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Where and when was your first competition?
My first race was the MORE Powder Puff Race for the Cure, which raises money for breast cancer research. There were a lot of wives and girlfriends who didn't have a lot of experience, but a lot of ladies who big time race. It was a good first race since there was such a good mix of skill levels. There were over 200 cars so it was divided into heats, and I ran as the slowest of the fast cars. I tell you, nothing will scare the crap out of you more than a Trophy Truck coming up on you at 100 mph!
How did you do in that? I got 4th in class.
What was your first “race” car?
I'm still on my first race car! It's a class 5 Unlimited. The engine is a good size, but the suspension is not up to snuff with the other Unlimiteds. We have coil over suspension in the front, but a torsion bar in the rear…which I broke after 7 minutes of racing at the last race. I got in 7 minutes out of 180 minutes.
Anyway…we could put a smaller engine in and run with the 5-1600 cars, although most of them run coil overs on all four corners as well, or we could beef up the suspension to be competitive in 5-Unlimited. BUT, my dad lives in Mexico and uses the car as a play car. So we have decided to look for another car that will be used exclusively for racing and keep the baja as the pre-runner/play car. We are searching for a two seater class 10, 12 or 1600 car.
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Emme and her team mate for Gazelles, Michele Martineau. Emme will drive for the 9 day rally. As navigator, Michele will tell her how to do it! |
How old were you when you started racing?
Well I've been driving in the desert since I was 13 or 14 but my first race I was 36? I think? I honestly can't keep track of my age.
Do/did you get flack from the guys you race against? Or have the guys always accepted you as a female in your series?
I've gotten good natured ribbing, sure. But I'm very adept at throwing it back at them. I've always said that it doesn't take an exorbitant amount of upper body strength or a penis to drive a car. That usually shuts up any jerks. It also helps that I am tall and my short hair is usually pink or purple or something and I'm a fairly confident person. I don't come off as your average woman. So no, the guys don't give me any shit.
Is there other racers in your series (you don't have to name, names) that you love beating?
I love beating anyone!
Who does the work on your car?
My dad and his pals. I'm trying to educate myself on the tech aspect of the car. It's frustrating to be just watching them work and not be an active participant. I can do simple stuff, but the tech is definitely my weakest point.
In March you are heading to Morocco can you tell the readers about the Rally you are attending?
It's a 9 day all female rally in Morocco where points are awarded for shortest distance travelled between check points, rather than quickest time. No GPS, no cell phones, no chase crews. Navigation is done with a compass and an outdated map. It's recognized around the globe as one of the most intense off road competitions and only 5 other American women have attempted this rally. I'm so excited to get out there! We are hoping to raise $50,000 to cover our expenses, which will allow us to donate $15,000 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. You can find out more at www.teamcouragegazelles.com
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The torsion bar that did Emme in at this year's Powder Puff. Hey Em, when are those coil overs going on the back?! |
Random Questions
What was your first car?
1981 Toyota Celica…with a sunroof and an 8-track with a cassette converter. HOLLA!
What is your dream car?
I have two and they are very different. A 1973 VW Thing with a dual carb 2180 motor, empi stinger exhaust, in bright ass orange and a slammin' sound system. OR a Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid. But I'm also kinda in love with the Dodge Challenger. I have heard rumors of the 2012 being convertible. My dream car MUST be a convertible.
What is your Daily?
2001 Mazda Miata. I autocross it and I love it. But I'd love it more with a turbo!
What would be your last meal? Mexican food and chocolate chip cookies.
What type of music gets you pumped up to race?
I don't listen to music before a race. I usually go off to be alone for a moment so I can get focused. In real life my mind can be a bit scattered, and I have to really be cognizant of my concentration levels. I guess you could say I have to focus on being focused!
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Just one of the cars Emme gets to drive for Roadfly. And for the record, she thinks the redesign is great but there is a bit of turbo lag off the line. She recommends the manual transmission. |
