Ever had a question that you wanted to ask the pros but were just too embarrassed to ask it? Well, we weren't, and in this issue we pinned down WORCS ATV series pro Tim Shelman to answer all of the questions you were afraid to voice. Some of the answers rolled right off of his tongue, while other questions had him looking at us like we were crazy. Either way we got what we wanted on one of the series' more popular privateer racers, maybe even more than you wanted to know.
1 What was your first job ever?
Lot boy at a local Honda dealership at the age of 13.
2 Where is your favorite place to ride?
The 6000 acres behind my house with the huge trees and wildlife.
3 What is your favorite TV show?
It used to be "Fear Factor," but I'm old now so lots of Discovery Channel.
4 What's your pre-race routine?
I shake the hand of every rider and mechanic. I then tell them my "special thing" for each person.
5 Which do you prefer? Dogs or cats? Cats. They poop smaller and bury it in the neighbor's yard.. 6 Do you have a special nickname?
TPQ for Timmy Pro Quad. It's how I always introduce myself. I've even got my own stickers!
7 What goes through your head right before the gate drops?
Don't suck, don't suck, don't suck!
8 Do you have a MySpace, Facebook or Twitter account?
MySpace. I'm also putting together www.timothyshelman.com to help with sponsors.
9 Who was your biggest inspiration or hero? Anyone who was the underdog. I grew up short, redheaded and freckle-faced. There's no bigger underdog than that.. 10 What was your favorite cartoon when you were growing up?
It has to be Mighty Mouse!
11 What about superheroes?
I have to go with Mighty Mouse again. He was the underdog and I'm all about that
12 What is your race number and why?
#9 is the number that I earned in the WORCS series as a pro; otherwise, it would be #30 which is the age I started racing.
13 What is your favorite part of the track?
It has to be the jumps or wherever the photographers are.
14 Would you rather hang out with someone named Steve or Dave?
Steve... Make that Scuba Steve.
15 What's playing in your iPod right now?
Tool, Metallica, AC/DC... Whatever gets my blood pumping..
16 What did you want to be growing up?
Stuntman! Now the crashing isn't always caught on tape, but the "rush" is there.
17 What is your favorite food?
Anything my wife Maria cooks. I should weigh 250 or more as good as her food is.
18 What is your favorite hangout spot?
My TV/trophy room. Lots of great stuff and a huge sectional to relax on.
19 Which would you prefer, a night out on the town or a backyard BBQ?
BBQ, of course, with lots of friends.
20 Finally, what kind of car will we find you cruising around in?
A 15-passenger church van with TPQ plates or my BMW 740iL