About Justin
Justin Perkins is the current driver of Backdraft 343, one of the most purpose-driven monster trucks in the sport. Competing for Xtreme Monster Sports Inc., Justin took over driving duties in 2025, stepping into a truck that carries one of the most meaningful missions on the entire circuit — a rolling tribute to the 343 firefighters who gave their lives on September 11, 2001.
Justin's personal background, hometown, and the path that brought him to Xtreme Monster Sports — coming soon from the driver.
343
Honoring Those Who Never Came Home
Backdraft 343 is not just a monster truck. It is a tribute to the 343 firefighters who lost their lives responding to the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Every show the truck appears at, every crowd it roars through, every fan it stops to meet — all of it carries the weight and the honor of that number.
The Mission
Based on a custom International fire engine body, Backdraft travels the country raising awareness of two causes that run close to the firefighting community — honoring the sacrifice of 9/11, and shining a light on the ongoing decline in firefighter recruitment across the country.
The Backdraft 343 variant debuted on the 20th anniversary of 9/11 in 2021, with a signature "Black n Black" design intended to drive that message harder. The truck is more than entertainment. It is a conversation starter — a reason for fans of all ages to stop, look, and remember.
"Coming soon — Justin's words on carrying the 343 mission, what it means to represent this truck, and what he wants fans to take away."
— Justin Perkins, Backdraft 343
Backdraft — Truck History
Backdraft debuted May 20, 2000 and has been driven by a series of veteran independent-circuit drivers over its 25-year competition history.
2000 – 2004
Rick Disharoon — Original Driver
Backdraft debuts May 20, 2000 under original driver Rick Disharoon. Custom fire engine body immediately stands out on the independent circuit.
2008 – 2013
Jeremy Slifko Era
Major championship run — Backdraft wins its first major Monster Jam freestyle championship in Orlando (2011). Appears at World Finals XII in the signature white scheme. New International fire engine body and J&B chassis debut in San Antonio (2013).
2013 – 2018
Ty Cornelius Sr.
Five-year run under Ty Cornelius Sr., establishing Backdraft as a consistent arena circuit presence.
2018 – 2023
Paul Breaud & Ty Cornelius Jr.
Paul Breaud takes over driving duties. In 2021, the Backdraft 343 variant debuts on the 20th anniversary of 9/11 with the Black n Black design, driven by Ty Cornelius Jr. — a 10-year monster truck veteran who started in General Hazzard.
2025 – Present
Justin Perkins — Current Driver
Justin Perkins assumes driving duties for Xtreme Monster Sports. Joins the inaugural Monster Truck Roundup Mid-Atlantic Tour for 2026.
All Backdraft Drivers
- 2000 – 2004Rick Disharoon
- 2008 – 2013Jeremy Slifko
- 2013 – 2018Ty Cornelius Sr.
- 2018 – 2023Paul Breaud
- 2021 – 2023Ty Cornelius Jr. (Backdraft 343)
- 2025 – NowJustin Perkins
Specifications
| Body | Custom International Fire Engine |
| Chassis | J&B Custom (Since 2013) |
| Engine | 536ci Merlin |
| Transmission | Powerglide |
| Tires | 66" 2nd-Gen BKT |
| Theme Song | "Fire It Up" — Thousand Foot Krutch |
| Truck Debut | May 20, 2000 |
