20 Questions with Rutledge Wood
Michelle Hoskin, February 4th, 2015
Just who is Rutledge Wood…better yet, where to start? Rutledge is a husband, a dad, a NASCAR (NBC Sports) analyst, a co-host of the History Channels, Top Gear USA, and basically, an all-around good guy.
Rutledge has had an obsession with cars throughout his life, so it comes as no surprise that he is living out his own personal dream. His first job in entertainment was with Country Music Television doing mobile marketing on their “Most Wanted Tour.” After applying for a job posting on Craigslist, Rutledge was hired by SPEED Channel to work in the marketing department. All the while, Rutledge knew he needed to be in front of the camera and was just awaiting his chance. With much insistence from Rutledge, he was finally given his shot in front of the camera with NASCAR Live and made the most of it. (1) More than anything however, Rutledge loves spending time with his girls; his wife and his beautiful daughters.
Rutledge Wood, NBC NASCAR
Michelle: Your favorite driver?
Rutledge Wood: Kyle Petty! Current… tie between AJ Allmendinger and Carl Edwards and Tony Stewart…and Jimmie Johnson and Danica Patrick… I like them all! NOTE: Along with a passion for automobiles, Rutledge also has a passion for helping. After meeting Kyle Petty many years ago, Rutledge began assisting with The Victory Junction Gang Camp in Randleman, NC, a retreat for children with life threatening illnesses and chronic diseases, participating in their annual charity ride and volunteering his time any chance he gets. (2)
M: The best interviewee?
Rutledge: Carl is always good.
Link to Rutledge Wood and Carl Edwards Rapid Fire Interview, 2014: http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/rapid-fire-with-carl-edwards/12x2gbi9
M: If you could do any job in the world?
Rutledge: I’m doing it!
M: If you could meet anyone that you haven’t met?
Rutledge: Bill Lawrence that created Scrubs….he’s awesome.
M: Your personal favorite car?
Rutledge: My Scion XB powered by a Turbo Toyota Supra engine swap.
M: What’s your biggest poison?
Rutledge: Being away from my wife and daughters.
M: Biggest passion?
Rutledge: Making people smile.
Rutledge Wood getting a smooch from Shaq…
M: How was the SEMA event?
Rutledge: IT was amazing! So unreal to see my car under the lights that we built.
M: Your favorite episode of Top Gear?
Rutledge: Hard to pick just one over the years because we’ve had so much fun over the years.
M: Favorite guest?
Rutledge: Kid Rock…he’s the man.
Link to the Top Gear episode featuring Kid Rock, December 2010, Halo vs. Velociraptor: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1794643/
M: Is Top Gear scripted?
Rutledge: It is not. Our show is made just like the UK Top Gear. 3 idiots and cameras.
M: In the commercial you did with Kenny Wallace, was his fall on the deck intentional?
Rutledge: HAHAHA No, it wasn’t! Kenny slipped on the slightly wet deck and luckily he was fine. But he laughed so hard when he fell, they had to use that!
Link to the Rutledge Wood and Kenny Wallace Speed commercial, via Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__l805rwkkI
M: In the commercial you did with Krista Voda, did you really get hit?
Rutledge: I wasn’t supposed to, but Krista’s got a mean hook!
Link to the Rutledge Wood and Krista Voda Speed commercial, via Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmIUNDeAqFU
M: Your family?
Rutledge: I do indeed have a family 🙂
M: Pets?
Rutledge: No pets.
M: Favorite movie?
Rutledge: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
M: Music?
Rutledge: I love so many, but Yellowcard and New Found Glory are two of my favorites.
M: Jeff G. or Brad K?
Rutledge: Really like them both, but J. G. is a legend.
M: Tony S. or Jr.?
Rutledge: Both good dudes- I’ll take Jr’s car collection and Tony’s fitness equipment.
LAS VEGAS, NV – NOVEMBER 29: Tony Stewart, driver of the #14 Office Depot/Mobil 1 Chevrolet, does a push up against TV Personality Rutledge Wood on stage during NASCAR After The Lap at PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on November 29, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jerry Markland/Getty Images for NASCAR)
M: Mikey W. or Chong?
Rutledge: Mikey all day!
M: Money or fame?
Rutledge: Neither of them really matter in the end…
M: Your next big project?
Rutledge: My new show, Lost in Transmission which will be on History some-time in the next few months!
M: McDonald’s or Burger King?
Rutledge: Chick-Fil A!
External Links:
Twitter: @RutledgeWood
Facebook: Rutledge-Wood
http://www.therutledgewood.com/
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