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One of those drivers is seventeen year old Morgan Bartley from Saluda, South Carolina.  Morgan is the driver of a super modified two wheel drive truck that she calls Blade Gone Sweet.  Her truck features a 1923 Ford T-Bucket body and a 526 Keith Black Hemi.  She competes at a Grand National level with the National Truck and Tractor Pullers Association throughout her summers.  2015-2016 may have been her rookie year driving, but she is no rookie to the sport of truck pulling.  Morgan’s family have deep roots in the sport of truck and tractor pulling, with her dad being a 25 year veteran of the sport.  It was only natural for Morgan to follow in the footsteps of her father and brother and become a driver when her time came

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Rachel Turtz
New Jersey
By Girls N' Garages Magazine

Imagine yourself  hitting the lowest of the low but in the end overcoming it all and pursuing a happy and healthy life because of............ cars? Rachel Turtz did. She is an amazing women who battled addiction but due to an unignorable passion for drifting was able to pull herself out of a crippling addiction and now has a successful career at Mishimoto Automotive…and a pink drift car!


What are your interests within the automotive industry?

Drifting. Why? Because it’s awesome. There is nothing about it that isn’t fun. It’s a community and a family, no matter where you are in the world. This is also why I drift.  


When did you first get into drifting?

I’ve always been into cars. In 2012 I was sexually abused at gunpoint in Camden, NJ. I was a heroin addict. Needless to say, things had to change. I sold my Jeep to my now fiancé. When we first started dating, I was a bit of a mess, early in recovery and a single mom. He took me to a Club Loose event, East Coast Bash in particular. It was awesome. It immediately became my outlet. My new addiction. Everyone there seemed like a family. It was a reckless party full of sweaty dudes that would get in their cars and just drift for fun. I wanted that. I bought a 240sx and drove down to 100 Drifters of December one year. I took my stock KA, open differential 240sx around the skid pad. As stupid as it was going around in a circle, I loved it. From there, I started driving every Club Loose event I possibly could. I wanted to learn and I wanted it bad.

How did you become addicted to heroin? 

 That’s hard to say. By my sophomore year in high school I thought I had the whole world figured out. I was in advanced classes and wanted to go to college for biomedical engineering. Problem was, I didn’t really have friends. Like most teenage girls, I wanted to be a “cool kid”. So, I dropped down to easier classes and started making friends with people I had no business getting involved with. I started dating someone (my child’s father) who was a heavy drug user and when we went to parties, I didn’t want to feel left out. So I started using. Like most addiction stories, it started out recreational and there was nothing I wouldn’t try. The first time I tried Percocet, I was hooked. By the beginning of my junior year, I was an addict. I made it to county college but dropped out because I couldn’t go to class if I wasn’t high. Fast forward 3 years and my family wanted nothing to do with me, I was homeless, miserable and I wanted to stop, but couldn’t. I tried to get clean but kept relapsing. Then, I got pregnant. I thought it was going to save my life. I was wrong. I had a happy pregnancy, felt like my family wanted me in their lives again and I was doing really good. But, as soon as I got out of the hospital and got home I went through post-partum depression. It was awful. I panicked and all I wanted to do was use. And I did. However, my drug of choice, Percocet, was not available and heroin was. So I tried it and needless to say, my addiction started all over again and escalated beyond my control.

Was it hard to come clean?

Hard doesn’t even describe it. After my episode in Camden, NJ DYFS got involved. They threatened to kick me out of my house, take my son away and leave me out on the streets unless I got my act together. Well, that was it for me. Trying to get clean while having a baby to take care of was by far the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I barely slept, had night terrors, the shakes, restless legs, I couldn’t eat, I thought my body was shutting down. But, when my son got up in the middle of the night, I had to muscle up any energy I had left to feed him, change him, etc. It was like a bad dream. However, one day, after about 2 weeks, I woke up and felt amazing. It came out of nowhere. I went to meetings, rode my bike (since my license was taken away from me), found a job, and started to become a “normal” person again.

How soon after you realized that you needed to change did you find drifting to be your outlet?

 It took some time. My first day drug-free was February 23rd and my first Club Loose event was the end of May.

Did you think you would enjoy going to the Club Loose event that helped you realize drifting was your outlet?

I had NO IDEA what to expect showing up to Club Loose. It felt awkward at first. Trying to socialize in general was still hard. But these people acted like a family and were so welcoming. They weren’t getting wasted to have fun, they were drifting. It was so foreign to me. I didn’t know how to have fun without drugs and that’s what Club Loose showed me.

Would you say your road to recovery was hard?

