Jim Koehler

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Jim Koehler is a professional monster truck driver. He currently drives Avenger.

[edit] Career

Koehler completed Avenger in 1997. Both driver and truck were relative unknowns until a breakout appearance at the USHRA Monster Jam in the Metrodome in Minneapolis, MN in November, 1999. The event included the USHRA's first judged freestyle competition, and Koehler scored a 29 out of a possible 30 points to finish behind Tom Meents in Bulldozer with a high-energy run that showed influence from Meents and Dennis Anderson. When the event aired on TNN in January, the run, combined with Koehler's high-energy pit interviews made him an overnight star on the Monster Jam circuit.

Later that season, Koehler made the highlight reel again in the Superdome in New Orleans, LA with a massive cartwheel crash in the final round of racing against Rob Knell and NWO. That run added to Koehler's already growing reputation as a "wildman", and it earned him a berth in the first ever Monster Jam World Finals thanks to fan votes.

Koehler continued to maintain his wild reputation, however did not win many freestyles due to often hurting the truck before the end of the allotted time. Some also felt that he was underscored on freestyles due to early draws. However, he was an annual World Finalist and is one of the few drivers to be invited to all six. A body change from a Chevy S-10 to a 1957 Chevy Bel Air also helped to increase his popularity. During this time he also expanded his team to include Brutus, owned and driven by Chris Bergeron.

In 2003, Koehler won the biggest award of his career, the Monster Jam World Finals Freestyle Championship. It pushed Koehler's popularity through the roof and he has won several freestyles since.

Unlike other owner/drivers, the monster truck is not Koehler's primary job. He owns and operates a marina near his hometown of Columbus, MI.

[edit] Trademarks

Koehler's freestyles are typically full of momentum and very hectic. He will often hit obstacles at unconventional angles and will "cross-cut" the track similar to Anderson and Meents. Avenger's soft suspension often leads to the truck getting into contorted positions which other trucks cannot manage. Koehler uses this to his advantage and his strongest move is his ability to save the truck from a rollover, which results in long "side surf" two-wheel runs.

Off the track Koehler is well known for being fan friendly and for his high-energy interviews. His nickname is "Mr. Excitement".