Jeff Bonnett, widely known by his nickname AZN, is a beloved cast member of the Discovery Channel’s reality TV show Street Outlaws. Together with his close friend and partner Sean Whitley, better known as Farmtruck, AZN has been a prominent figure on the show, known for his humor and unique car builds.
Photo by Farmtruck and AZN
Background and Rise to Fame
Before becoming a television personality, AZN's life revolved around cars and the automotive culture. Growing up, AZN developed a passion for cars, which eventually led him to street racing. He first gained attention for his quick wit and natural ability to engage with audiences, a skill that complemented Farmtruck's impressive driving and car-building abilities. The duo initially gained popularity for their unconventional racing vehicles, such as the "Farmtruck," an unassuming-looking 1970 Chevy C-10 that packed a surprising punch on the streets.
The two were initially uncertain about their participation in Street Outlaws. In fact, before the show took off, they held regular jobs and only pursued street racing as a casual hobby. However, their engaging personalities and unique dynamic quickly made them fan favorites. Since the show's debut in 2013, AZN and Farmtruck have brought a sense of humor and camaraderie to the often intense world of street racing.
What Happened to AZN?
In recent years, fans have noticed that AZN and Farmtruck were less present in Street Outlaws and its various spin-offs. This absence led to speculation and concern among viewers. However, there’s no need to worry—AZN and Farmtruck are doing just fine. They have been busy with their spin-off series, Street Outlaws: Farmtruck and AZN, which premiered in 2022. This show gives fans an in-depth look at their unique car builds and showcases their creative process and teamwork. The spin-off emphasizes their deep connection to the Midwestern car culture and highlights their hands-on approach to building and racing cars.
Photo by Farmtruck and AZN
Beyond the spin-off, AZN and Farmtruck continue to be active within the car community. They've been working on several new projects and builds, always striving to push the limits of what their vehicles can do. AZN has also started focusing on driving more himself, moving beyond his role as the witty sidekick and into the driver's seat of his own projects. One notable project is his work on "The Dung Beetle," a 1966 Volkswagen Beetle that looks unassuming on the outside but is equipped with a powerful turbocharged engine. This car perfectly encapsulates AZN's style: combining humor with high-performance mechanics.
Life Off Camera
AZN’s life off-camera is quite grounded. Despite his fame, he hasn’t let it get to his head. He and Farmtruck continue to engage with their fans through various platforms, including social media and their YouTube channel, where they share behind-the-scenes content and updates on their latest projects. They also participate in various racing events and car shows, maintaining their presence in the street racing community.
Photo by Farmtruck and AZN
The duo has also managed to capitalize on their fame without straying from their roots. While they may not have become extremely wealthy from the show, they’ve used their platform to attract sponsorships and promote their brand, creating a sustainable business around their passion for cars and racing.
Conclusion
AZN’s journey from a street racer in Oklahoma City to a reality TV star is a testament to his love for cars and his commitment to the automotive community. Together with Farmtruck, he has created a unique niche within the world of street racing, blending humor with a deep respect for car culture.
While they may not be as visible on Street Outlaws as they once were, AZN and Farmtruck continue to make an impact, showing that their passion for cars is as strong as ever. Their new ventures and ongoing projects indicate that they are far from done, and fans can look forward to seeing much more from this dynamic duo in the future.
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