Bucking HEMI® Stolen From Roadkill Nights Event

Ram’s “Bucking HEMI®” – a one-of-a-kind, HEMI-themed mechanical bull thrill ride – has been stolen, leaving both the brand and fans stunned. The theft happened on Saturday, August 9, at around 9:45 p.m., during the teardown after Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge in Michigan.

The Bucking HEMI was no ordinary event attraction. Designed as a wild, horsepower-infused nod to Ram’s performance heritage, the ride was shaped in the image of the brand’s “Symbol of Protest” logo and built to turn heads at events across the country. It made its first public appearance on June 8 at Michigan International Speedway, marking Ram’s return to NASCAR after years away from the sport. The debut was part of the brand’s broader marketing push surrounding its legendary HEMI V8 powerplants.

What made the Bucking HEMI® stand out wasn’t just its looks, but its engineering. Underneath the aggressive exterior, the ride was powered by dual 1 horsepower independent electric motors paired with a 5kVA diesel generator. Six selectable ride modes allowed operators to dial the intensity from “Posing operation” for photo ops to the unpredictable and aggressive “Redneck Games” mode. The mechanical bull-style buck-and-spin drive system was capable of reaching an intense 43.8 spins per minute. Riders got 15 seconds to hang on, and if they did, they earned a coveted “I rode the HEMI to redline, and it was Bucking Awesome” t-shirt – a badge of honor for anyone brave enough to take on the ride.

The Bucking HEMI wasn’t just a bit of fun – it was part of Ram’s strategy to connect directly with fans through high-energy, interactive experiences. It was slated to appear at select customer events nationwide, helping to promote the Ram 1500 with the 5.7-liter (345 cubic-inch) HEMI® V8, as well as the brand’s upcoming NASCAR Truck Series campaign in 2026.

Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis was candid about the theft, “This is bull****. Our Bucking HEMI was taken on Saturday evening. The search is officially on, and we won’t stop searching until we get him back.”

Local police are now involved, with a formal report filed. Ram is urging anyone with information to come forward, either by contacting law enforcement directly or by reaching out to the Ram Brand team. Given the sheer size and custom nature of the Bucking HEMI, it’s not something that can easily be hidden or resold – meaning the right tip could help recover it quickly.

For now, Ram is pressing forward with its event schedule, promising that the theft won’t slow down their mission to deliver memorable experiences to fans. But for the thousands who have seen or ridden the Bucking HEMI, its absence will be felt until it’s found and returned.