THE BALLOON MAN

TONNY PETERSEN'S
HELL DRIVERS OPEN SEASON


The last of the old-time Stunt Shows.
These shows, Joey Chitwood's "Danger Angels",
Dan Fleener's Thrill Show,
Jack Kochman's Hell Drivers and many more
were featured at County and State Fairs across the country.
Just like many attractions time changes.
But I do know that at certain spots they still pack the grandstands.

 

Johnny Wiser, the producer of Tonny Petersen’s Hell Drivers hails from Sacramento California. Johnny started his career in 1972, with King Kovaz’s Auto-Daredevils, where he starred in T-Bone crashes and roll-overs, as well as being lead motorcycle man. Since those early days Johnny has served as a star stunt driver for the Jack Kochman Hell Drivers, Hollywood Stunt World, and the Toyota Hollywood Stunt Show.

Hailing from the wilds of Lincoln Maine is veteran performer Jimmy “Crash” Moreau. Jim is known by colleagues from coast to coast as the Maine Maniac. Crash Moreau is a highly respected performer and known as one of the most unique and controversial in the long history of the traveling thrill shows. Crash started his career in 1967 with the legendary Joie Chitwood Stunt Show, from there his skill and talent peaked, 46 seasons later Jim is still “King of the car crashers.” At present he is the oldest crash artist still performing on a regular basis. Jim is well known for his world famous “steel wall crashes” in which he drives a completely stock automobile into and thru a car standing on its rear bumper. Crash Moreau was the first American to ever perform the steel wall crash, after learning the stunt from the Lessard Brothers of Quebec. Throughout Jim’s colorful career he has been a star on every east coast touring thrill show and has even toured with many Canadian based shows. Over the years Moreau has been featured on many T.V programs as well as the silver screens of Hollywood. Look for Crash Moreau behind the wheel for the 2012 season!

A native of Copenhagen, Denmark, he came to the United States at the age of 14 and performed for years with the Amandies, one of the greatest teeter-board acts. His agility as an acrobat has served him well in the thrill show business which takes precision and balance. During the early 1960’s Tonny originated the “Auto-Bat” act, where daredevils stand high a-top speeding automobiles as they negotiate the ramp way structures.
Tonny was a featured performer at the 1964-1965 New York World ’s Fair, where he perfected the art of driving and balancing a vehicle on only two wheels. Tonny is undoubtedly the greatest hi-ski artist in the world.
Petersen’s ability as America’s greatest stunt driver is evident, every time he gets behind the wheel of one of the Dodge automobiles.

He brings many years of enthusiasm, public speaking, and creative talent into the world of automobile thrill show driving and entertainment. Robert will serve as the official voice of the Tonny Petersen’s Hell Drivers for 2012 season providing a thunder throat of descriptive detail and commence-rating commentary at each performance. He also coordinates all the corporate sponsorship programs, advertising, and marketing for the show. Robert has successfully owned and operated a roller skating and family entertainment center business and is currently the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Southland Roller Rink INC. He stays busy as he maintains a freelance consulting and marketing business specializing in the amusement and family entertainment industry. During his free time he is involved with Kiwanis International, American Cancer Society, among many other volunteer organizations. He makes his home in Martinsville Indiana.

Young Terry Gappa, from Plymouth Massachusetts joined Tonny Petersen’s Hell Drivers for the 2011 season. Terry was hired to serve the vital role as stunt technician, his hard work and dedication didn’t go without notice. Before Terry knew it he was standing high atop a speeding Dodge Avenger, negotiating ramp way structures in a dandy little stunt known as Auto- bats. Terry also performs a feat of daring that dates back to the days of B. Ward Beam, Lucky Teter, Jack Kochman’s Hell Drivers and the Joie Chitwood Thrill Show known as the human battering ram. Terry’s determination to perform Hollywood style car crashes was very evident, his wish came true when he was upgraded to roll-over man where he excelled night after night. For the 2012 season Terry will be running a partial tour schedule, when not on tour with the Hell Drivers Terry will be busy working as the shows graphic designer.

 

For 2012 , Tonny Petersen’s Hell Drivers welcome back Justin “Wrong Way” Bellinger to another successful season with the Hell Drivers. “Wrong Way” hails from Palmer, Massachusetts and is well known as one of the youngest and most recognized clowns/ stuntman in the thrill show business today.
Growing up Justin watched the Joie Chitwood Stunt Show, as well as Charlie Belknap’s Hollywood Stunt Show, and some day dreamed of becoming a stuntman. With the help of many veteran thrill show performers Justin has become an elite member of this form of entertainment. His baggy pants and flapping arms often cause the audience to miss the breath-taking timing that is part of most of his gags. “Wrong Way” for instance will stand fast as two cars racing at more than 60 M.P.H, will pass in tandem and seemingly sandwich him tightly to their sides! Perfect timing is the name of the game as he stumbles around the track in many close calls and dangerous situations! Not only is Justin the show’s daredevil clown but he is an accomplished precision driver and crash artist. Justin’s responsibilities are plentiful both on and off the summer tour, serving as CEO/ Chief