Monster Jam Driver Nicole Johnson: When Your Job IS Destroying Cars
About this episode
Nicole Johnson, a trailblazing monster truck driver, shares her unique journey from rock crawling to dominating the monster truck scene. She discusses the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated sport and the thrilling experiences of driving iconic trucks like Scooby-Doo. The conversation dives into her YouTube show, 'Nicole Johnson's Detour,' where she explores fascinating cars and their stories. With anecdotes about her first cars and heartfelt connections to family through vehicles, this episode offers a blend of humor, nostalgia, and automotive passion.
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Nicole Johnson – famed Monster Jam driver and off-road champion – joins us to share captivating stories from her one-of-a-kind career in automotive entertainment. With infectious enthusiasm, Nicole reveals how her childhood car memories (from tinkering on 4x4s to cruising in a humble sedan) set her on a path to motorsports fame. She takes listeners behind the scenes of Monster Truck Jam, describing the adrenaline rush of piloting her “Scooby-Doo” monster truck in front of roaring crowds, and the meticulous preparation that goes into each high-flying jump. But Nicole’s journey wasn’t overnight; she talks about her early days in competitive rock crawling – imagine conquering impossible boulders in a custom Jeep – and how those experiences gave her the skills and grit to succeed in Monster Jam.
Nicole loved the episode with Jim, "Back to the ’80s and Beyond – Jim’s Camaro Comebacks and DeLorean Dreams" https://pod.link/1733902541/episode/d78c119b929d9b5eff72a2f67fec3157
Throughout the episode, Nicole’s passion shines as she discusses the importance of chasing dreams (even the kind that crush cars for a living!) and the lessons of teamwork and perseverance learned in the arena.
Whether you’re an avid motorsports fan or just love a good inspiring story, Nicole’s tale of turning her automotive passions into an extraordinary career will rev your engine. She proves that with drive and determination, you can carve out your own lane in the automotive world.
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Jeep YJ
"...I started in a vehicle that was a ninety one Y Jane."
The Jeep YJ is a type of Jeep that is built for off-roading. It was made in the early 1990s and is known for being tough and able to handle rough terrain.
The Jeep YJ is a model of the Jeep Wrangler that was produced from 1987 to 1995. It is known for its rugged design and off-road capabilities, making it popular among off-road enthusiasts.
rock crawling
"...more rocks and rock crawling as a competition is"
Rock crawling is when vehicles drive over big rocks and rough ground. It needs special cars and skills to do it safely without breaking anything.
Rock crawling is a type of off-road driving that involves navigating over large rocks and uneven terrain. It requires specialized vehicles and skills to tackle challenging obstacles without damaging the vehicle.
King of the Hammers
"...you think of Moab or if you've heard of King of the Hammers, that came along later. But anyway, it's more rocks and rock crawling as a competition is"
King of the Hammers is a big off-road race in California where drivers compete on rocky and fast desert trails. It's famous for being really tough and exciting.
King of the Hammers is an annual off-road race held in Johnson Valley, California, combining rock crawling and high-speed desert racing. It attracts a wide range of competitors and is known for its challenging terrain.
four wheeling
"...if you're now four wheeling in like the east somewhere, it's rainier and wetter and muddier in trees..."
Four wheeling means driving a car that can use all four wheels to help it move better on rough ground. It's great for going off-road where the roads aren't smooth.
Four wheeling refers to driving a vehicle that has four-wheel drive capabilities, allowing it to navigate rough and uneven terrain. This is particularly useful in off-road conditions, such as mud, snow, or rocky surfaces.
horsepower
"...lots of horsepower, because you've got to fling yourself up these mountains and rocks..."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. More horsepower usually means the car can go faster and handle tougher terrains better.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, often used to describe the power output of engines. In automotive terms, higher horsepower generally means a vehicle can accelerate faster and perform better, especially in off-road conditions.
monster trucks
"...career in monster trucks, which if you are listening to this podcast and have never been to one, the one word I can use to describe it is operatic. The sights, the sounds, the brightness, the loudness of the trucks..."
