Monster Mutt Dalmatian driver Candice Jolly.
Camera IconMonster Mutt Dalmatian driver Candice Jolly. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Monster Jam’s Candice Jolly driving Monster Mutt Dalmatian back to Subiaco

Tanya MacNaughtonEastern Reporter

MONSTER Jam driver Candice Jolly is a mum who knows how to multitask.

Not only is she contracted to compete in truck Monster Mutt Dalmatian for 20 weekends of the year, but the Florida-based Jolly is mother to 11-year-old son Chase, partner to fellow Monster Jam Max-D driver Neil Elliott, a restaurant manager, go-kart track owner and realtor.

She also started charity Showtime Riding Academy on the 10ha property she owns with her mum that teaches horse riding to students with autism and Down’s syndrome.

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“Like any mother in the world, you juggle it and just make time for everything that’s important at that moment,” Jolly said.

“I wear many different hats.”

Jolly comes from a long family line of motorsports drivers, including her grandma who raced swamp buggies in the 1950s, her mum and step dad, who still race them now, and her dad, who races drag cars.

She began driving go-karts at age eight and in 2007 Candice and her sister Courtney began on the Monster Jam circuit.

“Monster Mutt Dalmatian is the only truck I drive,” Jolly said.

“It’s a 10,000-pound giant puppy which has a tail that wags, ears and a tongue that goes in and out; it’s adorable and kids absolutely love it.

“Every show has new elements and obstacles and everybody is always looking for that wow factor, so we’re always trying to find new ways to impress the Monster Jam fans.”

Jolly will return to Perth after competing in last year’s inaugural sell-out Monster Jam shows at Subiaco Oval.

This year’s tour will feature two shows at Subiaco Oval on Saturday, October 29, with a Party in the Pits event before the 2pm session where ticket holders with Party in the Pits passes will get to meet the Monster Jam drivers.

“The Pit Party is my favourite time of the show where I get to meet all the fans,” Jolly said.

“They get to see all the trucks and get our autographs and take photos.”

Jolly said she looked forward to returning to Perth, including the Swan Valley where she visited last year, although the tour meant leaving her son at home with his grandma.

“He loves my job and says he’s going to grow up to be a Monster Jam driver too,” she said.

“He has a mum and dad racing Monster Jam so he’s completely hooked; poor kid, he didn’t stand a chance.”

Community Newspaper Group has 10 double passes plus Party in the Pit passes to give away to Monster Jam on Saturday, October 29, at 2pm. Enter here by 10am, September 30.

THE ESSENTIALS

What: Monster Jam

Where: Subiaco Oval

When: 2pm and 7.30pm, October 29

Tickets: www.ticketmaster.com.au