Absolutely. But standing here today, I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m a better person, a better mom, and I’m happy. If I didn’t go through what I did, I would not be who I am today.

What would you like readers to know?

I want readers to know about addiction. It takes the lives of so many people every year and I’m proud to be someone that is still here. Drifting saved my life. I’m always reachable and anyone that wants help can always contact me. I’m a young mom, I drift, and I work for Mishimoto. I mean, you can’t get better than that. Life is good.

What would be your tip for women getting into the automotive industry/racing? What would you like to see in regards to women's involvement in the industry?

Don’t let the big boys get you down. Men and women will look down on you and think you can’t do it at times. Prove them wrong. I painted my 240sx hot pink just to make a point. Like, hey, I’m a girl but I can still drift. ;)

While Rachel’s road may not have been without rough patches, and seemingly having the odds put against her, she has risen above all of that. With her involvement with Mishimoto and being active within the drifting community this lady is making an impact on everyone who she tells her story to.

Krista Kunkel
Warren, Michigan
By: Victoria Ellis

I think most of you will agree with me when I say social media has taken the world by storm.
It has given each person the power to voice their praise or disapproval of people, politics, businesses, and much more. 


The barrier of interpersonal relationships enables people to voice objections and opinions they at one point or another may not have voiced in fear of confrontation or personal accountability. 

We share comments and images of every aspect of our lives including our families, life milestones, and our most treasured experiences and passions. For many of us this includes vehicle builds, automotive events and for many, industry businesses. All these things meaning the world to us. 

When we give people the power of judgement, we expose ourselves  and our lives to the unpredictable. In a media world where there are no rules, the simplest of comments or images may go viral. These items have the power to make or break you, define the future of your builds, businesses, and impressions across the industry. 

But at what point are the negative comments enough? Bullying, bashing, trashing, sharing humiliating memes of others exploiting their dreams, desires, and accomplishments? Traditionally, when faced with a male dominated industry, the assumptions are apparent of who approaches us in this manner. But what if I told you some of the most inappropriate comments were not from the gender to which we are trying to prove our worth, yet our own?

Here Krista talks about her passions in the automotive industry and how we can all take charge to put an end to the bullying within it.


What are your interests within the auto industry?

My interest in the auto industry are  Jeeps, specifically Wranglers. From the Civilian Jeep to the JK, but my passion lies with the TJ.

I also started a Facebook page back in 2011 called Michigan Jeep Girl. I started it to blog my jeep build process. I ended up finding that my page was an alternative to jeep forums. Forums can be very brutal on newbies and simple asked questions can be judged harshly. I gave people a outlet to ask questions that would other wise be judged and made fun of. Somehow I gained a following of jeepers who have the same attitude as me. We push strongly to keep the bulling out of our community . 

I wasn't quit aware of how big of a following until I showed up at a few events and people came up to talk to me. I even had fellow jeepers ask to take photos with me. It was a very humbling experience. I was also told a lot of fathers let their younger daughters follow my process. I even had a special request to sign a Poison Spyder flag for a friends daughter.


When did your interest for Jeeps begin?

I was driving a 99 Pontiac Grand Prix and a huge lifted truck pulled up next to me. I had never seen anything lifted before. I couldn't help but notice the more I saw them the more I noticed it was a guy. This just made me want something lifted to prove woman can drive them also. I settled with a jeep because it's versatile. I can change everything about it within my budget. After a trip to the mounds and seeing other people's Jeeps, I started researching and building.


What are your goals within the industry?

My goal is to be able to obtain a job involving jeeps or jeep related products and being able to show people that woman are just as capable as men. I love talking to other people and listening to what they're doing and being able to assist them.


What would you like to see in regards to women's involvement in the industry?

I would love to see more women doing their own work and being involved in their entire build. I would like to see the stereotype of woman staying on the side lines broke. I am a strong believer that if you take it out and play with it, be ready to learn how to fix it.

Also I would like to see less female bullying in the industry. I strongly believe you're suppose to help your neighbor, lend advice and support each other. Instead of waiting for a opportune moment to bash anyone that speaks or asks a question. 

I understand that in a male dominated industry being a woman can present it's challenges and difficulties. I may not know everything but I'm willing to learn. A lot of times I've gone up to a product display booth and was ignored. I've actually had one company I asked a question and he ignored me and spoke to my male friend. In a sense I feel like you have to prove yourself. However, I didn't expect to have to prove myself with other woman though. I've had my fair share of run ins with woman bullies but for every 3 bad experiences, you have more positive experiences.


What Type of encounters have you experienced?