Monster trucks are big vehicles with huge tires that can drive over cars and do tricks. They are often seen in shows where they perform exciting stunts.
Monster trucks are specially modified vehicles with oversized tires and suspension systems designed for off-road and stunt driving. They often perform in shows featuring jumps, crushing cars, and other thrilling displays.
suspension
"Even the way the suspension is set up is part of the show."
The suspension is the system in a car that connects the body to the wheels. It helps make the ride smoother by absorbing bumps in the road.
The suspension system of a vehicle connects the body to the wheels and allows for relative motion between them, providing comfort and handling by absorbing shocks from the road.
sprung weight
"How much do you know about sprung versus unsprung weight? Do you know what sprung weight is?"
Sprung weight is the weight of the parts of a car that the suspension holds up, like the body and engine. It affects how smooth the ride is when driving over bumps.
Sprung weight refers to the portion of a vehicle's weight that is supported by the suspension system. This includes the vehicle's body and any components that are supported by the suspension, affecting how the vehicle handles and rides over bumps.
trophy trucks
"let's say we've got this 10,000 pound truck and when you're at, you've seen trophy trucks and they go through the whoops."
Trophy trucks are special racing trucks made for driving fast over rough ground, like deserts. They have strong suspensions to help them bounce over bumps smoothly.
Trophy trucks are high-performance off-road racing vehicles designed for durability and speed over rough terrain. They are often used in desert racing and feature advanced suspension systems to handle extreme conditions.
Renault 5
"...but the Renault are five. The rally car that you tore up on a dirt track,..."
The Renault 5 is a small car made by the French company Renault. It was popular in Europe and had sporty versions that were used in racing.
The Renault 5 is a supermini car produced by the French manufacturer Renault from 1972 to 1985. It was known for its compact size and sporty variants, particularly in rally racing.
Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing
"But Dave List, I watched this morning. That's a good one. The Pantera, really great episode. The Mercedes Galwing, the that's next on my list."
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing is a famous car from the 1950s known for its unique doors that open upwards. It's a powerful and beautiful sports car that many people admire.
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing is an iconic sports car produced in the 1950s, known for its distinctive gullwing doors and advanced engineering for its time. It features a powerful inline-six engine and is considered one of the most beautiful cars ever made.
De Tomaso Pantera
"But Dave List, I watched this morning. That's a good one. The Pantera, really great episode."
The De Tomaso Pantera is a sports car that was made in Italy and is famous for its speed and unique look. It has a powerful engine and is loved by car fans.
The De Tomaso Pantera is a mid-engine sports car that was produced from 1971 to 1992. It is known for its powerful V8 engine and distinctive Italian design, making it a classic among car enthusiasts.
Pontiac Solstice
"Daedalus reminded me I had a Pontiac Solstice. If you know what that is, it's a little green. It was a Pontiac sports car."
The Pontiac Solstice is a small sports car made by the Pontiac brand. It was produced for a few years and is known for its unique design and fun driving experience.
The Pontiac Solstice was a compact sports car produced by Pontiac from 2005 to 2009. It was known for its distinctive styling and was available as both a coupe and a convertible.
Porsche Boxster
"I have a nine eight seven Boxster and a nine eleven SC."
The Porsche 987 Boxster is a model of Porsche's two-seat convertible sports car made from 2005 to 2012. It has a mid-engine design, which helps it handle well on the road.
The Porsche 987 Boxster is the second generation of the Boxster sports car, produced from 2005 to 2012. It features a mid-engine layout and is known for its balance and handling, making it a popular choice among driving enthusiasts.
rear-engine
"...having the engine behind you, whether it's mid engine or rear engine and even..."
A rear-engine car has its engine placed at the back, which can change how the car drives and handles. It's a setup that can make sports cars feel different and exciting to drive.
