Michael Vaters

Michael Vaters is a monster truck driver out of Hagerstown, Maryland best known for creating and driving Black Stallion

1980s- Beginnings
In 1982 Michael Vaters bought a Ford F-150 which would become the first Black Stallion. In 1986 the truck was converted to be a monster truck, and Vaters campaigned both Black Stallion and the Beech Nut Beast

1990s- Advances
In 1990 Black Stallion II was created with a new shock system and lighter chassis, and then in 1993 his then wife Pam Vaters began driving her own truck called Boogey Van. In 1996 Black Stallion 2000 was created, and he would continue to campaign this look into the new millennium.

2000s- Successes
With several Thunder National championships under his belt Vaters appeared in his first World Finals in 2001 and would appear in four more (2002, 2003, 2005, and 2008). Vaters became known for his reverser move and began becoming a favorite in both arenas and stadiums

2010s- New Generations
In 2011 his son Mikey Vaters began driving full time and in 2014 would debut his own truck, Overkill Evolution. Also in 2011 would begin a partnership with Safety-Kleen which would run on Black Stallion and in 2015 Vaters drove Monster Mutt Rottweiler for the winter Monster Jam season but returned to Black Stallion when the season concluded.