Monza’s Comeback: The Street Outlaws Legend Who Never Quit

If you’ve been watching Street Outlaws from the beginning, you already know the name Jerry Johnston — or as he's better known in the streets, Monza. With over 30 years of street racing experience under his belt, Monza is one of the most consistent and respected racers in the Oklahoma scene. Known for his quiet intensity and sharp instincts, he's been a core part of the show since it first hit the airwaves in 2013. But in recent years, fans have been asking: What happened to Monza? Let’s take a closer look at the man, the machine, and the moments that have shaped his journey — and where he stands today.

Photo by Tim Moore

The Rise of Monza: A Calm Racer with a Fierce Passion

Before the fame, Monza was a gearhead through and through. He cut his teeth working on classic builds like a 1968 El Camino, a 1970 Nova, and a 1971 Challenger. But it wasn’t until he got his hands on a 1972 split bumper Camaro — bought from fellow Street Outlaws cast member Joe “Dominator” Woods — that things really took off. Monza transformed that car, known now as Sinister Split Bumper, from a bare shell into a true street monster.

From the start, it was clear Monza wasn’t just a driver — he was a builder. “I put this car together with the best parts money can buy,” he once said. And it wasn’t just talk. He constantly tweaked and upgraded Sinister, adding nitrous, adjusting suspension setups, and eventually moving into turbo territory. This wasn’t about flash — it was about consistency and performance, and it made him one of the toughest competitors on the list.

The 2018 Crash: A Turning Point

In Season 5, during a high-stakes race against Chuck, Monza’s career hit a serious bump — literally. Stuck at number six in the rankings, he made significant changes to Sinister, including the installation of rear wheel steering to handle the added power from his new turbo setup. Unfortunately, during that race, a split-second mistake cost him dearly. Monza forgot to deploy his parachute after the finish line — his finger still on the scramble button — and the car violently rolled multiple times in a terrifying crash.

Photo by Jeff Williams

Miraculously, Jerry walked away with only a sore neck. His safety gear had done its job. But Sinister? It was nearly totaled. The emotional and financial cost of rebuilding was heavy, but Monza didn’t back down. He remained determined to get back in the game.

Health Setbacks and the 2019 Hiatus

Just a year later, Monza faced another major challenge — this time off the track. In 2019, he had to miss the second No Prep Kings event at New England Dragway due to severe back pain. Surgery followed, and while it was successful, recovery added another layer of difficulty to his racing ambitions. While it was never officially confirmed if the injury was linked to the 2018 crash, the timing made fans wonder.

Still, through it all, Monza stayed committed. He didn’t let pain or setbacks keep him away from doing what he loves — building fast cars and racing with the best of them.

Still in the Game — and Still Dangerous

As of today, Monza might not be at the top of the list, but don’t let that fool you. He’s still very much in the game. He's still tuning, still racing, and still dreaming of reclaiming the King of the Streets title. While newer racers and high-tech builds continue to roll in, Monza’s presence remains a steady force in the Street Outlaws universe.

Photo by HPP Racing

Off the track, Jerry leads a grounded life with his wife Tammy, whom he married back in 1986. The couple has two children, Brandon and Brittany, and they’ve been an unshakable support system through every win, loss, and rebuild. They’re often behind the scenes, helping Jerry keep things moving — a true racing family.

A Quiet Leader in the Street Outlaws Community

One thing that’s always set Monza apart is how hands-on he is. While some racers lean heavily on paid tuners, Jerry’s often found in the shop himself, wrench in hand, making sure every bolt and line is just right. That old-school mentality has earned him respect not just from fans, but also from fellow racers.

And while he might not be the loudest voice in the group, Monza has become a mentor figure to younger drivers. His calm presence, deep knowledge, and ability to perform under pressure make him a quiet leader — someone the next generation looks up to.

What’s Next for Monza?

With the Street Outlaws franchise expanding into spin-offs like No Prep Kings, the schedule has gotten more demanding. Jerry doesn’t show up to every event, but when he does, he’s not just there for the cameras — he’s there to compete. And fans notice. Every time he rolls to the starting line, there's that buzz — because we all know what Monza is capable of.

Looking forward, it’s unlikely that Jerry Johnston will be walking away from racing anytime soon. While the game may evolve, Monza’s love for the sport remains unchanged. His story isn’t one of burnout — it’s one of endurance, resilience, and true racing grit.

Final Thoughts from Street Outlaws Talks

At Street Outlaws Talks, we know what Monza represents to the community — a racer who builds his own way, races with heart, and never gives up. He may not always wear the crown, but he’s a king in the eyes of the fans. Jerry Johnston’s journey isn’t just about cars or competition — it’s about passion, perseverance, and staying true to your roots.

And as long as there’s a street to race on and a wrench to turn, we’re confident Monza will be right there — still fast, still fierce, and still chasing that next win.