One of the most influential figures in Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam history, Dan Patrick has made his name both on the track and in the shop. Patrick’s Samson monster truck is arguably one of the best known machines in the sport, having competed at the top level of Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam for decades. When he’s not in competition Patrick is building trucks for race teams and throughout the industry, the famous Patrick Chassis has been underneath many of the world’s most popular monster trucks. Patrick started out tractor pulling in 1973 at age 17, and from 1984 though 1987 he went into pulling funny cars and dragsters. He purchased the Samson monster truck in 1988 and he has been a major player in the sport ever since.

Q&A with Dan Patrick:

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

Dan Patrick:   I bought the original Samson in 1988 and started competing in monster truck events.

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

Dan Patrick:  Traveling and seeing new parts of the country and catching up with the drivers and crews from other teams every weekend.

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

Dan Patrick:  Design new products for the monster truck industry and I enjoy mowing and working outside at home.

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

Dan Patrick:  There are so many… It is hard to choose just one!

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

Dan Patrick:   I just study the track and obstacles every time.

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

Dan Patrick:  It would be as a fabricator or machinist.

MonsterJam.com:  What’s your favorite food?

Dan Patrick: Steak.

MonsterJam.com: What’s your favorite movie?

Dan Patrick:  Any John Wayne western and The Right Stuff.

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

Dan Patrick:   The West Wing.

MonsterJam.com: What’s your favorite color?

Dan Patrick:   Blue.

TRUCK INFO

Truck Name: Samson

Body:  2009 Chevy Silverado w / 3-D Arm design

Chassis: PEI   (Patrick Enterprises Inc)

Engine size:   572 Keith Black Hemi

Transmission:  Coan Powerglide

Shocks: PEI   (Patrick Enterprises Inc)

Sponsors: PEI   (Patrick Enterprises Inc), FK Rod Ends, Hooker Harness, Butlerbult Seats, Defender Neck Restraints, Airgas and Lincoln Electric