Body Talk with Michelle Marie Bumgarner

When Arnold Vegafria (head of his own ALV Talent Circuit) introduced us to Michelle Marie Bumgarner, we thought Michelle was a singer and/or a model because she looks and could pass for one. Imagine our pleasant surprise when Michelle told us that she’s a multi-awarded, world-class race-car driver who is representing Asia and the Philippines in the forthcoming Pro Mazda Championship series.

She’s leaving on Friday, Jan. 31, for two warm-up races end of February in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Birmingham, Alabama, before she heads to St. Petersburg, Florida, end of March for the first race of PMC 2014 series.

The “Mazda Road to Indy” follows a developmental ladder system designed to prepare drivers for the Indycar series and the prestigious Indianapolis 500. (First Step: Cooper Tire US F2000 Championship powered by Mazda; Second Step: Pro Mazda Championship presented by Cooper Tires; Third Step: Indy Lights presented by Cooper Tires; and Top Level: IndyCar Series.)

“Michelle is the first Asian to get this far,” said Arnold.

Born in Manila on Sept. 2, 1989, to an American father and a Filipina mother, Michelle stands 5’9”; weighs 145 lbs.; and wears medium-size shirt and size-10/40-10.5 shoes. She speaks fluent Filipino and so does her brother Mark who is a fashion designer.

Is it hard to maintain a racer’s body like yours? 

“Yes and no. You do need to be dedicated and disciplined and watch what you eat and keep at a certain weight. But since I work out every day, I can have cheat days once in a while!” 

What’s usually for breakfast, lunch and dinner? 

“For breakfast, I have tea or coffee with cereal bars or sometimes bangus with kamatis and bagoong (my favorite). For lunch, I have a nice salad, usually Chicken Caesar’s Salad and for dinner, some soup or fruits.” 

What food do you always crave for and what food do you avoid? 

“I tend to crave for sweets, mostly chocolate or frozen yogurt! Or depends on the restaurant. If I’m here, I always make sure I go to either Sugi, People’s Palace, Cafe Mediterranean or Cafe Breton at least once. Foods that I avoid are bad carbs of course, but I’ll be naughty sometimes and have some on my cheat days. I don’t eat pork and beef (personal choice), so chicken and fish are good for me.”

Any snacks between meals? 

“It depends, really. Either crackers or fruits.”

How much water do you take per day (soda, coffee, tea or energy drinks)? 

“I drink a lot of water throughout the day. I stay away from soda, unless I’m drinking alcohol. I drink coffee one day and then tea the next; I don’t have them on the same day. Only if I’m in desperate need will I drink energy drinks.”

What workout do you do? 

“Being an athlete in motor sports, I am required to work out and keep fit. I mix up my workouts so not to get too boring. I lift weights, I play tennis, box, swim and run. I also do reaction drills, conditioning and crossfit. All very beneficial for my type of sport.”

What part of your body needs improvement? 

“I think every one of us has flaws. And mine would have to be my midsection.” 

What part of your body is most vulnerable? 

“My midsection.”

What part of your body is your favorite? 

“My legs. I’m 5’9”, so my legs have to be.”

What part of a man’s body do you notice first? 

“His face and height.”

How’s your love life? 

“I am very much single right now. With the season about to kick off, I honestly don’t have time for guys. Hahahahaha!” 

How much sleep do you get per night?
 

“I love to sleep; it’s one of my favorite hobbies, hahahaha! I try to get at least eight to 10 hours of sleep a day. If I could get more, I would.” 

Favorite sleepwear?
 

 â€œShorts with a tank top.”

Do you snore?
 

“Yes, unfortunately. Blame my Dad, hahahaha!”

Do you talk in your sleep?

“I don’t believe I do, no.”

Do you sleepwalk? 

“Definitely not a sleepwalker.”

How many pillows do you sleep with? 

“I like to have at least three. Two head pillows (to swap the hot one for the cold one!) and one ‘hotdog’ pillow.”

Last thing that you do before you go to sleep? 

“Wash my face, set my alarm, get on the computer and play my sleep music.”

First thing that you do as soon as you wake up? 

“Check my phone for e-mails/messages and go down to the kitchen for breakfast.”

How do you unwind, cope with stress? Massage or meditation? What other sport do you play? 

“I love getting massages, especially when I’m here in Manila. I try to get one once a week, at least. Boxing is also a great way to de-stress.”

Name three men that you think have nice bodies. 

“Hmmm…Zac Efron, Dave Franco and Thom Evans.”

And three women that you think have nice bodies. 

“Emma Watson, I love everything about her. Definitely one of my girl crushes. Jennifer Lawrence is a favorite as well. And Blake Lively.”

(For more on Michelle Marie Bumgarner, check out her Twitter account [@MichelleBum] or Facebook [Michelle Bumburger Racing])

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. You may also send your questions to [email protected].)