"It started at a store signing," Lynn told XBIZ. "There was a fan there who was into auto racing and he noticed that I drove a truck. I drive a Lincoln LT and I've always loved big trucks. He asked me if I'd like to take a ride in a monster truck, and that's how it all started."
Lynn drove the truck herself before the pre-race festivities; the crew pitched in to give her instructions in monster truck driving.
"Nothing was broken and the monster truck came back in one piece. Not bad for a first timer," Lynn said. "I was so excited that I almost cried when I drove it all by myself out for the pre-race presentation. The crowd went crazy cheering for me. I thanked the crowd and drove the truck off to the pits after 'The Star-Spangled Banner.' I know a need a lot more time behind the wheel before I'm ready to drive over some cars, but I can't wait."
Lynn plans to learn the tricks of driving the 13-foot-tall, 1.500-horsepower truck, plus special training for racing and freestyle competitions.
"I have to train right now," Lynn said. "I already know how to drive it, but now I have to put some time behind the wheel, learn to drive over trucks, the steering — there's back steering for the tires — there's a lot involved in it. I have the basics right now."
Scott Allen, vice president of Gina Lynn Motorsports, thinks Lynn shows promise.
"I've been racing since I was 13. When I met Gina, she expressed an interest in racing and we started discussing the possibilities of working together. Gina is taking this very seriously," Allen said. "She is outfitted just like any other driver: in a fire suit, full-face helmet, head and neck restraint — the whole package."
The monster truck will be on display during Lynn's two-day feature dance appearance at Rockstar in Wolcott, Conn., Aug. 17-18.
Gina Lynn Motorsports currently is looking for sponsors. Interested parties should contact Travis Knight at gforce4612@aol.com.
