XDP lost a longtime friend and member of the XDP Family, Dave Radzierez. Dave was the driver of the XDP sponsored Diesel Monster Truck. His passion for monster trucks and diesel motorsports was unrivaled. Most importantly, Dave loved captivating fans as an entertainer and racer. His loss is not only felt here at XDP but throughout the entire diesel performance industry.
XDP Remembers Dave Radzierez
Members of the XDP Family took time to share stories on how they remembered Dave:
“I worked closely with Dave at many events. I still remember my first year with the company and first interaction with Dave. He put on a private freestyle show for the staff after our Open House had ended. He saw me taking pictures out of the corner of his eye and started doing donuts that threw wood chips all over me. He ended his run and came over to me immediately, to let me know he got me. We shared a good laugh about it, and I brushed myself off. In hindsight, after over 10 years of working with him and getting to know him personally, I feel it was sort of my proverbial “welcome to the family” moment. That’s how he treated everyone he interacted with, like family.” – Joel | XDP Creative Director
“I remember one time when Dave was living in upstate NY, he came down the night before to Atco NJ for an event that was cancelled due to the rain. I remember the whole race team standing there at the gates after the track cancelled the event. Dave had the idea of taking the team out to breakfast. It was a great time just sitting back, talking about stories from the road. As we walked out of the diner a few hours later the sun was shining, and we couldn’t help but laugh” – XDP Member
Dave Radzierez’s Legacy
Dave’s legacy in the diesel industry and monster truck circuit is unparalleled. From being the first diesel monster truck to successfully complete three backflips, to his unforgettable appearances at Monster Jam, Dave’s awards and accomplishments will always be remembered. But those aren’t the only aspects of Dave that define his legacy.
First was Dave’s passion for diesel motorsports, as he dedicated many hours on the road, and even more wrenching on the XDP Monster Truck. Second was Dave’s presence and vibrant personality, making him larger than life.
“I’d travel around the country for these diesel events in the early days. Dave always made being on the other side of the country not feel as far. When I got to whatever track or fairgrounds and saw the rig and the monster truck out, I knew I had reached our home away from home, our support team if you will. Whether it was Dave cracking jokes, talking about life, or teaching you something about monster trucks, it was always good to spend a weekend trackside with Dave.” – Jeff | XDP Web Content Manager
Lastly, but certainly not least, was Dave’s love and support for all his fans who would come from all over to support him. Throughout his years participating in 4-wheel Jamborees and the Monster Jam Series, Dave wouldn’t leave an event until he made friends with every fan, young or old, that wanted an autograph.
Giving Back
Dave’s personality and passion extended beyond just competing and putting on a show for his fans! It was important to not only innovate and keep the diesel industry moving forward, but to also give back to the community. In 2017, Dave gifted a 2-year-old boy Jackson an XDP wrapped KidTrax Dodge Ram 3500 Dually. After hearing Jackson’s incredible story of undergoing a second open heart surgery, Dave knew he had to do something special to show his gratitude for the young fan and share with him a moment he would never forget.
The Beginning of Dave and XDP’s Partnership
Dave was born with a passion for diesels. From an early age he was surrounded by diesel trucks, as his family runs an excavating business in Henryville, Pennsylvania. This helped Dave naturally transition into building his own trucks and eventually joining the monster truck circuit. (1) Dave’s relationship with XDP started as a customer, as he would buy the parts he needed for his monster truck while participating in monster trucks exhibitions. Shortly thereafter, talks began between Dave and XDP to take this truck to the next level.
In 2011 at SEMA, the XDP Diesel Monster debuted. This monster truck was built with a 12-valve diesel and a 2010 Ford Super Duty body. Shortly thereafter, the XDP Diesel Monster Truck ran at its first 4-Wheel Jamboree event in 2012 at Ozark Empire Fairground in Springfield, MO. It was clear right away that “XDP Diesel” was going to be a major player in the monster truck circuit.
The Backflip King
While 2012 was the debut year for Dave and the XDP Diesel Monster Truck, the following years marked major highlights. After winning the Freestyle Championship for the 2013 Lucas Oil 4-Wheel Jamboree Series, Dave knew he had to top himself again. He did so by landing a backflip on his first attempt with no previous practice at the 2014 4-Wheel Jamboree in Lima, OH. His mission that year was to land one at the end of each 4-Wheel Jamboree event in the series.
He landed backflips at the Ozark 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals, as well as the 4-Wheel Jamboree at Indiana State Fairgrounds. This made him 3/3 in achieving something only the most elite and daring monster truck drivers can do. By completing the three backflips, this made him the only diesel-powered monster truck at the time to accomplish such a feat.
Dave Radzierez at Monster Jam
After a couple more years of being the talk of every 4-Wheel Jamboree event, along with putting on unforgettable shows at U.S. Diesel Truckin’ Nationals, XDP Truck Mania, Keystone Diesel Truck Nationals, and more, Dave and the XDP Diesel Monster Truck were just getting started. In 2017, the new “Xtreme Diesel” Monster Truck was ready to join the Monster Jam Stadium Tour.
“We can’t wait to get out there and put on a show for the fans. This was a long time in the making and we are looking forward to competing in the Monster Jam Series. I’ve got the best team behind me, and I know we are going to have a great season!” – Dave Radzierez
Dave Radzierez Highlights
XDP Diesel Powered Monster Truck at the 4 Wheel Jamboree Springfield, MO
Dave Wins the Freestyle Event at the 4-Wheel Jamboree in Springfield, MO
Dave Radzierez Wins the Freestyle Championship for the 2013 Lucas Oil 4-Wheel Jamboree Series
Full Article of Dave Radzierez’s Backflips in 2014
Dave’s First Appearance at Monster Truck Jam in Detroit
XDP’s “Xtreme Diesel” Monster Jam Truck Highlights – Tampa FL – February 4th 2017
Dave Radzierez Wins the Crash Madness Award at the 2017 Monster Jam World Finals
Xtreme Diesel 2.0
As “XDP Diesel” took Dave, XDP, and the monster truck circuit to new heights, it was time to continue pushing the diesel industry forward. In 2018, “Xtreme Diesel 2.0” was launched with an all-new look and powerplant. “Xtreme Diesel 2.0” was the first diesel monster truck to utilize a modern racing chassis. (9) This 2017 Ram 2500 Laramie fiberglass body with a 6.7L diesel common rail engine was able to produce 1800hp+ on fuel only. The goal was a more powerful, faster, and cleaner build, and that’s exactly what it achieved.
We are saddened by his passing, but we are so thankful for the memories created and the time we got to spend with such a remarkable person. Dave wore the XDP flag proudly and we lost him too soon. Our condolences go out to his daughter Nichole, his granddaughter Natalie, and all of his close friends and family. Rest easy Dave, you will be missed.
References:
- https://dieselperformancepodcast.libsyn.com/backflipping-a-monster-truck-whaaat