Mike Pappas
Name: Michael Pappas Truck: M2D Thunder and Tropical Thunder Years Competing: 5 Age: 38 Date of Birth: July 23 1973 Hometown (Birthplace): Santa Cruz, CA. Marital Status: Not Married but in a very committed relationship Children: None Year Began Competing in Monster Jam: 2004 Favorite food: Steak Favorite movie: Red River with John Wayne Favorite television show: Bonanza Favorite Color: Blue Hobbies: mountain biking, skiing, hanging out with family
I got started in Monster Jam by helping Danny Rodoni build his first truck The Patriot in 2004. Danny and I have been friends for 20 years and grew up in the same small town of Santa Cruz California. We spent many long nights in a cold barn putting it all together. Soon after the Patriot was built Danny bought Tropical Thunder which also got a total overhaul. My primary role in the early years was pit crew. When I say Pit Crew I mean I was one of the mechanics that put it all together along with Danny, Phil Foster and Andrew Peckham. While we were at shows I made sure we had everything we needed in the arena and that the trucks were ready to perform.
In 2007 I drove my first show behind the wheel of Tropical Thunder in Fresno Ca..Oh my God, Crazy! I’m hooked and I love it. My driving has progressed over the years and I continue to learn and grow. I have enjoyed four wheeling and getting dirty since I was old enough to drive. While I’m on the road with Monster Jam I enjoy meeting fans and seeing different cities. I am a Contractor Monday thru Friday and enjoy Monster Trucks in my free time. One of my greatest memories is driving at a show that my Grandmother got to see in Porland OR. On Valentine’s Day in 2008. Looking forward to many more seasons.
