Wild Thang (Charles) was a "1997 custom cranium" monster truck owned and driven by Doug Charles that ran from 2014-2018. The name was leased by owner Paul Shafer to run after having been inactive since 2009, and his team since 2013.
History[]
2014[]
Wild Thang returned under the ownership of Doug Charles, being a former driver of the truck. Following Charles’ leasing of the name, a brand-new truck would be constructed and was first unveiled to the public at the World Finals XV pit party.
2015[]
Doug Charles would begin full-time competition in Wild Thang, marking the first time the identity ran since 2009.
2016[]
The truck would also return to Monster Jam under Charles ownership competing in multiple arena shows that year. The truck ran a special 20th anniversary sticker near the back of the truck along with a Tony Farrell memorial decal, as he passed away the year prior.
2017[]
The truck would compete on Arena Championship Series 4, finishing 5th overall.
2018[]
Doug Charles would sell his truck in order to pursue other business ventures. Said chassis would ultimately be acquired by Vern House and converted into Dysfunctional. House himself was planning on a Wild Thang revival in 2021, however the idea was scrapped following the name being acquired by Triple B Motorsports in 2022 and team-owner James Trantina III's personal dislike of Vern.
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