First Date: Dannie Riel
Photos by Michael Ferrara
DSport: Why don't you start off by telling us where you're from?
Dannie: I was born in one of Canada's smallest provinces; friendly Manitoba. I've lived in Winnipeg my whole life and never thought of moving until late 2006. It's kind of hard to come from a city (population ~700,000) where the opportunities are limited. That's why I am thinking about moving to Toronto sometime this year, but I will never stop reppin' Peg city!
DSport: What makes you want to move from Winnipeg? What does Toronto have that Winnipeg doesn't?
Dannie: A shopping mall. (laughing) Actually, I enjoy the lights downtown, the live atmosphere and the nutty nightlife.
DSport: Coming from a small city with limited opportunities, how did a Manitoba girl break into the import scene?
Dannie: To make a long story short, GMC and Ben Woo made it happen!
DSport: Go ahead and make that short story a little longer.
Dannie: Well I worked a local show in my home town as a flyer girl. After that, the owner of SportCompactNights (Ben Woo) asked me to be one the feature model for the following year. At that time, I was not of age. Fortunately, they waited until I was legal and took me on tour. I honestly didn't think they'd contact me but I'm so thankful they did.
DSport: Being an "import model" you must be pretty outgoing. How did your personality affect your high school experience?
Dannie: Well, I really enjoyed socializing of course! The only academic part of school that I liked was Biology though.
DSport: After you got out of the high-school social scene, did you attend college?
Dannie: I decided to take a year off after high school to get everything that'll fog up my focus out of my system. This way, when I'm ready to hit the books, I can go full throttle ahead.
DSport: So what are your career goals after your year of partying is over?
Dannie: I want to be a self-made millionaire. ;)
DSport: There's actually a TV show for that. What're you going to make millions off of?
Dannie: Okay, I plan to be a hit man, but I can't tell you or else I will have to kill you.
DSport: Do you have any brothers or sisters?
Dannie: I have one very supportive older brother. He's always there for me no matter what. It wasn't always this way though. When we were younger, we put each other in the hospital with stitches many times. I love him with all my heart, for serious!
DSport: Besides beating up guys, what would you like people to know about you?
Dannie: To never be scared to talk to me! I bite yes… but only if I know you! (Laughing) I'm really friendly but don't mistake my kindness for weakness, dragons breathe fire!
DSport: Wait! What? Fire-breathing dragons! What're you talking about?
Dannie: I am a Dragon because I was born in 1988.
DSport: Can one person make a change in the world?
Dannie: Oh you better believe it. Whether the change is good or bad, all it takes is one action to lead up to the rest!
DSport: So what action would you take if you could change something about yourself?
Dannie: Physically, I'd change my lips and/or breast size. Emotionally, I'd quit drinking rage-a-hol. haha!
DSport: What happens to your emotions when you're drinking?
Dannie: I'm not easy to take advantage of if that is what you were thinking. (laughing). Sorry boys but this girl has a good head on her shoulders.
DSport: Name something that you would like to be really good at?
Dannie: I would really love to be more disciplined towards practicing piano.
DSport: That's not going to happen! Just kidding Dannie, let's see if you're adventurous or not. Would you rather chill on a beautiful beach or go skydiving?
Dannie: How about skydiving over a beautiful beach? I'd rather be chillin' with a drink in my hand, while skydiving!
DSport: We see that you're passion for being a smart ass. What are some other things that you are passionate about?
Dannie: Aside from my career and success, I would say the internet and text messaging. It's sad but true.
DSport: Between internet surfing and text messaging, do you have time for a dream car?
Dannie: Oh yes! My dream car is a sexy gun-metal Lotus Elise. When my dreaming is over, I really miss my Audi Quattro.
Dannie: Oh! One more thing! Can you please spell check this, I don't really know how to spell.
DSport: Absolutely not, but we'll set you up with "Hooked On Phonics".
For more on this month's Model of the Month grab a copy of DSport on newstands and tuning shops nationwide.
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