The Untold Truth of Richard Rawlings: The Man Behind the Monkey

Richard Rawlings, the charismatic and energetic star of Discovery Channel’s hit show “Fast N’ Loud,” is a man who has built an empire from his passion for cars. With his signature “get you some of that” catchphrase and his infectious enthusiasm, he has become a household name for car enthusiasts around the globe. But behind the scenes of his adrenaline-fueled world of high-octane car builds and multi-million dollar deals, lies a story of relentless ambition, personal struggles, and a drive that has seen him overcome numerous obstacles. This is the untold truth of Richard Rawlings, the man who turned his love for cars into a global phenomenon.

Born in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1969, Rawlings’ fascination with cars began at a young age. It was a love affair sparked by a pedal-powered Volkswagen Beetle, a gift that would set the course for the rest of his life. As a young boy, he would accompany his father on his paper route, not for the joy of delivering newspapers, but for the opportunity to admire the diverse array of cars that lined the streets. His keen eye and burgeoning passion for all things automotive were evident even then. By the age of 14, he had saved enough money to purchase his first car, a 1974 Mercury Comet. This was the beginning of his journey as a car flipper, a skill he would hone to perfection over the years. By the time he graduated from high school, he had already bought, restored, and sold around 20 cars, a clear indication of his natural talent for turning rust into gold.

Before he became the face of Gas Monkey Garage, Rawlings had a surprisingly diverse career path. Between 1988 and 1990, he served as a police officer, a firefighter, and a paramedic, all before he had even turned 21. These experiences, while seemingly unrelated to his automotive aspirations, undoubtedly instilled in him a sense of discipline, resilience, and an ability to perform under pressure – qualities that would prove invaluable in the high-stakes world of car restoration and business. In 1999, he ventured into the world of entrepreneurship, launching Lincoln Press, a printing and advertising company. This successful venture provided him with the financial means to pursue his true passion, and he eventually sold the company to fund his dream of working with cars full-time.

In 2002, Gas Monkey Garage was born. It was more than just a garage; it was the physical manifestation of Rawlings’ lifelong dream. The garage quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality restorations and unique builds. But it was in May 2007 that Rawlings truly burst onto the national scene. He and his friend Dennis Collins broke the legendary Cannonball Run record, a feat that had stood for over two decades. They completed the coast-to-coast drive from New York City to Los Angeles in a staggering 31 hours and 59 minutes, a testament to their skill, endurance, and sheer audacity. The achievement garnered widespread attention, including a coveted invitation to appear on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.”

The success of the Cannonball Run was a turning point for Rawlings. It caught the attention of television producers, and in June 2012, “Fast N’ Loud” premiered on the Discovery Channel. The show, which followed the exploits of Rawlings and his team at Gas Monkey Garage as they searched for and restored classic cars, was an instant hit. It was a show that appealed to a wide audience, not just car enthusiasts. Rawlings’ “cash money formula” of buying smart and selling smarter, combined with the camaraderie and banter of his team, made for compelling television. The show ran for 16 seasons and 155 episodes, transforming Gas Monkey Garage from a local Dallas business into a global brand. However, in June 2020, to the surprise of many, the show came to an end. Rawlings, ever the entrepreneur, sought more creative control over his brand and decided it was time to move on.

The success of “Fast N’ Loud” provided Rawlings with the platform to expand the Gas Monkey brand into a variety of ventures. In September 2013, he opened the first Gas Monkey Bar N’ Grill in Dallas, a restaurant and live music venue that quickly became a popular destination. A second location followed in March 2014 at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. In October 2014, he opened Gas Monkey Live, a large concert venue that hosted major acts like Mötley Crüe. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the closure of the venue in May 2020. In 2014, Rawlings became the national spokesperson for Dodge, a partnership that further solidified his status as a major player in the automotive industry. He also licensed the Gas Monkey brand for an energy drink, which launched with two flavors and later added a third.

While his professional life was a string of successes, Rawlings’ personal life has been marked by a series of ups and downs. He married his first wife, Karen K. Graemes, in 1993, but they divorced a year later. In 1999, he married Suzanne Marie Merel. They divorced in 2009, only to remarry in 2015. However, the reconciliation was short-lived, and they divorced again in March 2019. In August 2019, he proposed to Katarina Diesson, and they were married in June 2020. This tumultuous romantic history offers a glimpse into the personal challenges that have accompanied his rise to fame.

In addition to his personal struggles, Rawlings has also faced his fair share of legal battles. In June 2018, the Gas Monkey Bar N’ Grill filed a $6 million defamation lawsuit against him, accusing him of attempting to break away from his business partners and disrupt the operations of the restaurant. Rawlings countersued for $1 million in March 2019, alleging copyright infringement for the continued use of the Gas Monkey brand after their agreement had ended. These legal entanglements highlight the complexities and challenges of managing a rapidly growing brand and the inevitable conflicts that can arise in the world of business.

Despite the challenges, Richard Rawlings has continued to evolve and expand his brand. He launched a podcast called “Monkey Trap,” where he shares his insights on business, cars, and life. In a move that surprised many, he sold nearly 30 vehicles from his personal collection in September 2023 for over $1.8 million. He announced that he plans to focus on collecting high-end European models, specifically Ferraris and Lamborghinis, a move that signals a new chapter in his automotive journey.

Richard Rawlings is a man who has lived and breathed cars his entire life. He is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and a relentless drive to succeed. His journey has been a rollercoaster of triumphs and tribulations, but through it all, he has remained true to himself and his love for all things automotive. He is more than just the face of Gas Monkey Garage; he is a visionary, an entrepreneur, and a true American success story. And as he embarks on the next chapter of his life, one thing is certain: the world will be watching to see what he does next.