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"Lil' Jon" making his own name in Monster Trucks, returns Saturday for Lucas Oil Speedway's Eve of Destruction

WHEATLAND, MO. (Oct. 19, 2022) - Jon Zimmer Jr. grew up around the sport of Monster Trucks as his dad, Jon Zimmer, drove one of the iconic machines in the sport, the legendary Gravedigger.

So it was only natural for “Lil’ Jon” to follow in his dad’s rather large tire tracks and make his own way into the driver’s seat.

“I knew I wanted to get into the sport one way or the other,” Jon Zimmer Jr. said. “A couple of years ago, I had that shot and I haven’t looked back since.”

“Lil’ Jon” will pilot Dirt Crew at this Saturday’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Outlaw Monster Truck - Eve of Destruction. Dirt Crew is one of eight Monster Trucks scheduled to get after it as the main attraction of a big, season-ending program at Lucas Oil Speedway.

Zimmer Jr., of Grandy, North Carolina, will be making his second appearance as a driver at Lucas Oil Speedway. It was one year ago when, on short notice, he drove Jamey Garner’s Terminal Velocity to a freestyle win at Eve of Destruction.

“I was already out there, crewing for my buddy Zack Garner,” the 22-year-old Zimmer said. “His truck ended up blowing a motor the day before the show, doing a ride experience. We made some phone calls and got my truck (Terminal Velocity) there. It was last-minute notice and ended up winning freestyle and doing pretty good in the entire event. That was an awesome night.”

This year he will be filling in as driver of Jerry Beck’s Dirt Crew as Beck is unable to attend.

“Jerry had some things come up and gave me a call,” Zimmer said. “I love watching his truck and said 'sure, I’d love to try and defend the freestyle title in a totally different truck.' ”

Zimmer said Dirt Crew is a bit different than his regular ride, but he thinks it’ll work out fine.

“The drivability between the two trucks is a night-and-day difference,” Zimmer said. “My truck last year had a stiffer set up. Dirt Crew is very top heavy, kind of old-schoolish the way it’s set up. I’ve seen videos of it and drove it a couple of times and it’s fun to drive.”

While he was around the sport as a youngster, Zimmer had to pay his dues behind the scene for a chance to become a driver. He’s been a regular on the Monster Jam indoor arena circuit the last couple of years, earning Rookie of the Year honors with 13 wins.

“Before I ever worked on Monster Truck, I got my start through Adam Anderson who drives ride trucks and drove those during the summer,” Zimmer said. “A couple of summers in I met Zack’s dad, Jamey Garner, at a summer show and started coming out and helping at shows with him. I ended up doing a first quarter in 2019 with him for Monster Jam as a crew mechanic and have been working with him ever since.

“In 2020 Jamey said, ‘You’ve been working your butt off. I think we’ll give you my old truck and make it however you want and have it. That’s how it’s been ever since.”

It’s more or less been learning on the job.

“A lot of the drivers can practice if they have that option, but for me the first time I drove a truck was at a show in August of 2020,” Zimmer said. “Ever since, everything I’ve learned has been trial and error. Sometimes it works out in my favor, something super cool. Other times, I’ll end up falling on my face and turning the truck over.

“Once I put helmet on, it’s time to go and have some fun for all those fans.”

While it’s a big-time show for the fans, Zimmer said the competitive juices flow among the drivers with everyone’s eyes on the first prize. On Saturday, Zimmer and Dirt Crew will be going up against his boss, Jamey Garner in Over Bored, and his friend and teammate Zack Garner in Wildside.

“We’re all friends behind the scenes and all help each other with any problems at the shows,” he said. “But as soon as we line up with our helmets on, we’re not friends any more. It’s me against you and may the best man win.”

Gates open at 4:30 Saturday with a Pit Party running from 4:30-6:30 p.m. where fans can meet drivers, get autographs and take up-close photos of the drivers and their machines.

Fans are encouraged to dress in their Halloween costumes with the kids trick or treating during the Pit Party. The big show is set to fire up the engines at 7 p.m.

Here's a look at the show schedule, which features the Monster Trucks but has much more:

Monster Trucks: This year's lineup of the mighty trucks is set to include eight trucks - Bad Habit, Jurassic Attack, Over Bored, Kamikaze, Wild Side, Dirt Crew, Tailgator and the new Dozer. The Monster Truck Back Flip ramp is set to return.

Mega Trucks: The Meg Trucks with their 48-inch Monster Truck tires are 1,500-pound beasts, sure to put on an unbelievable show of power.

Pro and Stock Tuff Truck Racing: Local weekend warriors and professional from around the country will battle it out on the treacherous course. Think you have a Tuff Truck? Call (417) 887-9400 to sign up.

Mighty Monster Bus Ride Truck: Fans can take a ride of a lifetime in a real-life mosnter truck, strapping in just like the pros and take a ride around the track. Climb aboard during the Pit Part, during intermission or after the show.

Tickets are available in advance at participating O'Reilly Auto Parts stores or online at at Lucasoilspeedway.com.

Spectator admission in advance:
Adults (16 and over) - $23
Seniors (62 and up)/Active Military with ID - $20
Youth (ages 6-15) - $13
Kids (5 and under) - FREE

Spectator admission at the gate:
Adults (16 and over) - $25
Seniors (62 and up)/Active Military with ID - $22
Youth (ages 6-15) - $15
Kids (5 and under) - FREE
Family pass (on-site only) - $65

To purchase tickets for any event on Lucas Oil Speedway's schedule, or to inquire about camping information, contact Admissions Director Nichole McMillan at (417) 295-6043 or via email at nichole@lucasoilspeedway.com.