One time someone made a meme about me using my photo. It said something really sexual & crude. A female administrator posted it on a very large female jeep page and instead of the woman telling me,she posted it live to 30,000 followers. It then blew up and was shared a ton of times.  She joined in with the bulling mob and fueled their fire. She deleted it and sent me an apology, only once several people complained of the post. 

As a woman in the same industry, I would have never thought to post something like that. . All I want is a few woman friends who share the same interest as me, I did not expect to encounter so much negativity.


Why do you think women bully other women in this industry?

I honestly cant even think of why woman bully each other. When I got a jeep I assumed since the woman population was so small, we would all be best friends. Instead at every turn I had a handful of woman just bashing me and calling me stupid. Or they talk about how I look. 

 I feel like people assume that girls that like trucks,cars,and jeeps have to look a certain way. If you don't fit into this " look", people like to talk about you.

 I even had women team up at an event and talk about me. Its the same women I've gone out of my way to help. I've never done anything to them. So instead they made up reasons to hate me.

If I could answer this question with a 100 percent answer, I would. I honestly feel like it's one of those questions along the lines of "do people really disappear in the Bermuda Triangle".

I believe social media and how we interact with people plays a big part in it. No longer do people have to meet someone to judge them. People are judged based off how they come across on the internet. I think this goes for men and woman.


How do you think this effects women's involvement in the industry?

I think everyone fears being judged by their peers and when social media is involved it makes it harder for people to open up. 

I believe strongly we would have more woman in the industry (not just the jeep industry) if we started supporting each other. We could all come together and start educating woman on how to do simple maintenance and build their confidence. Which is why I support fully the goal of your website.


What Advice would you give another female going through a bullying situation?

The best advice I can give to another female who is being bullied, and this goes for your everyday life also. Kill them with kindness, and smile at them when you see them. Never speak about them behind their backs because you are no better then them.

Never stoop down to a bullies level, at the end of the day they are alone.


What do you think can help put a stop to this bullying?


I see and hear people talk about others all the time. Not just female but males also. If one person stood up and said they wanted no part of the negativity, that leaves the person with no one to talk to and no one to bully. A bullies function is to gain attention of their peers and turn them against one person. If said, peers didn't allow it, the bully wouldn't exist.

Everyone should learn to treat everyone with respect and to keep their negative comments to themselves. Nothing good comes out of bashing others.

People need to understand that just because you own something does not make you better. The guy who worked his butt off for his build doesn't need to be talked down on. The family who bought a vehicle to spend time together doesn't need to be "bashed" because they're stock.

People need to remember we all started out stock with nothing and no direction. 

I pride myself on being honest and loyal. I stand up for people and put a stop to wrong doings. Why are the rest of you allowing people to say the negative things they do? Why are you not stopping the negative? Why are you allowing them to proceed with bashing?  The fire can be put out. People need to stand up and stop bullies from bashing others. Saying nothing is adding to the problem, saying something is adding to the solution.


Though many of us may experience times of defeat, do not let it be on anyone else's account but your own. Believe in yourself and your passions. Some people may not understand you or your decisions but they do not have to. Pursue your dreams for you and understand that the act of instilling negativity onto someone comes from negativity from within stemming from various insecurities. Next time you see something, do something about it. Support your fellow enthusiast. 


Build on ladies...build on.

Neichaun Tatum
Lansdowne, Virginia
By Vicky Rae


As our organization continues to grow, we continue to meet women with various different interests and passions. Many of them, theirs paths do not cross, but yet we continue to see similarities among their experiences and interactions. 


Women have become more involved in male dominated fields, yes this is true, but we all still tend to face certain prejudices regardless of whether we are into diesels, show cars, motorcycles, or what have you. Some areas of the industry may be worse than others, but sometimes life can take us by surprise to where we almost don't even know how to react. If you are like me you have had your fair share of trash talk, whether people won't look at you while having a technical conversation in a group or have others continuously  "explain" things to you that your were perfectly aware. Here Neichaun talks about how to overcome these obstacles and to be confident in your build and your passions.

What are your interests within the automotive industry?

The automotive industry reaches further than just the actual vehicles to me. I work as a Controller, for a company called Capital Automotive Real Estate Services. We are a real estate company, that specializes in sale - leaseback transactions for automotive dealerships. So from the business standpoint, I am interested in how well automotive industry performs, Personally, I enjoy seeing and hearing the mechanics of these fine machines. I like seeing all the different personalizations and modifications enthusiasts can come up with for show purposes, as well as the performance aspect.

So far I have only dabbled in the show arena, but look forward to stepping into increasing the performance hopefully this winter. I also enjoy meeting folks that have their own businesses that support the enthusiasts, from general mechanics to customization shops. They help me learn more about the vehicle, that the owners manual doesn't tell you.

