When you ask driver J. R. McNeal how he got the opportunity to compete in Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam, his good nature and sense of humor comes out immediately:  “Well I came in first at the redneck games,” is his first response. But he continued to explain his story. “Just kidding about the redneck games. Racing in the mud has been pretty much my life for the last 15 years. I’ve owned my own 4x4 shop. I think that building and fabricating your own trucks gives you an advantage. The building of the trucks actually led me to racing at Lake-n-Land Mud Boggs, Samsula Mud Boggs, and Bithlo Speedway.  We’ve been in “Trucks Gone Wild” videos, and I also won second place in The Mega Truck Challenge.  We love building our own stuff and coming to compete, it’s a good feeling.”  McNeal brings that attitude of competing hard and having fun to thrill all of the fans at Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam events.

Q&A with J. R. McNeal:

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

J. R. McNeal:   I would have to say hard work. Razin Kane competed in about 40 shows in 2011. January of 2011 was my first time ever driving a monster truck, so technically I’m a rookie and a rookie coming into Monster Jam in 2012. We are pumped and I feel that we will be able to compete with the big boys. I’m really excited and it’s not just because I’m driving but since we built our own trucks, it makes it even more fun.

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

J. R. McNeal:  I would say meeting new fans, families and kids. Since I’m a family man, being around that atmosphere makes me feel like I’m at home. I like seeing the different ways of living, there’s always something new, and seeing the country is awesome.

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

J. R. McNeal:  Relax when I can. I’m involved with three other companies not including monster trucks. Following other monster truck teams is cool, watching changes that people make on their trucks and how they perform. The most important thing is keeping up with your fans and friends on Facebook.

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

J. R. McNeal:  When I went to the first Monster Truck Hall of Fame in Indiana, since I am a late bloomer when it comes to monster trucks seeing that was awesome. I got to see and hear cool stories about shows in the past and the funny bloopers, which made me the love sport even more. I hope that one day I would be recognized for something in monster trucks – that would be cool.

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

J. R. McNeal:   I would have to say rubbing my cross hanging in my truck means a lot to me. If you knew my story recognizing the man above is a must. Besides when I put my helmet on I get helmet-itis and no ritual can cure that!

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

J. R. McNeal:  Construction is where I have done really well, so if I wasn’t involved in trucks it would be in construction, but I would keep trying to be a monster truck driver.

MonsterJam.com: What’s your favorite food?

J. R. McNeal: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.

MonsterJam.com: What’s your favorite movie?

J. R. McNeal:  Transformers.

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

J. R. McNeal:   Monster Jam, UFC and The Three Stooges.

MonsterJam.com: What’s your favorite color?

J. R. McNeal:   Blue.

TRUCK INFO

Truck Name: Razin Kane

Body:  2011 Dodge Truck

Chassis: IN HOUSE

Engine size:      540   Central Florida Machine and Speed

Transmission:  FTI 2 speed power glide

Shocks: IN HOUSE

Sponsors :  FTI, Central Florida Machine and Speed, FK Rod Ends, Performance Kote, Daytona Dodge and McNeal and White Contractors.