Ron Nelson (born September 11th, 1958) is a monster truck owner and driver out of Conroe, Texas. He is the owner driver of Bustin' Loose Dirt Eater, and also drives Pouncer for Predator Racing. He is currently the oldest known active monster truck driver since the death of Jack Koberna on January 5th, 2024 (who was born a week before Ron).
Career[]
Ron started competing in 1994, driving Bowtie Bandit, which ran as King Krunch once.
In the summer of 1995, Ron drove Texas Longhorn.
In 1996, Ron drove Grave Digger for Dennis Anderson.
At the November Houston show in 1999, Ron won freestyle with just a 19, although a reporter claimed that Reptoid won. It's unknown who really won.
After several mildly successful seasons in Bustin' Loose around the turn of the millennium, Nelson drove a second High Roller monster truck for Clear Channel (now FELD Motorsports) in 2003. Also in 2003, Ron drove El Toro Loco for Lupe Soza at the Pontiac show and broke the rear axle off the truck in freestyle.
Beginning sometime after that, Ron has made several appearances as a driver for Allen Pezo. He has driven Predator, Pouncer and Prowler for Pezo.
In 2016, Ron re-debuted Bustin' Loose.
In 2018, Ron debuted Dirt Eater, the alter ego to Bustin' Loose.
In 2019, Ron drove El Matador for DRF Motorsports.
In 2021, Ron drove Nitro Hornet in Lufkin, Texas.
In 2023, Ron returned to driving Pouncer.
World Finals appearances[]
- 1999 - Bustin' Loose
Gallery[]