I've been involved mainly in car shows, hopefully some track racing in 2015, and meeting fellow enthusiasts are my for fun interests in the industry. And the enthusiasts also include those that know the ins and out of the car, from mechanics to specialty custom modification shops, the behind the scenes personnel to make my build a reality.

What sparked your passion for building show cars?

For me it a form of expression. When I was little, as long as I could remember, I always wanted a Jeep Wrangler. I remember noticing how they could have different looks depending on the weather and what the driver felt like doing that day. Like it was an extension of them.

I would occasionally pick up magazines, and see how you could make little changes to the exterior looks, and it would really change the whole look of the car.

How did your current show vehicle come to be?

When the Dodge Challenger came out in 2008, it was a dream to own one. Then, I had a 2005 Chrysler 300C which I adored, she was a part of the family. However, having two young kids, daycare expenses did not allow me to modify it as much as I would like. In the summer of 2013, the Chrysler needed major A/C repairs. After a long hot and sweaty June of driving with no A/C, I decided that it was time to part ways with her, and get a challenger.

Still not having sufficient funds to modify the challenger right away, I knew what look I wanted, and spent the first 6 months of ownership, planning out exactly what I wanted. Since I am an accountant by trade, I would research each modification so I knew what was entailed and about how much I would need to make it happen.

Some of my modifications I really lucked out on, finding used parts through either the forums or on craigslist for savings that i could then apply to other modifications further down my list, the never ending list.

In the six months of planning how I wanted the car to look, I would try to combine some of the smaller modifications together, so I could minimize the need to have to take off body panels for example more than once or twice.

I hit ground running in January 2014, getting the two major modifications, the AFR Shaker hood, and Accuair iLevel suspension installed

What are your goals within the industry?

I would like for car enthusiasts to not assume that all the "really nice" modified vehicles belong to men.
But is is a balance I suppose, I don't want any special accommodations because I am a female either

How do you feel as women we can change this?

We can't be shy, or avoid following our dreams and putting the passion into what we love, just because it is currently a male dominated scene. We need to support one another, go to events, ask questions, and learn without feeling restricted.

What would you like to see in relation to women in the industry in the future?

I would like to see more women in prominent roles. I would like to see in magazines and at events, where when women are mentioned it is not because it is about the models taking pictures with the cars, but because they own and have designed the cars which are beautiful.

As I travel more to attend shows, I am hopeful to meet other woman that are also into car shows and look forward to supporting their builds.

What do you feel is the largest obstacle that women face ?

The perception that woman cannot know about cars

Even outside of car shows, I can stop at the store and have strangers make comments, such as, "I see your husband let you drive that today." or "Isn't that too much power for you."

How do you feel that this effects women who encounter these situations?

It's similar to walking down the street and getting "cat calls", sometimes you just don't want to have to deal with it, and makes you think of how you could have avoided that situation all together. But then you remember, I bought the car, its my car and I have built it to my liking, so you proudly speak up and defend what is yours. Hopefully in doing so, the next time they encounter a woman in a nice car, they will think about it before saying that kind of remark again.

But on the flip slide, there are those that are super supportive, and gender has bearing on the car. They love cars as much as you do, and in speaking with them, sharing stories and ideas, makes it worth it.

It is funny when people see the car, and later learn that is owned and had all the modifications planned by a woman. The look of respect is priceless.

What have you learned from being a part of the show car industry?

I have learned to be confident in myself. By pursuing my passion. I have met a lot of great people. I have learned to enjoy what I have and am able to do with this car, and only use the negative or condescending messages as fuel, to proceed down my own path for what I want. 

If they can take the time to make a comment, good or bad, that means my work was noticed, and hopefully a positive change has occurred. Either in a helpful way in having their dreams pursued, or in a positive way that they will think twice the next time a similar situation is encountered.

What would be your advice to women looking to get into the industry?

My advice for everyone is to "Build for you". No one else is paying the bill for you, So don't put too much energy to trying to please others.

We all have different tastes. Just be respectful, because to some like myself, the car build, is just a form of expressing themselves.

And plan. plan plan plan. This is too expensive of a hobby to have to do things multiple times because you have changed your mind.

As you may know, being involved in this industry at times may not be easy. But believing in yourself and your passions will enable you to overcome obstacles just like Neichaun. As we continue to grow our passions and careers, understand that you are not alone in your battles and that someone out there is going through the same obstacles as you.

