Backdraft

Breaud's Truck
Cornelius' Truck

Background Information

Owner(s)

Xtreme Monster Sports Inc. (Since 2013)
Slifko Racing (2004-2013)
Disharoon Racing (2000-2004)

Debut

May 20th, 2000

Truck Overview

Body Style(s)

Custom International fire engine (Since 2013)
Custom Dodge Ram fire engine (2005-2012, since 2021)
2000 Dodge Ram (2000-2008)

Chassis

J&B (Since 2013)
PEI (2000-2012, since 2021)

Engine

536ci merlin
540ci (Unknown years)

Transmission

Powerglide
Coan 2 speed (Unknown years)

Tires

66" Goodyear
66" Firestone
66" 2nd generation BKT

Miscellaneous

Theme Song(s)

"Fire It Up" by Thousand Foot Krutch (Monster Jam 2011-2017)

Identities Run

Backdraft is a custom Dodge fire engine monster truck owned by Xtreme Monster Sports Inc. and driven by both Paul Breaud, and Ty Cornelius Jr. The truck was originally created by Rick Disharoon in 2000, who operated the truck until 2005, when it was sold to Andy Slifko. Slifko would become the most well-known owner of Backdraft, as his son Jeremy drove the truck from 2008-2013, when it was sold to Xtreme Monster Sports, Inc.

History[]

Rick Disharoon era (2000-2004)[]

2000[]

Backdraft originally debuted at Mesa Park in Fellsmere, Florida with Rick Disharoon behind the wheel. At the time of its debut, the truck featured a 2000 Dodge Ram body style, which was used by the truck until 2004, when Backdraft received a new body style, being a custom Dodge Ram Fire Engine.

2003[]

Chad Tingler would drive Backdraft at an event in Moline, Illinois.

2004[]

Backdraft would be displayed on Rich Blackburne’s Demon chassis on several occasions. Mid-way through the season, Disharoon stepped away from driving and decided to sell the truck, as his son Ryan was too young to take over the driving duties.

Andy Slifko era (2005-2013)[]

2005[]

After Disharoon sold the truck, it would eventually be purchased by Andy Slifko out of Pennsylvania, with Jon Zimmer taking over the driving duties. At the start of the 2005 season, Backdraft received a new chassis, being the previous Eradicator. The previous chassis would be sold to Steve Sims, and converted into Stone Crusher.

2007[]

Backdraft received a new black paint scheme for the 2007 season, featuring orange flames on the side panels. Zimmer continued to drive the truck until the following year, when he left the team to drive for Sudden Impact Racing. John Killinger would then serve as Backdraft's driver for the remainder of the 2007 season and going into 2008.

2008[]

Killinger would step down from driving the truck. Andy’s son, Jeremy Slifko began driving duties when he turned 18.

2009[]

Backdraft received a new custom Ram fire engine body style.

2010[]

An updated design would be first used, featuring additional details.

2011[]

This year would mark Slifko and Backdraft’s breakout season in Monster Jam, as they won their first major freestyle championship in Orlando. Both truck and driver would be invited to compete at World Finals XII for his only World Finals appearance. For that occasion, a new white paint scheme would debut, which would also be used exclusively for Slifko’s hometown event in Philadelphia in June. The truck suffered back luck at the event as Backdraft broke before hitting any obstacles in freestyle.

2013[]

Backdraft received a major update, featuring a new international fire engine body style and a new J&B chassis, debuting in San Antonio. That year would also be Slifko’s final year of competition, as he would retire from driving afterwards.

Paul Breaud era (2014-present)[]

After the Slifko family sold Backdraft, the truck, along with its previous chassis, would be purchased by Paul Breaud of Xtreme Monster Sports, Inc.

Following the purchase, Ty Cornelius took over the driving duties.

2016[]

Backdraft would receive a new paint scheme, featuring flames on the side panels. Meanwhile, the previous chassis would receive modifications and be converted into the General Hazzard race truck.

2018[]

Cornelius continued driving the truck until his retirement due to a chronic back illness. Breaud took over the driving duties afterwards.

2021[]

A second Backdraft would be added to the team as a tribute to the September 11th attacks. The second truck featured a black paint scheme on the previous Dodge Ram body style. It would also be used on the previous chassis, with Cornelius’ son, Ty Cornelius Jr. driving. Breaud would continue to drive the current version of Backdraft.

2022

Devin Winfield starts driving the truck.

2023[]

Both Backdrafts would drive jointly at multiple events together.

In October, Cornelius' Backdraft began competing as Demo Derby. The truck has not run as Backdraft since then.

2024[]

Breaud's Backdraft began running at Bone Shaker for Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live.

In February, Kyle Sizemore replaced Breaud following an incident at a Monster Truck Wars event that left him critically injured.

In July, Sizemore drove Backdraft in Hemlock, New York.

2025[]

In February of 2025, Backdraft returns in Salem, Virginia with Ty driving. The black bodied truck, minus the name, goes up for sale along side Fire Hazzard.