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Question Time!
First off let's tell our readers which series you drive in?
I have yet to complete a full series, but I am hoping to run the MORE (Mojave Off Road Enthusiasts) series next year.
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| Apparently they are high class out in the desert in grid. Nice paper plate class sign! |
How did you get your start into cars and racing?
I was always going out to the desert when I was a kid. I learned to drive at Glamis as soon as I was tall enough to reach the pedals. Throughout school I would spend weekends with my dad, either in the deserts of CA or down in Ensenada or San Felipe in baja. As I got older I got out of it a bit. College took over and I moved East for grad school. My first sanctioned race was in 2008 and I haven't really looked back since.
What is your racing series of choice to drive in?
The ultimate goal is to run the SCORE series, but right now I need more seat time before I can be competitive. I mean, one just doesn't waltz to the start line of the Baja 1000!
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| Off the line in Stoddard Valley, CA. |
Who are your current sponsors?
Off Road Vixens clothing, Waterfront Tavern, Go Pro, and DJ Manufacturing.
Who was your first sponsor and how did they help you?
My first sponsor was ORV, who mostly hooked me up with some swag and gave me some love on their banners and Facebook page. The Waterfront helps me by putting me up in their swank condo in San Diego whenever I'm down there. GoPro has given us a good price on their HD camera, which I use for both in car and out of car footage. DJ Manufacturing made our spare tire carrier and helps out with any welding we need. He made us a really nice trailer.
What advice would you give to someone or a team wanting to get into Racing?
Just jump into it. There is no “perfect” time to start. My situation is far from perfect. I live on the East coast but all my races are on the west coast. I don't have a lot of money and I am mostly self funded, so I find ways to save money. I'm nice to people, I help out when I can, I listen to everyone, and I'll drive anything someone lets me drive. Just be willing to do what you have to do.
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| Emme's dad keeps her hydrated during a quick pit stop. |
What series would you like to progress to?
The SCORE series and the Baja 1000. I'd love to do Dakar, and I've always been intrigued by the Mongol Rally: London to Ulaan Batar in a 1L car sounds like a ton of fun to me!
Who do you look to for guidance with your driving; do you have any racing idols?
I've had some good co-drivers including my dad, Tut Cote of Tut Tech Racing, and Jimmy Shook, a friend who built our engine. I would love to be as good as Sam Beri. He drives a class 1 car. He shows up at races without a ton of people, his car is ready, he gets out there, kills it, takes his trophy, and goes home. He passes the slower cars cleanly, is very nice to everyone, and doesn't bring any drama. I don't think I could ever get rid of my dramatic flair, but I aspire to his knowledge and style.
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At this race the motor blew during the pre-run. A replacement was found and put in overnight, and Emme drove 120 rough desert miles with no power steering. She lost 2nd gear 10 miles from the finish line and ended up 2nd in class. |
