Meet the Driver: Matt Monacelli

As the countdown to June 1st grows shorter, our meet the drivers series continues. Today we sit down with Matt Monacelli for an interview.

Q Matt, you've raced with us in a limited capacity in the past.  What made you decide to start in this new iRacing adventure?

A Well, I always had an interest in NASCAR since my cousin used to take me to the races when I was younger.  When a couple of my friends told me TNR was starting back up, they asked if I was interested in returning, and I said, yeah, absolutely.

Q Monday night is an opportunity to race against two of your best friends.  Does it add any extra pressure being on the track with them? 

A I think it's a great idea that we're all going to be competing with each other.  It's always fun to have bragging rights against two old friends. 

Q Matt, I noticed you have a very interesting paint scheme for this season.  Would you like to explain it to the fans?

A Well, first off, Dumb and Dumber is my favorite movie.  Who wouldn't want to drive the '84 Sheepdog Shaggin' Wagon?  The chicks love it.  I look forward to packing up my Samsonite luggage and driving to each race with a Big Gulp in hand.

Q NEPA Cornhole is supplying the champion of this year's season with a set of cornhole boards and I see you have their logo on your car.  Does NEPA Cornhole have any special meaning to you? 

A Yes.  My buddy Tony Lucarelli introduced me to cornhole six-plus years ago.  It all started out in the backyard and he told me that he wanted to start a league up.  I was obviously very supportive and thought it was a great idea.  The game has grown so much since.  I guess he got sick of me beating him all the time, so he really wanted me to get into iRacing so he could get even with me since he has more experience.  I mean, he's made me try softball, basketball, flag football, and stone skipping in the past.  Now he's even trying to race to have his wedding before mine.  I do have to say he's pretty good at hopscotch.  I'll give him that one, although I had a bum ankle that day.  

Q So clearly you're not one of the more experienced drivers in the field this season.  What are you hoping to accomplish in this eight-race stretch? 

A Well, the last time I raced with these guys was back in 2009, and I had a solid run until I took my eyes off the track to watch the last five seconds of an NBA playoff game.  I found out the hard way about distracted driving and turned right when I should have turned left.  (Don't look up that clip on YouTube.)  My hope this season is to keep my eyes on the track, and I hope the '84 Sheepdog could be competitive and have a couple top fives and possibly steal a win.

Q I've heard rumors out there that in order to keep yourself focused you have hired a female crew chief and spotter.  Do you feel like that's going to be an extra benefit to you in staying focused?

A Well, I'm still going through the interview process.  My first choice was Billy from 4C but it seemed like he turned a blind eye to my suggestion.  I really can't blame him.  He was still mourning the death of Petey, his parakeet.  Then it came down to a sheepdog or my fiance.  I can't understand the dog and I don't listen to her so that's where we're at.

Q Well, I can see by this interview that you're going to be one of our fan favorites.  Do you have anything else you'd like to say? 

A Yeah.  Don't trust a little old lady on a motorized cart. Welp, see ya on the track.