Our Monsters
Our trucks each have their own story and purpose.
Fighting Chance
The business began in 2014 when we built our first truck Fighting Chance - a 2006 Chevy Silverado with a V8 engine in Ellington CT Valley Truck and Off Road. I dedicated much of my time and money to create this truck in honor of my brother James and Pierce. Over the years, as I watched my loved ones battle, I always wondered what I could do to help; what could I do to give back to all these caring and giving souls who went through or are going through the same thing that we as a family went through and specifically what James experienced. This truck was my way of creating a symbol for children and adults to believe in dreams coming true; it is meant to be a symbol of positivity in a situation that can at times feel endless or hopeless that you CAN beat cancer. There IS hope. There WILL be a cure. I wanted to give back in a form that I am very passionate about.
- Joe Carilli Jr.
Valiant Warrior
Our second truck, Valliant Warrior, was finished in 2017 by James Carilli, a 1985 Chevy Blazer. This truck tells the story of how James became a survivor through an amazing illustrative story on the truck’s vinyl wrap and wheels. It has come a long way from it's beginning and winning Best In Show at the 2017 Bloomsburg Four Wheel Jamboree - Off Road Division. As the driver of this truck, and having a close connection with those who have fought and are currently fighting, James is proud to represent on the wrap illustration that no matter the outcome - Good always prevails over evil.
- James Carilli
Phoenix (Retired)
Phoenix, now retired, was once owned and driven by Kirk Dabney as Monster Patrol in the US Hot Rod Association, Penda, and Monster Truck Racing Affiliations. Phoenix, like many survivors, had gone through many ups and downs; just like those impacted with the uncertainty and confusion that comes with mental and physical health challenges. We all go through bending and breaking, needing all the support we can get to navigate life. The meaning behind the name Phoenix was to show the symbolism of rising again from the flames when life knocks you down. Phoenix went through her own stages of burning in the flames, in the summer of 2017 Phoenix has her debut in Bloomsburg, PA and unfortunately the motor blew up during the event. These are normal pains of being in the truck business, especially when dealing with Monsters! Afterwards the team was a bit defeated, however we put the pieces back together and brought Phoenix home to rest. Phoenix's impact will live on in memory and photos, her story has offered insight into growing our outreach towards working with those not only effected by cancer, but also those living with multiple forms of PTSD.
- Team Monster
New Truck! Coming 2025
Stay tuned for updates on this project.
Something new is in the works, tentatively coming for the fall 2024 season / full 2025 season! We are very excited to start this journey with a new perspective and cannot wait to share the results with our friends.
Thanks for you support and for being a friend of Carilli Brothers.