it, they thought it was cool.
What year did you start racing? 1997
Hobbies: I enjoy Jet Skiing and riding Quads, in addition to having fun with the kids.
Worst Crash: I’d say New Orleans, 2002 and also, crashing the chrome body in 2006.
Toughest Competitor: Tom Meents
Best Advice to kids who want to become monster truck drivers: It is important to stick to your dreams and most importantly, to enjoy life.
Sentence that best describes being a monster truck driver: It’s like being a superhero, without having to chase criminals.
What are 4 words that best describe you? Crazy, wild, excitement and out-of-control.
Is Monster Truck is your main job? I also own a marina, which is a family business.
Name one thing you are extremely proud of accomplishing? Building my truck.
Career highlights? Winning the World Freestyle Championship in Vegas in 2003 as well as being named Mr Excitement by Scott Douglass. Winning my second championship in 2011 and overall, being where I am in my career. Seeing my son Chris driving a monster truck was also a pretty cool thing.
What’s your favorite stop on the tour? My favorite stops are Indy, Jacksonville as well as Las Vegas.
What gets you pumped to compete? I love hearing the crowd, seeing the track and also, meeting the fans at the pit party, because they are the reason why we do what we do!
What is your biggest goal? Racing? Freestyle? Other? Freestyle is the key to the whole sport, but with the new chassis, I get pretty good results in racing as well.
MORE ABOUT JIM KOEHLER
Read out Jim’s interview from 2005 on AllMonster.com
Check out Jim Koehler’s page on the Monster Jam website
Practice your German with Jim’s page on the German website: Monster truck online (in German)
Monster Jam 2020 artwork
AWARDS/CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
2003: Monster Jam World Finals Freestyle Champion
2009: Australian freestyle Champion
2009: Monster Jam Sportsman of the Year
2010: Australian freestyle Champion
2010: Monster Jam Stadium Freestyle of the Year
2011: Monster Jam World Finals Freestyle Champion
2011: Monster Jam Sportsman of the Year
2012: Monster Jam Extreme Air of the Year
2013: Monster Jam Sportsman of the Year
2013: Monster Jam Extreme Air of the Year
2014: Monster Jam Extreme Air of the Year
2015: Monster Jam Extreme Air of the Year
2015: Monster Jam Sportsman of the Year
2016: Monster Jam Extreme Air of the Year
2017: Monster Jam Extreme Air of the Year
2021: Monster Jam Stadium Freestyle of the Year
2022: Monster Jam Extreme Air of the Year
Jim’s Family: Michelle, Ashley, Jon, Nick & Chris
Watch this amazing tribute to Jim & Avenger in this Monster Truck Throwdown video
