Catherine Pattison: Any nicknames?
Jolene Van Vugt: Jo and Nitro Girl.
CP: Are you married?
JVV: Nope!
CP: Do you have children?
JVV: Nope!
CP: How many tattoos do you have?
JVV: Not enough.
CP: Were your parents supportive of your choice to ride and race?
JVV: Yes, my father is the one who taught me how to race.
CP: What are your major achievements within motocross?
JVV: Canadian women's motocross champion.
CP: What did it mean for your career and yourself personally to become the first woman to backflip a full-sized motorbike?
JVV: Wasn't something I even knew I wanted to do. Was just at the right place and the right time and willing to give it a go, but it changed my life forever.
CP: How did it come about that you joined Nitro Circus?
JVV: Travis [Pastrana] taught me to backflip at his house in MD [Maryland, United States] and the rest is history.
CP: What was that first year like with the show?
JVV: It was all so new and very exciting. We weren't sure what to expect from ourselves and from the show and from the fans. It was just all about heading down a road not travelled and we had a blast and still do.
CP: How long have you been travelling with Nitro Circus?
JVV: I've been a part of things since 2005. With the live shows, I've been there since day one, which started in fall [autumn] 2009 with training on the ramp and figuring out the show.
CP: What stunts will you be doing in this Nitro Circus tour that is coming to New Zealand?
JVV: I'll be performing on my BMX and jumping the Barbie car.
CP: Have you performed in Dunedin before?
JVV: I was here four years ago, but was injured at the time
CP: What are the coolest parts of being part of Nitro Circus?
JVV: Travelling the world with my best friends doing what I love.
CP: What are the hardest parts of being part of Nitro Circus and what sacrifices do you have to make?
JVV: Injuries and never being home.
CP: How do you stay positive after an injury?
JVV: I just do everything I can to get back out there and get healthy again.
CP: What would you love to do career-wise when you finish touring with the show?
JVV: Most likely move into doing Hollywood stunts fulltime.
CPP: Who are your idols or people you look to for inspiration?
JVV: Travis Pastrana and my father, Bill Van Vugt.