Talisa Ohmer
Harrison, Ohio
By Vicki Rae

For some time, the image of women in the automotive industry meant women posing next to vehicles in scandalously dressed outfits as a way to increase sales of magazines, posters, and calendars just to name a few. As in many other industries, the taller, skinnier, and as unrealistic the better. The image of women in the pursuit of perfection has left most women with  vast insecurities and a false sense of the word "beautiful". Talisa Ohmer is a female passionate about the automotive industry and the promotion of the women in it. With her passion also lies the promotion of confidence and showcasing beauty and that the true beauty of a person is not how closely they compare to magazine models, but quite the opposite. Here, Talisa talks about identifying beauty no matter your shape or size and her love for the automotive industry.

What are your passions within the industry?

My passion in the industry started sixteen-year-old me, hopping into the driver seat of an '02 F250 7.3L Powerstroke. I had been saying for weeks that I could and would NEVER drive it because it was just too big. From that day forward, I was hooked. I started to learn things about diesels, that I didn't even know about cars.

Along side of my love for diesels, I also have a passion for pin-up modeling. Being a plus sized girl, I'll tell ya, it isn't easy. The struggles of being a curvy girl in a world where the "sexiest" woman come in smaller sizes, are hard to take on. I recently did a photo shoot with my truck, and all I can say is, I wish that EVERY discouraged and shy girl could feel the way that I did when I saw the finished photos. I felt like a million bucks! I won't lie, it was really hard for me to put those photos out to the public eye. I thought that because I wasn't the image that society puts on us women in the Automotive Industry, that I would get a ton of negative feedback. Man, was I wrong! Everyone absolutely loved the photos! I loved them. And shouldn't that be the only thing to matter, anyhow? 

What would be your words for advice for women looking to enter the industry?

My advice for the new gals in the industry would be to NEVER get discouraged by the guys. In this day and age, jobs and careers are not limited to gender. Besides, anything they can do, we can do better.... We just look prettier doing it! In 2011, I ended up enrolled into a Community/Technical college for Automotive Engineering. Very soon after starting, I realized that my MAIN focus was specific to Diesel Technology. Cars are great, but my heart is behind the roar of a diesel engine.

What are your goals within the industry?

I have recently been in contact with an adult degree program local to me, about possibly enrolling into their Diesel Technology course. My goal is to take that step, and move toward certification in the field. I would love to take my accomplishments then, and land myself a career based job. 

What would you like to see in relation to women in the industry?

I would like to see more girls who are actually willing to learn and work on their own vehicles instead of looking pretty in and on them! Girls come in all shapes/sizes. We're all beautiful in one way or another. More girls should start using their knowledge behind their passion for their vehicles, not their looks. Any girl can pose but it takes a special kind of girl who will stay out in the garage 'till dawn to complete one thing or another on their truck for an upcoming dyno/pull/race/show. I know several respectable women who have done it. That's something to be proud of.

What impact does the "ideal image" have on women of the industry?

Two of men's favorite things, cars/trucks and of course, "sexy" women. To them, nothing compares to when the two meet. I get it, sex sells! If you look good in a thong bikini, more power to you! I always say that, "if you got it, flaunt it". Unfortunately, for me and the other plus size women in the industry, we don't have it. At least that is what society tells us. So, where does that leave us? We don't win the contests, we don't win the giveaways, or get offered sponsor ships to help us build our dream cars/trucks. If we don't look the part, we can't be a part.

Well, when is the last time you saw a plus size woman in any automotive event model searches? I know I never have. We are completely discouraged by the women with the "perfect" bodies. Women that sometimes, aren't even in the industry.

What is your view of beauty and how did you come to see it?

After gaining weight due to poor health and depression, I was completely stumped. I thought that if I didn't lose weight I would never do the things I wanted to do. My insecurities really put me in a bad place. It almost happened over night. I woke up one morning and I looked in the mirror and I thought, if I do this with my hair, and put this make up here, then I won't look so bad. I slipped on a cute dress and I looked absolutely stunning. I have had so many girls tell me to go out for plus size modeling and from there on out, I realized that I don't have to be a size 2 to be beautiful.

Beauty to me truly is in the eye of the beholder. It is all about how you carry yourself. You can be a size 2, or a size 22, and still be equally beautiful. Confidence is the key. Classy can still be sexy! More women need to pick up on that.

What would be your words to women facing similar obstacles?

My message here is to all women, but especially to the plus size women in the industry, do not ever let your size stop you from being beautiful. When you gather enough confidence to get out there and strut your stuff, you can conquer the world!

Not let anyone tell you that you're not beautiful. Beauty lies deeper than it's surface. Someone is always going to look up to you. The best way to not let let them down is to not let yourself down.


Here is Talisa, changing the game and showing the world that you don't have to be a size 2 to be beautiful,or to be model.