Outlaw
August 6th, 2009, 05:16 PM
Some of you on here know that I talk to the Brass's on a regular basis. Either way I was able to send a small interview a while back and have just recently got it sent back by mrs brass.
Enjoy the read and if anyone has a question to ask Andy, I can forward them to him or Mrs. Brass.
Hope this answers most questions about Andy.
cheers
INTERVIEW OF ANDY BRASS 2009
1. Q: Now first off how did you get into the world of monster trucks?
A: Andy, “I filled out an application because I wanted to get into racing. I am from a big family that did not venture out of the town we were raised, and wanted some adventure. The application at Bigfoot was for a Truck Driver; I got into racing later”).
2. Q: What was the first show you did, what truck were you in?
A: Andy, “Started with Ford truck displays with Bigfoot #3, and the first show was Santa Fe, NM”.
3. Q: In 1990 you stepped up big time and delivered a championship for the bigfoot team driving a combination of bigfoot 8 and 4, how was that whole experience? What was the most memorable moment of that year other than winning it all?
A: Andy, “The experience was very different because we had the only soft suspension truck, and was years ahead of the leaf spring truck, forcing others to step up their game. The most memorable moments are too many to count because I met my wife during this time, as well, while in Oregon.
4. Q: Now this one is more for my knowledge (but I am sure there are others out there too) what was the handling issues with Bigfoot 8 that you had to deal with pretty much all year? Also what was the issue is Louisville when you were in the Bigfoot 4 and its constant stuttering? #8 was the handling issue because of the sway bars, and/or shock settings?
A: No one knew anything about them, and we were all on a learning curve with this. #4 was injected on gas versus alcohol. Gas injection is temperamental. Bob wanted the gas, but after that it was alcohol for racing. After that race we did change to injection.
5. Q: You then proceeded to win three PENDA point titles back to back to back. Which year was the biggest for you personally? Why? Most memorable moment for each year (besides winning)?
A: The last because I was not working for Bigfoot anymore (August 1994 was the last time I worked for them). In Sept 1994 I went back for the final race. Everyone else had fresh engines (I had a worn motor, and was in second place). The fact is that I smoked them all, and took the Championship. I was the first to win four Championships, and the first to win three consecutive Championships in a row (yep, that’s a Championship ring for each of my son’s-good thing I stopped there, huh). The fact is that I had some good friends that believed in me, and I never wanted to let them down. They all worked too hard to inspire me to be my best, and I wanted to show them that hard work does pay off.
6. Q: In Lima Ohio 1993 semi finals you took what is arguably the wildest ride in a monster truck before freestyle became the norm; how was that ride while in the driver’s seat?
A: It was a handful just keeping it straight. We ended up keeping it loose to keep it soft (that helped decrease the impact).
7. Q: You also did some shows with the USHRA, with some pretty cool track designs. Which was your favorite layout/design? Do you prefer straight line drags or turning in the driver’s seat?
A: I always preferred turning. Favorite: Figure 8 in Louisville, KY (neat track).
8. Q: 1994 marked the last year you were in a monster truck seat, before we move onto 1995, and I have to ask, what Bigfoot did you like the most? What paint scheme? What was your favorite non Bigfoot truck?
A: #11 Wildfoot (Team Bigfoot ran for two years). Wildfoot was a more modern design, and a change from the traditional blue. Gary Porter with Carolina Crusher is my favorite Monster Truck Driver because his truck fits him well. He works hard, and is so practical.
9. Q: Throughout the years you had plenty of competition, who was your biggest rival? Who was the guy that everyone got along with? Who was the most intense?
A: Bearfoot (Fred), Taurus (Jack). Jack was the hardest to beat on a turning course. Fred was easier to beat with the mind game. Gene Patterson was able to get a crowd revved up with his outgoing personality, and his hard work too. All of the Monster Truck Driver’s at that time were intense to me because I had to maintain a standard due to who I worked for and the sport in general. I wanted to help make a difference, and so did they. These guys live and breathe monster trucks, and when you see the talent around you, it makes you that much stronger. You really want to step it up for everyone.
10. Q: You didn’t crash or wreck often but what was the worse mishap you took while driving?
A: Roseburg, Oregon. After clearing thirteen cars, and landing, the rear suspension broke. I turned the truck sideways, and barrel rolled it.
11. Q: What was your favorite part of the monster truck industry?
A: Working with Gene with the Bigfoot team (Snake Bite). He played the part so well. I also met my wife along the way while traveling. She wasn’t much of the monster truck type, but was willing to work around things anyway.
12. Q: What about your favorite part of being a team Bigfoot member? What advantages of being in the Bigfoot team during your racing career? A: Obviously you had the support, and backing of a knowledgeable group, which others did not have.
13. Q: What is the favorite truck/team right now in the industry, if you’re still connected to that is?
A: Hall Boys-Dodge Team because they have come a long way. It’s nice to see sponsors. They have done well, and it has not changed them. I ran into them while traveling recently, and they were the same as always.
