Nitro Hornet is a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado monster truck owned by DRF Motorsports out of Conroe, Texas. Originally created by Flame Motorsports in 2007, the truck was most notably driven by Daron Basl, who drove until the end of the 2017 season.
After the team was acquired by DRF Motorsports in 2018, Nitro Hornet has been driven by various other drivers since. Meanwhile, the truck has also competed in two Young Guns Shootout competitions at the Monster Jam World Finals.
History[]
2007[]
Nitro Hornet debuted with Daron Basl behind the wheel.
2008[]
The truck competed exclusively in events with the Major League of Monster Trucks before being put on hiatus due to the league ceasing operations by 2009.
2013[]
After a six-year hiatus, Nitro Hornet would return to competition with an all-new design, with Basl driving the truck on the old Pastrana 199 chassis. Daron drove the truck, along with King Krunch in Phoenix after Sky Hartley was unable to compete in freestyle, after competing in the racing competition. Both truck and driver would be invited to compete in the Young Guns Shootout at Monster Jam World Finals XIV.
2014[]
Nitro Hornet debuted a new red paint scheme. Basl and the truck would again be invited to compete in the Young Guns Shootout at Monster Jam World Finals XV.
2015[]
The truck’s chassis would be used to run as Monster Mutt Rottweiler for the inaugural More Monster Jam Series. Nitro Hornet would compete in select events after the first quarter.
2016[]
Nitro Hornet would again run as Monster Mutt Rottweiler for the Monster Jam Amsoil Series East.
2017[]
The truck ran its final season as Monster Mutt Rottweiler in the Monster Jam Triple Threat Series East. Afterwards, the truck would debut an all-new design, and began competing exclusively in the Toughest Monster Truck Tour.
2018[]
DRF Motorsports would acquire Flame Motorsports.
Following the acquisition, Nitro Hornet debuted a new black paint scheme, which was reminiscent of the truck’s original design. Since then, the truck has served as an alter-ego to Tantrum.
2021[]
Ron Nelson drove the truck in Lufkin, Texas.
2023[]
The truck would return in April with Miranda Riley driving the truck in Lebanon, Tennesse, where she won her first overall event. 2 weeks later, she drove the truck again in Dickson, Tennessee.
In September Darren Migues drove the truck in Odessa, Missouri.
2024[]
In January, Ryan Robinson drove the truck in Belton, Texas. That same month, Garett Gears drove the truck in Dripping Springs, Texas.
In April, Garett Gears drove the truck again, in Texarkana, Arkansas, and Chris Davis drove the truck in Dickson, Tennessee.
In June, Ryan Robinson drove the truck again in Celeste, Texas.
Drivers[]
- Garett Gears (since 2024)
Former drivers[]
- Daron Basl (2007-2008; 2013-2017)
- Kevin Crocker (2019-2020)
- Miranda Riley (Apr. 2023)
Fill-in drivers[]
- Sky Hartley (Phoenix 2013, racing)
- Ron Nelson (Lufkin 2021)
- Chris Davis (Dickson 2024)
- Ryan Robinson (Belton, Celeste 2024)
World Finals appearances[]
Year | Driver | Results |
---|---|---|
2013 | Daron Basl | Young Guns Shootout: defeated in the semi-finals by Iron Man |
2014 | Young Guns Shootout: defeated Heavy Hitter in round 1, however is unable to return. |
Trivia[]
- For Hot Wheels releases, Nitro Hornet featured a custom 3D hornet design that was never used on the real-life truck. The real truck was never made, even with Spin Master so far.