Coming from one of the most unique backgrounds of any of the drivers in Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam, Ben Winslow pilots Iron Outlaw for Jimmy and Dawn Creten’s 2Xtreme Racing. Before working in the monster truck industry, the driver known to many simply as “Bobo” had made his living in a variety of exciting and interesting ways, including his time as a bullfighter and a rodeo clown. When Winslow entered Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam his outgoing personality and brash persona were a perfect fit in his job as the Crew Chief for George Balhan’s Escalade. Winslow and Balhan were an excellent team for several years and Winslow’s desire to become a monster truck driver grew. The opportunity in 2007 came with the Sudden Impact team when Winslow joined 2Xtreme Racing and a seat opened up for him in the Iron Outlaw truck.

Q&A with Ben Winslow

MonsterJam.com: How did you get started competing on the Monster Jam circuit?

Ben Winslow:   I got really bored with my regular job and I knew some of the Monster Jam crew guys. I got a job working on the trucks and eventually I moved up to become the Crew Chief for George Balhan. Since then I’ve driven, first for Sudden Impact Racing and now for 2Xtreme Racing.

MonsterJam.com: What do you enjoy doing while on the road with Monster Jam?

Ben Winslow: I like finding a great go-kart track and letting loose with the guys.

MonsterJam.com: What do you do with your free time?

Ben Winslow:   I enjoy watching rodeo and watching “What Not to Wear” on TLC.

MonsterJam.com: What is your greatest memory as a monster truck driver?

Ben Winslow:   Crewing for George Balhan at the 2006 Monster Jam World Finals.

MonsterJam.com: Do you have any pre-show rituals that you run though?

Ben Winslow:   None

MonsterJam.com: If you were not competing on the Monster Jam tour, what career path would you follow?

Ben Winslow:    It would be in farming, working as an Agronomist.

MonsterJam.com: What’s your favorite food?

Ben Winslow: Steak and Mushrooms.

MonsterJam.com: What’s your favorite movie?

Ben Winslow:    Lonesome Dove.

MonsterJam.com: What’s your favorite television show?

Ben Winslow:    Anything on Discovery Channel.

MonsterJam.com: What’s your favorite color?  

Ben Winslow:    Red.

TRUCK INFO

Name: Iron Outlaw

Body: Ford Expedition

Chassis: Patrick Enterprises

Engine: 555 C.I. Blown Alcohol

Ignition: MSD Pro Mag

Horsepower:  1,650

Transmission: HughesPerformance 2-Speed Powerglide

Tires: Custom Cut 66x43x25

Wheels: Custom Beadlocks

Seat Belts: Hooker Harness

Safety Products: IMPACT! Racing

Graphics: Transport Graphics, Springfield, MO

Sponsors:    XS Power Batteries;  Powermaster Performance; Hughes Performance; NGK Spark Plugs; FK Rod Ends;  IMPACT! Racing Products;  Mastercraft; Hooker Harness; Tompkins Industries;  Daystar Products;  Andy Boy Fresh Produce