NASCAR driver Ryan Vargas is shifting gears and adding a whole new form of motorsport to his racing résumé. The 25-year-old racer will be trading laps in a stock car for freestyle in a big ole’ truck this fall as he prepares to drive the iconic El Toro Loco monster truck in two Monster Jam events.
Vargas, who has made a name for himself in NASCAR’s National Series over the past few years, announced on his personal X account that he’ll be competing in Monster Jam events in Spokane, Washington (October 17–19) and Hampton, Virginia (November 1–2).
Bet y’all didn’t see this coming.?
I am proud to Announce that I will be joining @MonsterJam to pilot the LEGENDARY El Toro Loco Monster Jam Truck in Spokane, WA (10/17-19) and Hampton, VA (11/1-2)??
LETS GO!!?? pic.twitter.com/moz1Zg0xfD
— Ryan Vargas (@RyanVargas_23) October 3, 2025
The California native calls the opportunity a dream, as he shared in his announcement that he’s been a lifelong fan of Monster Jam and El Toro Loco in particular.
Known for his underdog mentality and hustle both on and off the track, Vargas has compiled 78 career starts across the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
In 2025, Vargas has been making waves North of the border, as he’s run in the NASCAR Canada Series. Through nine starts this season, Vargas has recorded three top-five finishes and six top-10s, and currently sits seventh in the championship standings.
Vargas dipping his toes in Monster Jam competition may seem like a surprising move to some fans, but for Vargas, it’s a full-circle moment. Growing up watching the sport, he’s long admired the power, showmanship, and skill that Monster Jam athletes display. El Toro Loco, one of the most recognizable trucks in the Monster Jam lineup, is a fitting match for Vargas’ bold and outgoing personality.
With the two-event commitment to Monster Jam, Vargas joins Camden Murphy, a 36-time NASCAR National Series race starter, who also competes in Monster Jam behind the wheel of the Classroom Crusher truck.
It’s unclear at this time whether Vargas’ Monster Jam appearances will be one-off opportunities or the beginning of a longer-term involvement with the series. However, his announcement has already generated buzz among both NASCAR and Monster Jam fans alike, many of whom are excited to see a crossover between the two motorsports worlds.
For now, all eyes will be on Vargas as he is set to take his first jumps, donuts, and freestyle attempts behind the wheel of a 12,000-plus-pound, car-crushing machine in Spokane. From ovals and road courses to crushed cars and dirt ramps, Ryan Vargas continues to prove that he’s not afraid to take chances and chase new dreams.