A rear-engine layout means that the engine is located behind the rear axle of the vehicle. This configuration can provide unique handling characteristics and weight distribution, often found in sports cars like the Porsche 911.
mid-engine
"...whether it's mid engine or rear engine and even..."
A mid-engine car has its engine located in the middle of the car, which helps it handle better when turning. It's a popular design for sports cars because it makes them feel more balanced and responsive.
A mid-engine layout places the engine between the front and rear axles, which helps achieve better balance and handling. This design is commonly used in high-performance sports cars to enhance driving dynamics.
RPM
"It loves to be between four and fifty five hundred RPM. It loves that range because it's real torquey in there."
RPM means how many times the engine spins around in a minute. Higher RPMs usually mean the engine is working harder and can produce more power.
RPM stands for revolutions per minute and measures how many times the engine's crankshaft makes a full rotation every minute. It's an important metric for understanding engine performance and efficiency.
torque
"It loves that range because it's real torquey in there. But it's a very different experience, like the steering wheel is slightly offset..."
Torque is how strong an engine is when it pulls. More torque means the car can start moving faster and carry heavier loads, especially when the engine is running at lower speeds.
Torque is a measure of rotational force, which in the context of an engine, indicates how much pulling power it has. It's crucial for acceleration and towing capacity, especially at lower RPMs.
Mercury Monterey
"... and I'm actually going to be at Works Reunion at Monterey car week next in August."
The Mercury Monterey is a big car that was made for families, known for being comfortable and having a lot of space inside. It was popular in the past, especially in the 1950s and 60s, and people talk about it because it reminds them of older American cars. It has a classic look that many car lovers appreciate.
The Mercury Monterey was a full-size car produced by the Mercury division of Ford from the 1950s to the early 2000s, known for its spacious interior and classic American styling. It often served as a family vehicle and was popular during its time for its comfort and reliability. The Monterey is discussed in automotive circles for its nostalgic value and representation of mid-century American automotive design.
Austin Healey Sprite
"...that body of that car and they, you know, he and his brother both grew up with it. It has a four seventy eight hemi in it, which that doesn't go together in the sentence of bug-eye sprite four seventy eight hemi."
The Austin Healey Sprite is a small sports car from the 1950s and 60s, famous for its cute, bug-like appearance. It's popular among classic car enthusiasts.
The Austin Healey Sprite is a small, lightweight sports car that was produced in the 1950s and 1960s. It is known for its distinctive design and is often referred to as the 'Bug Eye' due to its prominent headlights.
Hemi
"...It has a four seventy eight hemi in it, which that doesn't go together in the sentence of bug-eye sprite four seventy eight hemi."
Hemi is short for hemispherical engine, which means the shape of the engine's combustion chamber is round like a half-sphere. This design helps the engine run better and produce more power.
Hemi refers to a type of engine design characterized by a hemispherical combustion chamber. This design allows for more efficient airflow and combustion, often resulting in increased power output.
Dodge Colt
"So my very first car was a 1988 Dodge Colt sedan four doors with vinyl interior that was like kind of like hard plastic."
The Dodge Colt is a small car that was made by Dodge. The 1988 version was simple and cheap, making it a common choice for first-time drivers.
The Dodge Colt was a compact car produced by Dodge, known for its affordability and practicality. The 1988 model was part of a generation that offered basic features and was popular among budget-conscious buyers.
Honda Civic
"And if you remember the Honda Civic hatchbacks of that same era, we're kind of cool cars."
The Honda Civic is a small car that many people like because it's dependable and gets good gas mileage. It's been around for a long time and is often seen as a cool car.
The Honda Civic is a compact car known for its reliability and efficiency. It has been popular among car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike since its introduction in the 1970s.
blowing up the motor
"And then I blew up the motor. I didn't put any oil in it."
When someone says they 'blew up the motor,' it means their car's engine broke down completely, usually because it didn't have enough oil or got too hot.
