Introduction

In this article, we explore the intriguing world of Richard Rawlings, an American car builder, cross-country racer, entrepreneur, and reality television personality. With a net worth of $18 million, Rawlings has established himself as a prominent figure in the automotive industry. He gained widespread recognition as the star of the popular reality TV show “Fast N’ Loud” and is the proud owner of Gas Monkey Garage. Additionally, Rawlings has ventured into the realm of hospitality with his ownership of Gas Monkey Bar N’ Grill and Gas Monkey Live music venues in Dallas, Texas.

Early Life and Automotive Passion

Richard Rawlings was born on March 30, 1969, in Fort Worth, Texas. His passion for automobiles began at a young age when he accompanied his father to auto shows and assisted him in building cars. At the tender age of 14, Rawlings purchased his first car, a green 1974 Mercury Comet. By the time he reached legal driving age, he had already bought and sold several cars, including a 1977 Pontiac Trans Am, which became his vehicle of choice during high school. In 1987, Rawlings graduated from Eastern Hills High School and embarked on a journey that would lead him to become a prominent figure in the automotive industry.

Fast N’ Loud: From Garage to Stardom

Before establishing Gas Monkey Garage, Rawlings held various occupations, including law enforcement officer, firefighter, paramedic, and owner of his own printing and advertising company called Lincoln Press. In 2002, Rawlings sold Lincoln Press to fulfill his dream of opening his own automotive shop. Thus, Gas Monkey Garage was born. Renowned for its hot rod creations, the garage has garnered international acclaim, attracting customers from all corners of the globe.

Rawlings’ rise to stardom accelerated in 2012 when he became the focal point of the reality TV show “Fast N’ Loud” on the Discovery Channel. Alongside his talented team, including Aaron Kaufman, KC Mathieu, and Scot McMillan, Rawlings scours the country in search of rare cars, which they subsequently restore to their former glory. Notable clients, such as Dennis Collins and Jay Riecke, frequently engage in transactions with Rawlings and his team.

Beyond “Fast N’ Loud”

Rawlings’ TV career expanded with the launch of the Discovery Channel show “Garage Rehab” in 2017. In this series, Rawlings lends his expertise to struggling auto shops, guiding them toward success and revitalization.

Beyond the realm of automotive television, Rawlings diversified his ventures. In September 2013, he introduced the Gas Monkey Bar N’ Grill in Northwest Dallas, followed by a second location at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in March 2014. To further showcase his entrepreneurial spirit, Rawlings opened Gas Monkey Live, a vibrant live music venue, in October 2014.

In 2015, Rawlings penned his autobiography titled “Fast N’ Loud: Blood, Sweat, and Beers,” offering readers an intimate glimpse into his exhilarating journey.

Expanding the Gas Monkey brand, Rawlings ventured into the energy drink market by licensing the Gas Monkey brand to a line of energy drinks in 2019.

Personal Life and Passion for Racing

Rawlings’ personal life has seen its share of ups and downs. He was initially married to Karen Grames in 1990 but divorced a year later. In 1999, he tied the knot with Suzanne Marie Mergele, only to divorce in 2009. However, the couple reconciled in 2015 before announcing their separation and filing for divorce in March 2019.

In August 2019, Rawlings found love again and proposed to his girlfriend, Katerina Deason. Expressing his deep affection for her, Rawlings declared their engagement on social media, describing her as his best friend and soulmate.

Aside from his remarkable achievements in the automotive industry, Rawlings is also an avid transcontinental racer. He has participated in several rallies and held the world record for the fastest time in the Cannonball Run for many years. Rawlings covered a distance of 2,811 miles from New York to Los Angeles in just 31 hours and 59 minutes, achieving an average driving speed of 87.6 MPH. Notably, he has triumphed in both the Gumball 3000 and The Bullrun, winning each race an unprecedented two times.

In terms of real estate, Rawlings owns a stunning house in Dallas, Texas. Situated on 1.46 acres of land and built in 1960, the property boasts three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and two half bathrooms. It showcases a captivating mid-century modern style bar with a retractable door, multiple decks, a sunken bathtub, a zen garden, an outside master bath, and even a private lake. Remarkably, Rawlings’ home is conveniently located just four miles from Gas Monkey Garage, allowing him to stay closely connected to his automotive empire.

In conclusion, Richard Rawlings has established himself as a prominent figure in the automotive industry, with a net worth of $18 million. From his early fascination with cars to his rise to stardom on “Fast N’ Loud,” Rawlings has captivated audiences worldwide. His entrepreneurial endeavors, including Gas Monkey Garage, Gas Monkey Bar N’ Grill, and Gas Monkey Live, have further solidified his success. With his passion for racing, engaging television presence, and enduring love for automobiles, Rawlings continues to make a significant impact in the world of automotive entertainment.