Previously, Gardner tested the Green Monster land speed car at Bonneville for four years, becoming the youngest driver ever to top 500 mph in 1988 at the age of 16.

He drove off-road vehicles in the High Desert Racing Association from 1991 to 1993, and was eighth in points and the rookie of the year in the American Indycar Series in 1993.

[2] Gardner intended to debut in the new Indy Racing League in 1996 at Phoenix.

However, further mechanical issues in practice left him unable to pass his test and compete.

[3] After retiring from racing, he became a stunt driver for television and motion pictures.