Tweet

DRIVER INFORMATION
Driver name:	Mike Hawkins
Residence:	Catlett, VA
Birthplace:	Catlett, VA
Date of birth:	October 16, 1975
Years competing:	Since 2001
DRIVER HISTORY
Equalizer® is single handedly classified as one of the trucks that helped build the sport of Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam® and has continued to make ultra-competitive appearances with the help of driver and owner Mike Hawkins. Hawkins developed a desire to get into the sport around the time that David Morris decided to put the Equalizer up for sale, and the rest is history. Hawkins bought the truck and spent his time practicing his new craft out in a Virginian field before he started competing. Since the original purchase, Hawkins has updated the Equalizer frame, the current truck being equipped with a Patrick Chassis that he bought in 2006. When Hawkins created the most recent version of Equalizer, he converted the original Equalizer into a new truck called Hot Tamale. Q&A with Mike Hawkins MonsterJam.com: How did you get started competing on the Monster Jam circuit? Mike Hawkins: I called Jim Koehler because I wanted him to build me a chassis, but he was just getting into racing and didn’t have time. A couple of days following my conversation with Koehler he called me up and told me that Equalizer was for sale. I went down to Tennessee in 2001 to pick up the truck and bring it home. I wore it out in the first couple of days, so we ended up getting a new one, and then we showcased the new truck in 2006 with a Patrick Chassis. MonsterJam.com: What do you do with your free time? Mike Hawkins: Monster trucks pretty much keep us busy but I like to go fishing, hunting and hanging out at the pool at the house. MonsterJam.com: What is your greatest memory as a monster truck driver? Mike Hawkins: Being able to drive it into the trailer when you’re done. That’s the sweetest moment. Of course, going back to some of the same towns each year and seeing familiar faces. That’s what makes the job fun. MonsterJam.com: Do you have any pre-show rituals that you run though? Mike Hawkins: I try to hold out and be the last one to fire up my engine. They [the officials] point at me to fire up and I’ll just wait a bit and give them time to go to the next guy, and let him go to the line first. MonsterJam.com: Where do you most enjoy competing in Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam? Mike Hawkins: We go to a place down in Georgia, Oglethorpe Speedway. The people down there are so nice; they take great care of everybody. And I always liked going to the Pontiac Silverdome. MonsterJam.com: What’s your favorite food? Mike Hawkins: Steak. MonsterJam.com: What’s your favorite movie? Mike Hawkins: Waterboy. MonsterJam.com: What’s your favorite television show? Mike Hawkins: Swamp Loggers. MonsterJam.com: What’s your favorite color? Mike Hawkins: Blue. TRUCK INFO • Truck Name: Equalizer® • Body: Chevrolet on Patrick Chassis • Engine size: 569 • Transmission: Turbo 400 Sponsors: Lucas Oil, AA Speed & Custom