A life in racing has prepared George Balhan for his newest challenge-driving the Escalade monster truck.

"Monster trucks are a bit different than quads or motocycles, which is what I've raced mostly. In quads, when you hit a jump and in you're in the air it's kind of your time to relax and take a break - but in a Monster Truck, since they are so heavy - you have to stay on the gas and really keep going. That's really different, but I've adjusted."

Balhan raced amateur and professional ATV's, then bought a dirt bike and raced those professionally as well in the late 90's. Quads still attracted him, however, and Balhan ran in the Quad Warz series alongside his future rides, the monsters.

"I actually approached Clear Channel about driving at first," says George. "I didn't know how long I would be able to keep doing the quads, and I love competition, even if it's against my fiancé at mini-golf," he says with a laugh.

After turning some heads on the Monster Jam tour while driving Spider-Man in 2003, Balhan stepped into the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle truck and impressed Ford executives enough to get a ride in their second Blue Thunder truck. Balhan again ran successfully and had his next opportunity when the idea for Escalade was formed.

"I feel like I've finally found my niche in Escalade," he says. "I can be myself more-more flashy, the Mohawk, things like that. I can express myself in interviews and generally just have fun."

Escalade's debut at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta early in 2005 came as a surprise to many, but those that doubted Balhan's ability behind the wheel were quickly surprised.

"We kept things low-key at every show and didn't always let the fans see the truck until introductions," says Balhan. "I think a lot of people were surprised at first, but now I have an identity and the fan base for the truck is really growing."

Many final-round appearances and top freestyles followed, and Balhan lost a close race with Dennis Anderson's Grave Digger at the Monster Jam World Finals this year, then followed with a spectacular freestyle run, ending by standing the truck straight up on a triple-stacked car set and flipping it.

George is also the USHRA Freestyle Motocross tour manager and works for Clear Channel Entertainment - Motor Sports full-time. It's a crazy life, but Balhan thrives on it.

"I guess you could say I'm not the average monster truck driver," he says. "I work for Clear Channel and have a family and drive. There's always a lot going on, but I do my best to please the fans wherever I'm at. We have some of the most genuine fans of any motorsport I've been involved in."

Competition drives Balhan to perform his best. He has been labeled as one of the rising stars on the Monster Jam circuit, and his many goals include winning a championship someday in Las Vegas and building a fan base with Escalade. Balhan is a threat to win in racing or freestyle, and that balance may help him achieve his goal quickly.

"I used to think that if I won a championship, it'd be in racing," says Balhan. "This year though, my freestyle has gotten a lot better, so we'll see. I want to have longevity in the sport, and most importantly, please the fans."