In a competition mainly dominated by men, Cynthia Gauthier, a native Canadian, has emerged from the scene with a contagious passion and drive, and this year, her goal is to win. I was fortunate to interview this awesome woman a few days before Christmas to learn gain a little bit of insight into the sport, as well as learn how she got into monster truck driving, her goals and how she tackles them, and what pointers she has for a first time show-goer like me!
Katrina Cameron: I saw you got started competing in motocross and have been competing in Monster Jam for 2 years, how young were you and how did you get involved in extreme sports?
Katrina Cameron: I saw you got started competing in motocross and have been competing in Monster Jam for 2 years, how young were you and how did you get involved in extreme sports?
Cynthia Gauthier: I wasn't too young. I actually started when I was 18 years old and no one is my family races. I set money aside and started racing in my first year. I was studying during the day, working at night, and racing during the weekends. A lot of my dad's friends were racing and we enjoyed traveling to see them race. It was exciting!
KC: How was your family supportive of all your dreams?
CG: Of course, my family was nervous and they still are. There's always danger, but they can see my passion and they support that.
KC: My daughter is two and we put her on a snowboard when she was one. We wanted her to start early because we want it to be second nature. What do you think about that in terms of racing?
CG: I definitely think kids should start young. Some get hurt early and some are cautious, but everyone learns great skill and you can really see the progress over time.
KC: You drive the awesome Monster Mutt Dalmation truck, do you love dalmations?
CG: I've never met a dalmation, but I love all dogs. And pit bulls! It's fun because all kids love dogs. I've never heard a kid say they didn't love it! I love my truck because it has a smile on its face and it's tail wags.
KC: I saw some videos and the ears and tail made us laugh! It really is so fun.
CG: At an outdoor show, it was pouring and the ears made such a loud sound at every jump!
KC: You all do some pretty jaw-dropping stunts, how safe is it?
CG: It's very safe. The trucks are 10,000 lbs. They are really big and front wheels and back wheels are controlled separately to be able to do those stunts. We wear the same gear as NASCAR -- fire suits, fire socks, fire shoes, a device for our necks, helmets. There's so much movement that my first time driving, I feel like I was sore for a month!
KC: I can imagine! When I watch videos, sometimes I'd forget these aren't toy trucks and there are actually people in there. It's intense, and so awesome! Do you have any tips, recommendations, anything to keep an eye out for for families, like mine, who are attending Monster Jam for the first time?
CG: It is such a family event! I hope everyone is ready for 2 hours of nonstop action of the best show ever. I love meeting kids. They are so happy to get autographs and talk to the drivers at the Pit Party before the show. It's really cute when little girls tell me they want to drive, too! Monster Jam is doing such a great job at promoting girls and showing what we can do!
KC: I'm so glad you said that! When I found out I could interview a driver I was going to request a female driver because monsters trucks seem like such a guy thing, but there are female drivers. How many women do you compete with?
CG: This year, probably 12. But every year we seem to add 3 or 4 more!
KC: What's the most fun thing for you to do when you drive?
CG: I love jumping as high as I can! I also like going fast. Sometimes you don't expect to go that high and you're like, "Oh my gosh!" For me, it looks like I've reached the second level of the stadium.
KC: Are you working on anything new to use in competition?
CG: Last year, I had a hard time with wheelies. I want to stay on 2 wheels as long and as upright as possible. It's difficult though because the dirt is different from show to show.
KC: Do you get a lot of practice time?
CG: Not a lot. Your first time driving, you probably get a week. But then it's like every show is a like a practice to see what you can do. You also learn from watching other drivers. I love doing that!
KC: Do you have any fun goals or plans for 2017?
CG: I want to win the championship! Last year, I was in the middle pack and I want to beat that. I want to continue to work hard and have consistent skill! Sometime you can go too hard and get tired, but I want to be consistent. I can't wait to drive in the next show!
Monster Jam® featuring the AMSOIL Series is a points-based format that showcases the best lineup of Monster Jam vehicles that deliver what fans want to see most: Β more trucks, more racing, more freestyle, more donuts, more wheelies, more action!
See Cynthia and the entire action-packed competition at Tacoma Dome. Tickets are available for January 13th at 7pm, January 14th at 1pm* and 7pm, and January 15th at 1pm and 6:30pm. Click here to purchase tickets: www.MonsterJam.com
*Pit Party Pass available for January 14th's 1pm show only.
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