14. Q: What were the flaws in the industry at the time, what do you think is the flaw in the industry now?
A: The flaw is too much control by Bob Chandler. Would not put numbers on trucks, just the name, and poor driver recognition (but, here we talk about the number of the truck in this interview because we all know it was a Bigfoot truck-plus how does a truck give an interview?-Ha). Also, the trucks got torn up a lot, and there was little help to fix them. It was a lot of late nights, and early mornings. I also feel that once NASCAR started the truck series that a lot of potential sponsorship went away because NASCAR was legitimate racing.
15. Q: Would you like to be involved with the industry now in any way, shape, or form?
A: I like the Indy cars. The NASCAR schedule is too ruling. With Indy cars you can still have somewhat of a home life, and you get to work with high tech cars.
Now for the non-monster truck stuff, you left in 1994 from the monster truck industry to pursue other motorsports racing. What were they: Did you enjoy them as much as monster trucks?
Here is a timeline for you:
1994-1997-NASCAR Craftsman Truck-Driver/Crewed
1998-2000-Team Hogan-CART (Champion Auto Racing Team)-Fueler (for Helio Castro Neves, and JJ Lehto)/Fabricator
2001-Present: ”Dad”, and old car restorations.
I really have enjoyed everything I have done. Every motorsport has its advantages, and disadvantages. I think it is just what you are willing to give, and realize that you are a team (it’s not just about you). I really liked working with Helio because he was funny, and kind spirted. CART was the most fun because the travel, meeting new people, and the technology that Champ Cars offer.
16. Q: A lot of people have different (read FALSE) information of what you did after leaving motorsports entirely, so I guess my next question is what did you do to keep yourself busy when you decided to leave motorsports?
A: I became a Dad of three boys, and continue to help restore cars. My wife works as a Registered Nurse, and we started up a web site (monstertruckart.com).
17. Q: What are you doing currently?
A: I work as a Mechanic on the side, and I am trying to raise my boys as they are busy kids, and are all so different. They all agree on the fact that monster trucks are cool, and are waiting for the day that they can drive one. I am trying to give my son’s the best education that I can because I know that this will help them, and whoever they meet in their future. Racing is a job that requires skill, and you need to have a solid background if you are ever thinking about working in the industry. Education always comes first.
18. Q: Do you still talk to people currently/previously in the industry? Have you talked to Mr. Chandler since leaving Bigfoot?
A: Yes, I have stopped by the shop in St. Louis while visiting family and friends. A few of the old crew were still there. I ran into Gene Patterson about a year ago. We went to a Monster Truck Race put on by Danny Torgesson here in Southern Oregon recently (he had a sold out crowd here). We saw Dan Runte, and the boys took some photos with him. Mostly, I am happy to be part of the earlier history of monster trucks, and it’s nice to see things still going on in the industry.
Enjoy the read and if anyone has a question to ask Andy, I can forward them to him or Mrs. Brass.
Hope this answers most questions about Andy.
cheers
INTERVIEW OF ANDY BRASS 2009
1. Q: Now first off how did you get into the world of monster trucks?
A: Andy, “I filled out an application because I wanted to get into racing. I am from a big family that did not venture out of the town we were raised, and wanted some adventure. The application at Bigfoot was for a Truck Driver; I got into racing later”).
2. Q: What was the first show you did, what truck were you in?
A: Andy, “Started with Ford truck displays with Bigfoot #3, and the first show was Santa Fe, NM”.
3. Q: In 1990 you stepped up big time and delivered a championship for the bigfoot team driving a combination of bigfoot 8 and 4, how was that whole experience? What was the most memorable moment of that year other than winning it all?
A: Andy, “The experience was very different because we had the only soft suspension truck, and was years ahead of the leaf spring truck, forcing others to step up their game. The most memorable moments are too many to count because I met my wife during this time, as well, while in Oregon.
4. Q: Now this one is more for my knowledge (but I am sure there are others out there too) what was the handling issues with Bigfoot 8 that you had to deal with pretty much all year? Also what was the issue is Louisville when you were in the Bigfoot 4 and its constant stuttering? #8 was the handling issue because of the sway bars, and/or shock settings?
A: No one knew anything about them, and we were all on a learning curve with this. #4 was injected on gas versus alcohol. Gas injection is temperamental. Bob wanted the gas, but after that it was alcohol for racing. After that race we did change to injection.
5. Q: You then proceeded to win three PENDA point titles back to back to back. Which year was the biggest for you personally? Why? Most memorable moment for each year (besides winning)?
A: The last because I was not working for Bigfoot anymore (August 1994 was the last time I worked for them). In Sept 1994 I went back for the final race. Everyone else had fresh engines (I had a worn motor, and was in second place). The fact is that I smoked them all, and took the Championship. I was the first to win four Championships, and the first to win three consecutive Championships in a row (yep, that’s a Championship ring for each of my son’s-good thing I stopped there, huh). The fact is that I had some good friends that believed in me, and I never wanted to let them down. They all worked too hard to inspire me to be my best, and I wanted to show them that hard work does pay off.
6. Q: In Lima Ohio 1993 semi finals you took what is arguably the wildest ride in a monster truck before freestyle became the norm; how was that ride while in the driver’s seat?
