Lionel Easler's Ford Super Duty Called 'The Instigator' and His Love for Monster Trucks

2008 Ford Super Duty with a Patrick chassis, 536 Merlin engine and a Powerglide transmission
2008 Ford Super Duty with a Patrick chassis, 536 Merlin engine and a Powerglide transmission
If you love monster trucks, then you have no doubt heard of The Instigator. Owned by Lionel Easler, of E&M Off-road Motorsports, The Instigator has been wreaking havoc since 2007 and shows no signs of slowing down. Easler started out racing Pro-Modified Stadium Trucks (tough trucks) after attending a Monster Jam event in 2000. "It looked like fun so over the next year, I built a modified tough truck and started racing it in 2001. I competed with it until 2002 when I took some time off to build a new and better truck," says Easler.
The Instigator is a powerful monster truck that pushes 1500 horsepower
The Instigator is a powerful monster truck that pushes 1500 horsepower


In 2005, Easler got a teammate and a sponsor. He then proceeded to place third in the USHRA, Division I Modified Tough Trucks, and finished the 2006 season in first place. During his time in the tough trucks, Easler became interested in Monster Trucks, meeting many of the drivers at events he attended. "I started to wonder what it would be like to drive a monster truck. I drove for someone else for a few months and quickly realized that I had to have my own truck," says Easler. In 2007, he came across a truck on Ebay, purchased it and The Instigator was born. "The name of the truck came about from my personality," laughs Easler. "Instigator fits me and my family and friends all agree." Easler went on to be named 2007 MTRA Rookie of the Year.
The Instigator is equipped with Triple Bypass shocks, a reverse accumulator, custom ISP seat, & K&N
The Instigator is equipped with Triple Bypass shocks, a reverse accumulator, custom ISP seat, & K&N


The Instigator is a 2008 Ford Super Duty with a Patrick chassis, a 536 Merlin engine and a Powerglide transmission. "It pushes 1500 horsepower," says Easler. The truck also boasts Triple Bypass shocks, a reverse accumulator and a custom ISP seat. Of course, The Instigator is exclusively equipped with K&N products. "K&N is an excellent product with a well known reputation. I have used K&N products in my tough trucks, as well as my monster truck. I even use their products in my personal and work vehicles. K&N has proven to be dependable and affordable," says Easler.
Lionel Easler was named 2007 MTRA Rookie of the Year
Lionel Easler was named 2007 MTRA Rookie of the Year


Easler says he is considering getting a second truck sometime in the future. "For now, just keeping up The Instigator and making sure it stays show ready takes up most of my time." Easler loves competing in monster truck events and says his favorite aspect of the shows is the excitement of the kids. "I tell the kids who are interested in becoming monster truck drivers that it's a lot of hard work, but you can accomplish anything if you try hard and set your mind to it." When he's not piloting The Instigator, the 46 year old Jennings, Florida resident spends as much time as possible with his own kids. "My proudest accomplishment is being a good dad and providing for my children," says Easler.

Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world.