A Question & Answer with the Queen of Cars

You are surrounded by classic and muscle cars, but ironically, it was lowriders that first caught your attention. How did that happen?

Our family moved from South Orange County to Whittier, which is closer to Los Angeles, a predominately Hispanic community. I lived there from the age of 10 to 16 years old, obviously influential years. Many of my neighbors and the guys I went to school with were customizing classic cars and building lowriders. I was always intrigued watching an old rusty car be transformed into a beautiful piece of artwork – the engineering, mechanics, shiny chrome and paint, innovative interior, crazy hydraulics and extraordinary details. All of this is fascinating to me!

What has been your most memorable behind-the-wheels experience?
The first time I hosted a TV program for ESPN (Mothers Polish Car Show Series) they had me ride in a dragster (as a passenger) down the Bristol Drag Strip. I screamed the entire way down. It was an amazing feeling, both invigorating and euphoric. I definitely want to do it again.

If you could trade in the family Suburban for one of the cars you’ve seen cross the auction block, what would it be?
The first car on my list is a 1952 Cadillac Coupe De Ville. I’d chop it and drop it a bit. Exterior would most likely be cream, and the interior a deep shade of red. I’d add big while wall tires, phat wheels, a unique hood ornament…shall I continue? LOL!

You’re just as home at a hockey game as you are at a car show. How did you come to be a hockey fan?
I discovered hockey while channel surfing one night in the late 80’s. At that time hockey wasn’t very popular here in California. Yet, I thought it was the best sport in the world! Good looking guys on skates, battling for a tiny puck with speed, precision, coordination and style. Plus an occasional brawl! Now that’s entertaining! Shortly thereafter, I started playing on a co-ed roller hockey team and in 1998 I married a pro-hockey player. You could say I became a hockey expert real quick.

And, outside of cars and hockey, you’re a fan of a number of different kinds of sports.

I’m a very active girl and I love participating in sports. My favorites would include just about all ocean sports. Once I get in the water, it’s hard to get me out – I’m like a real live mermaid. Back on land, I enjoy roller hockey, ice hockey, snowboarding, weight training, golf & bowling.

You’re a So-Cal girl, and your home is in Huntington Beach. Why has Orange County been home for nearly your whole life?
Living in Orange County we have it all – the best of everything, right at our finger tips. Beautiful beaches, fun night life and events, a diverse array of amazing restaurants, hip fashions, and artistic, creative and interesting people. It also happens to be the epicenter of car enthusiasts, designers and customizers. All of those things inspire me – Orange County has proven to be a wonderful home.

How do you balance hosting a number of shows, as well as being a mom and a wife?
It’s not easy; it’s a continual balancing act. It takes a lot of hard work, thought and planning! I sometimes feel like one of those rubber dolls being pulled by each limp in every direction. I try to keep my lifestyle very simple, by keeping my priorities straight – family comes first. I also recognize that although I live in an extremely affluent area, there is no need for me to lead a materialistic lifestyle. I make time to work out, eat right, and from time to time get some socializing in with the girls.

Tell us something about you that your viewers wouldn’t know.
In no specific order: I’m the oldest of five children; four girls, one boy. I’ve always had a genuine interested in others. I love everything Latin (food, culture, music, art, etc). I’m a tomboy at heart – always have been, always will be! I have a sarcastic sense of humor, I love to laugh and have fun – yet, I’m also a very deep thinker. I was a sponsored rider for a girls snowboard team for 5 years. My techy friends say I’m a geek in disguise. I’m totally into fitness and holistic healthcare. I volunteer approximately 30-50 hours a month, working one-on-one counseling children and abused woman.

On a weekend where you aren’t filming, how will you be spending your time?
On a sunny day, I’m at the beach, doing something active and/or getting some rest & relaxation. On a cold day, I like to read, write or doing something fun & creative, like paint or redecorate a room in my house.

Where can we expect to see you next?

Along with the TV programs currently on ESPN, SPEED, Verses, Treasure HD and Outdoor Channel, that will air through the fall. This summer I’ll be on the cover and/or featured in Hot Rod Deluxe, Car Craft, Where OC and Velocity magazine. I will also be doing some guest appearances and preparing to shoot ESPNs third season of Bidding Wars and the second season of Russo & Steele Classic Car Auction. 

Early on the week on received an email from one of my agents here’s what it said -

“I have a very special client that is looking for 6 spokes-models/product specialist to travel and work 6 upcoming trade-shows for the rest of the year. They are introducing a new plane that is going to take the industry by storm. The rate is still to be determined, but they will be paying for hotel, airfare, food per diem and transfers. They have narrowed down their selection and you have been chosen to interview if you are interested.”

Now, I know what your thinking…after representing some of the biggest names in the biz along with three successful TV series currently on ESPN and a number of other TV shows on popular networks, why would I consider a position as a spokesmodel/product specialist? Well, read on…

While reading over the agents invitation I notice the word aircraft and it perked my curiosity, so I decided to do a bit of research. In a nutshell, here’s what I found…

1. ICON Aircraft has designed a state-of-the-art recreational vehicle for the sky. This amphibious (land and sea) aircraft is amazingly innovative and waaaaay ahead of the curve – that’s all I can disclose at this point.

2. Kirk Hawkins founder and CEO of ICON has quite an impressive background and resume to say the least. He is Standford Engineer and Standford Business School Grad, a former F-16 pilot for the US Air Force, and flew 757′s for American Airlines. Hawkins also stays very active by snowboarding, scuba diving and various H2O sports. Not to mention, he has logged nearly 1000 skydives and is a devoted member of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Are you impressed yet? Well that’s not all, continue on…

3. Hawkins has assembled a world class team of individuals that makeup some of the most intelligent, talented and creative minds out there. It’s a business & engineering ”Dream Team” names such as John Dorton from Mastercraft Boat Company, Paul Crandell Driector of Sports Marketing for Red Bull, Vern Raburn President and CEO of Eclipse Aviation, Matthew Gionta, Scott Bledsoe and Jon Karkow the top three engineering leaders at Burt Rutan’s Scaled Composites and the list goes on.

My friends, this is exactly why I’m interested in the position. Simply put, I like to surround myself with intellegent people from diverse backgrounds, familarize myself with new products and experience various industries. Moreover, when it comes to technology, design, engineering and mechanics, I’m a total geek! Yes, I love that kind of stuff…it gets my engine revving!