CONTACT:
Danny Lorton
Lucas Oil Speedway General Manager
Office: (417) 282-5984
DLorton@lucasoilspeedway.com
? Complete Lucas Oil Speedway event information, archived race recaps, previews and driver features, along with ticket information and schedules can be found by visiting LucasOilSpeedway.com.

Lucas Oil Speedway is located at Highways 83 and 54 in Wheatland, Missouri. A campground with shower and bathroom facilities is also available. With its entrance located just outside the pit gate this sprawling scenic camping facility will continue to enhance the racing experience at the Diamond of Dirt Tracks.

Click LucasOilSpeedway.com for more information and detailed directions to the speedway or call the Track Hotline at (417) 282-5984. The Lucas Oil Speedway EZ Texting number is (417) 804-4141.

In addition, fans can get social with Lucas Oil Speedway by following @LucasSpeedway on Twitter, clicking "Like" at www.facebook.com/LucasOilSpeedway and on www.youtube.com/LucasOilSpeedway

About Lucas Oil Speedway
Lucas Oil Speedway is considered by fans, drivers and industry insiders to be one of the top five racing facilities in the nation. Located in Wheatland, Missouri, approximately an hour from Springfield, Missouri, and just an hour and a half from the Kansas City metro area, the "Diamond of Dirt Tracks" lives up to its title.

Twenty-One VIP Luxury Suites, HD Jumbo-Tron Screen, Stadium Style Musco Sports Lighting, a Bose Sound System, Go-Kart Slick Track, The Diamond Bar, Track Treasures Gift Shop, the best track food in the country and paved pits are a few of the spectacular amenities setting the Diamond of Dirt apart. This year marks the 12th season for the Liquid Quarter Mile Drag Racing Lake, "Lake Lucas." New for 2017 was all-purpose built Off Road facility featuring a host of regional events.

Lucas Oil Speedway's dirt oval track plays host to some of the largest and most-popular events in the Midwest with national and regional touring series appearing frequently including: The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, POWRi Midget National Series, Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League, United States Modified Touring Series, ASCS Sprint Cars and the Lucas Oil MLRA.

In addition to the special events, the Lucas Oil Speedway Weekly Racing Series features the Late Models, USRA Modifieds, USRA Stock Cars and USRA B-Mods.

2022 Official Lucas Oil Speedway Marketing Partners

Arizona Sport Shirts
"The Official Merchandise Provider" of Lucas Oil Speedway

Bill Roberts Chevrolet-Buick
"The Official Truck" of Lucas Oil Speedway

Dixie Chopper
"The Official Mowers of Lucas Oil Speedway"

General Tire
"The Official Tire" of Lucas Oil Speedway

Lucas Oil Products
"The Official Oil" of Lucas Oil Speedway

MAVTV
"The Official Television Network" of Lucas Oil Speedway

Optima Batteries
"The Official Battery" of Lucas Oil Speedway

Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr. Pepper
"The Official Soft Drink" of Lucas Oil Speedway

RacingJunk.com
"The Official Classifieds" of Lucas Oil Speedway

Rugged Radios
"The Official 2-Way Communications Provider" of Lucas Oil Speedway

Sunoco Race Fuels
"The Official Fuel" of Lucas Oil Speedway

Super Clean
"The Official Sponsor" of Lucas Oil Speedway

2022 Lucas Oil Speedway Supporters Include:
AM Pyrotechnics, Arizona Sport Shirts, Ash Grove Aggregates, Berry Tractor and Equipment Co., Big Adventure RV, Bill Roberts Chevrolet-Buick, Bolivar Auto Sales & Detailing, Bolivar Farmers Exchange-MFA, Boone's BBQ Barn, Boubin Tire/American Racer, Branstetter & Lightfoot LLC, Bridal Cave, BWI Sanitation, Camden on the Lake Resort, Candlelight Creations-Dick's Wild Root Horseradish, Casey's, Cedar Creek Beef Jerky, Citizens Memorial Healthcare, City Magnet, Clearlight Inn, Comfort Inn-Bolivar, DirtonDirt.com, Dixie Chopper, eBay Motors, Eibach Springs, Evans Pipe & Steel Co., Farmers Insurance Agent Kristy Reynolds, Fast Shafts by Axle Exchange, Foley Equipment-Cat Rental Store, Frog Signs, Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare, Hermitage Lumber, HICKAMO Country Store, Highway 54 RV Park, Hobbytime Motorsports, Hoosier Race Tires, Impact Signs Awnings Wraps, In the Garden of Eden, Kettle Treats, Keyser Manufacturing, Kluhsman Racing Components, Kona Ice, Lucas Cattle Company, Margaritaville Lake Resort, Midwest Sheet Metal, Miller Welding, Missouri Department of Tourism, Missouri Division of Tourism, MyRacePass, Nutrien Ag Solutions, OakStar Bank, O'Bannon Bank, O'Reilly Auto Parts, Ozark Golf Cars, Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr. Pepper, Ozarks Community Health Center, PEM, Pitts Homes, Pitts Realty, Pitts Cattle, ProThings Apparel, RACEceiver, Racinboys.com, RacinDirt.com, RacingJunk.com, Rains Ice Company, Real Racing Wheels, Rod End Supply, Ron Jenkins Accounting & Tax Service, Rugged Radios, Ryan E. Murphy Law Firm LLC, SBU Athletics, Safety Kleen, Scott Furniture, Simpson Racing Products, Southwest Electric Cooperative, Stillwater Resort, Sunoco Race Fuels, Sunflower Resort, TA/PETRO, US Army Corps of Engineers-Pomme de Terre, Vietti Marketing Group, Wheatland Motel, White's Marine Center, Wild Animal Safari, Woods Supermarkets, Wrisco Industries.

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