What started as an interest in lifted trucks, which were popular throughout South Texas, led to the bright lights of Monster Jam competition, including a prestigious World Finals championship.
The road to the top is seldom a straight line. For Lupe Soza, the time spent with his father and friends working on lifted trucks was more than just a pastime. He always had that competitive desire to showcase the raw power and performance of those lifted trucks. However, Lupe turned down a different path, choosing a college education instead, putting his driving career on hold.
Lupe got his education and took a job teaching physical education and coaching in his native Texas. He kept an eye on the growing phenomenon of Monster Jam, believing he could have something to offer that world. Officials at Monster Jam saw the potential and when the 2001 Monster Jam season began, Lupe Soza debuted a new Monster Jam truck in Lafayette, Louisiana. It was the birth of El Toro Loco, celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2026.
Within a couple of years, Lupe would find himself competing in Monster Jam World Finals. After being eliminated in round one of racing, he patiently waited for freestyle. In his first World Finals freestyle, he would finish second…by one point to future Hall of Famer and multi-time champion Tom Meents…