There are only a few monster truck drivers who can claim they have been in the business longer than Bennett Clark. With 29 years of experience in the Clydesdale monster truck and a few seasons driving Bearfoot, Carolina Crusher, Cherokee Outlaw, and yes, even Grave Digger, this former rodeo champion has had quite a ride as a monster truck driver. Bennett earned a Championship Bull Riding belt buckle in 1978. He was All Around Cowboy that same year.
Some weekends, when I first started with the monster truck, I would take the monster truck to do a show, then go do a rodeo, says Bennett. However, Bennett has never depended on either monster trucks or rodeos to make a living. He always maintained a career in construction with his father.
Joy, Bennett's wife, travels with him to as many shows as she can - she even helps him tire up Clydesdale. However, this year that may be more difficult due to the damage their home suffered courtesy of Hurricane Katrina. Fortunately, the downed trees from the storm missed the monster truck and only damaged their hauler, the garage, and the house! According to Bennett their insurance has covered a good portion of the damage.
Bennett enjoys competing all over the country, but has a special place in his heart for Hampton, Va., "I don't know why I like it so much. I rolled my truck and Joy cracked her ankle. But there is something about it."
This year Bennett hopes to turn over a new leaf. "I've always been about winning and I let my competitive nature take over. I want to have some fun this year. I'm not going to let it get me down if I don't win every race."
How did you get involved in monster trucks?
It's all I ever knew
What's
the best thing about being a monster truck driver?
Getting to perform for the fans.
Career
highlights? First Win?
I can't think of anything in particular.
What is your most memorable moment so far?
I can't think of anything in particular,
Describe
what it is to be a monster truck driver in one sentence.
You have to absolutely be dedicated to put on a show
Give
4 separate words that describe you.
Determined - Ambitions - Happy - Socialable
What
is the best part about signing an autograph for a child?
Seeing the smile on their face.
What
do you do to prepare for a new season?
Everything I can think of
Whats
your favorite stop on the tour?
Houston
Are
you working on anything new right now?
Yes
Whats
the best thing about your truck?
That I own it
What
gets you pumped to compete?
The pressure that builds up
Where
are the best fans?
Florida and Louisiana
Best
advice to kids who want to become monster truck drivers?
You have to be dedicated and be able to put in long hours
Fun Facts
Favorite Food:
Hot Dogs
Favorite Color:
Red
Type of Music You Listen to:
Country
Favorite Song:
He likes Tim McGraw and Big N' Rich
Hobbies:
Deer Hunting, Building Furniture
Superstitions?
"I never walk or drive through a handicapped parking space. I won't sign anyone's cast. I think that's from being in the rodeos."
