Competing in Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam driving the powerful Ground Pounder continues Chris Ryan’s varied career in motorsports. Ryan says that he grew up racing anything with wheels on it, eventually getting the opportunity to drive a monster truck. Before his monster days Ryan built his racing career on circle tracks, while also racing quads, snowmobiles and tough trucks. Ryan then got the opportunity to start working on monster trucks as a Crew Chief and then when a fill-in driver was needed he took advantage of that opportunity, performing well in competition and eventually earning his position as the driver of the Ground Pounder.

Q&A with Chris Ryan

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

Chris Ryan:   I started out as a Crew Chief and as a fill-in driver, then I worked my way into a full time driving position.

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

Chris Ryan:  I enjoy traveling to all of the cities on the tour and meeting all of the fans at every venue.

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

Chris Ryan:   I like to spend a lot of time with my friends and family.

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

Chris Ryan: My greatest memory as a driver would have to be the show in Bangor, Maine, in 2011. It’s my hometown and I had a lot of friends and family there to support me.

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

Chris Ryan:   I always walk around my truck to make sure there is nothing I can visually see that is wrong with it.

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

Chris Ryan: I was a mechanic at a local shop before I started with Sudden Impact Racing so I would most likely still be turning wrenches.

MonsterJam.com: What’s your favorite food?

Chris Ryan: Steak.

MonsterJam.com: What’s your favorite movie?

Chris Ryan:  The Hangover.

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

Chris Ryan:  Sons of Anarchy.

MonsterJam.com: What’s your favorite color?

Chris Ryan:  Green.

TRUCK INFO

Truck Name: Ground Pounder

Body:  2006 Chevy

Chassis: Patrick

Engine size:  575ci Chevy

Transmission:  2 speed Powerglide

Shocks: 26 inch front, 30 inch rear

Sponsors:   Redcat Racing, Amsoil, Scorpion Racing Engines, Diamond Pistons, Abruzzi Transmissions