'Blowing up the motor' refers to a catastrophic engine failure, often due to lack of lubrication or overheating. This can lead to severe damage, rendering the engine inoperable.
oil
"I didn't put any oil in it. So I learned the hard way."
Oil is a liquid that helps keep a car's engine running smoothly. If there's no oil, the engine can get damaged and stop working.
Oil is a crucial fluid in an engine that lubricates moving parts, reducing friction and preventing overheating. Running an engine without oil can lead to severe damage.
Ferrari 348 Spider
"...So Christian knew I like cars, you like cars. So we rented a Ferrari 348 Spider..."
The Ferrari 348 Spider is a type of sports car made by Ferrari. It's a convertible, which means the roof can be opened, and it's known for being fast and stylish.
The Ferrari 348 Spider is a convertible sports car produced by Ferrari from 1989 to 1995. It features a mid-engine layout and is known for its distinctive design and performance characteristics.
Ferrari 348
"...got married in Vegas. I was there. So we rented a Ferrari 348 spider 94 and it, you know, those fancy rentals."
The Ferrari 308 GTS is a stylish sports car made by Ferrari in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It's known for being very fast and fun to drive, and it was featured in a popular TV show called 'Magnum, P.I.' People talk about it because it's a classic car that many fans of sports cars admire.
The Ferrari 308 GTS is a mid-engine sports car produced by Ferrari from 1975 to 1985, recognized for its sleek design and performance capabilities. It gained fame for its appearance in the television series 'Magnum, P.I.' and is celebrated for its engaging driving experience and iconic styling. Discussions about the 308 GTS often highlight its status as a classic Ferrari and its significance in the brand's history.
Porsche 911
"Blushing. Last week, I took my 9-11 and I drove across town and it was in about 11 in the morning."
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that has been around for a long time, starting in the 1960s. It's known for being really fun to drive and has a unique shape that many people recognize. People talk about it because it's considered one of the best sports cars ever made.
The Porsche 911 is a high-performance sports car that has been in production since 1964. Known for its distinctive design and rear-engine layout, it has become an icon in the automotive world, often celebrated for its driving dynamics and engineering excellence. The 911 is frequently discussed due to its status as a benchmark in the sports car segment and its enduring popularity among enthusiasts.
Model A
"...you mentioned a model A..."
The Model A is an old car made by Ford that was popular in the late 1920s and early 1930s. It was known for being a good car for regular people to buy.
The Ford Model A was a popular car produced by Ford Motor Company from 1927 to 1931. It was known for its affordability and was a significant improvement over the earlier Model T.
Porsche 924
"...she went in to go buy a 924. And so so I had a Porsche dad..."
The Porsche 924 is a type of sports car made by Porsche. It was built to be more affordable and has a design that helps it handle well on the road.
The Porsche 924 is a sports car produced by Porsche from 1976 to 1988. It was designed as an entry-level model and featured a front-engine layout with a transaxle, which contributed to its balanced handling.
Jeep
"It was the 70th anniversary of the Jeep that year. And there was this big event in Europe called..."
Jeep is a car brand famous for making tough vehicles that can go off-road. They started making cars during World War II, and now they are known for their SUVs and trucks.
Jeep is a brand known for its rugged vehicles, particularly its off-road capable SUVs and trucks. The brand has a rich history dating back to World War II, where its military vehicles gained popularity.
Deloreans
"...l. Yeah. And I also have a couple of friends with DeLoreans, with LS V8s and so if I know you like a little m..."
The DeLorean DMC-12 is a unique car known for its shiny metal body and doors that open upwards. It became really popular because it was featured in the 'Back to the Future' movies. People often talk about it because of its cool look and the interesting story behind the company that made it.
The DeLorean DMC-12 is a sports car that became famous for its gullwing doors and stainless steel body, produced by the DeLorean Motor Company in the early 1980s. Its unique design and association with the 'Back to the Future' movie franchise have made it a cult classic. Discussions about the DeLorean often revolve around its distinctive style and the challenges the company faced during its production.
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