A: It was a handful just keeping it straight. We ended up keeping it loose to keep it soft (that helped decrease the impact).
7. Q: You also did some shows with the USHRA, with some pretty cool track designs. Which was your favorite layout/design? Do you prefer straight line drags or turning in the driver’s seat?
A: I always preferred turning. Favorite: Figure 8 in Louisville, KY (neat track).
8. Q: 1994 marked the last year you were in a monster truck seat, before we move onto 1995, and I have to ask, what Bigfoot did you like the most? What paint scheme? What was your favorite non Bigfoot truck?
A: #11 Wildfoot (Team Bigfoot ran for two years). Wildfoot was a more modern design, and a change from the traditional blue. Gary Porter with Carolina Crusher is my favorite Monster Truck Driver because his truck fits him well. He works hard, and is so practical.
9. Q: Throughout the years you had plenty of competition, who was your biggest rival? Who was the guy that everyone got along with? Who was the most intense?
A: Bearfoot (Fred), Taurus (Jack). Jack was the hardest to beat on a turning course. Fred was easier to beat with the mind game. Gene Patterson was able to get a crowd revved up with his outgoing personality, and his hard work too. All of the Monster Truck Driver’s at that time were intense to me because I had to maintain a standard due to who I worked for and the sport in general. I wanted to help make a difference, and so did they. These guys live and breathe monster trucks, and when you see the talent around you, it makes you that much stronger. You really want to step it up for everyone.
10. Q: You didn’t crash or wreck often but what was the worse mishap you took while driving?
A: Roseburg, Oregon. After clearing thirteen cars, and landing, the rear suspension broke. I turned the truck sideways, and barrel rolled it.
11. Q: What was your favorite part of the monster truck industry?
A: Working with Gene with the Bigfoot team (Snake Bite). He played the part so well. I also met my wife along the way while traveling. She wasn’t much of the monster truck type, but was willing to work around things anyway.
12. Q: What about your favorite part of being a team Bigfoot member? What advantages of being in the Bigfoot team during your racing career? A: Obviously you had the support, and backing of a knowledgeable group, which others did not have.
13. Q: What is the favorite truck/team right now in the industry, if you’re still connected to that is?
A: Hall Boys-Dodge Team because they have come a long way. It’s nice to see sponsors. They have done well, and it has not changed them. I ran into them while traveling recently, and they were the same as always.
14. Q: What were the flaws in the industry at the time, what do you think is the flaw in the industry now?
A: The flaw is too much control by Bob Chandler. Would not put numbers on trucks, just the name, and poor driver recognition (but, here we talk about the number of the truck in this interview because we all know it was a Bigfoot truck-plus how does a truck give an interview?-Ha). Also, the trucks got torn up a lot, and there was little help to fix them. It was a lot of late nights, and early mornings. I also feel that once NASCAR started the truck series that a lot of potential sponsorship went away because NASCAR was legitimate racing.
15. Q: Would you like to be involved with the industry now in any way, shape, or form?
A: I like the Indy cars. The NASCAR schedule is too ruling. With Indy cars you can still have somewhat of a home life, and you get to work with high tech cars.
Now for the non-monster truck stuff, you left in 1994 from the monster truck industry to pursue other motorsports racing. What were they: Did you enjoy them as much as monster trucks?
Here is a timeline for you:
1994-1997-NASCAR Craftsman Truck-Driver/Crewed
1998-2000-Team Hogan-CART (Champion Auto Racing Team)-Fueler (for Helio Castro Neves, and JJ Lehto)/Fabricator
2001-Present: ”Dad”, and old car restorations.
I really have enjoyed everything I have done. Every motorsport has its advantages, and disadvantages. I think it is just what you are willing to give, and realize that you are a team (it’s not just about you). I really liked working with Helio because he was funny, and kind spirted. CART was the most fun because the travel, meeting new people, and the technology that Champ Cars offer.
16. Q: A lot of people have different (read FALSE) information of what you did after leaving motorsports entirely, so I guess my next question is what did you do to keep yourself busy when you decided to leave motorsports?
A: I became a Dad of three boys, and continue to help restore cars. My wife works as a Registered Nurse, and we started up a web site (monstertruckart.com).
17. Q: What are you doing currently?
A: I work as a Mechanic on the side, and I am trying to raise my boys as they are busy kids, and are all so different. They all agree on the fact that monster trucks are cool, and are waiting for the day that they can drive one. I am trying to give my son’s the best education that I can because I know that this will help them, and whoever they meet in their future. Racing is a job that requires skill, and you need to have a solid background if you are ever thinking about working in the industry. Education always comes first.
18. Q: Do you still talk to people currently/previously in the industry? Have you talked to Mr. Chandler since leaving Bigfoot?
A: Yes, I have stopped by the shop in St. Louis while visiting family and friends. A few of the old crew were still there. I ran into Gene Patterson about a year ago. We went to a Monster Truck Race put on by Danny Torgesson here in Southern Oregon recently (he had a sold out crowd here). We saw Dan Runte, and the boys took some photos with him. Mostly, I am happy to be part of the earlier history of monster trucks, and it’s nice to see things still going on in the industry.