Diane:How long have you been involved with Monster Jam?
Bari: I got started with Monster Jam in 2010, where my first race was in Panama City, Panama. In 2011, I competed and won the rookie of the year in the Young Guns Championship Shootout, where they take 8 of the best new drivers at the time and race head to head, elimination style.

Diane: What inspired you to drive a Monster Truck?
Bari: I’ve always loved cars and trucks growing up. At 6 years old, my mom took me to my first monster truck show and I was hooked. Soon after, we found a radio controlled car group in the area which became my hobby and turned into my passion. I maintained the cars, and of course raced them at home and at events. While racing the cars at an event, I got noticed by a Monster Jam representative who thought I could be successful as a monster truck driver, since a lot of the skills from RC cars transfer to monster trucks. I visited a test facility, did a few runs and the liked what they saw!

Diane: Were you always a driver or did you work in other ways like car repair?
Bari: Well the RC cars really gave me a crash course in the monster truck world as some of the skills of repairing and tricking out the cars transfer.

Diane: Have you driven other monster trucks besides Spider-Man?
Bari: Yes. I started driving Backwards Bob, which has the body reversed and looks like the truck is actually driving backwards. Then I drove Monster Mutt and El Toro Loco which have great fans and the trucks are fun to drive.

Diane: Have you ever been involved in a serious accident due to Monster Jam?
Bari:No, knock on wood. The Monster Jam trucks are really safe and the seat technology has come a long way. They actually custom fit the seats to your body, almost like a mold, so I’m the only one who can drive my truck. Plus the seat harness and the helmets keep you safe all around.

Diane: What is your favorite part of Monster Jam?
Bari:The fans! I was such a huge fan of the show growing up (still am) and I love interacting with them at the Pit Parties, where they can meet the Monster Jam drivers and see the trucks up close. I do consider myself to be a role model, since I was in a lot of their shoes, being a fan of the show and all and now I’m living my dream.

Diane:What does it feel like to be inside that Monster Truck!!!??
Bari:It’s amazing! From the moment I start the engine it’s like a transformation. My heart starts pounding, I tighten my harness, hear the crowd and I’m ready to go.

Diane:What does your family think of you driving in Monster Jam?
Bari:They love it! My dad is a pretty laid back guy, but when it comes to the Monster Jam shows he gets so into it. My wife totally supports me. We’re newlyweds, so it’s a little harder when I’m on the road, but I really only travel on the weekends so it works out.

Diane: Do you have children? Do they have an interest in driving Monster Trucks?
Bari:I have a step-daughter who’s 12 years old. I’m not sure if she would get involved in monster trucks. She thinks it’s cool, but she’s really into the girly things right now, so maybe her interest will grow a little further down the road.

Diane: I can’t even imagine getting into a regular car/truck after leaving the event. What is the transition like driving home from the event, after being in a monster truck?
Bari:Good question. I actually drive like a grandpa when I get home. You know I’m driving with the family in my Dodge Ram and it’s a lot more relaxed.  Plus my wife would kill me!

Diane:Thanks so much for taking time out of your day for this interview. I really appreciate it.Being a mom of three ages 21, 13 and 5, I have to say that we are new to the actual Monster Jam event, but long time fans of Monster Trucks! I am in awe of Monster trucks and their drivers! You rock! Would you like to add anything?
Bari:Thank you! I love talking about Monster Jam especially to people who aren’t familiar with it so they can fall in love with it like I did. At the Pit Parties I always end up talking to someone who’s seeing the show for the first time. Even if you’re not a motor sports fan, there’s just something about seeing it live that creates these die-hard fans and leaves people wanting more. But everyone should come out and see for themselves – especially the double back flip attempt by Tom Meents at the Path of Detruction at MetLife Stadium on June 16 – it’s going to be crazy!