Written by: Nikki DayEvents in the motor sport industries are always fun, full of activities, competitions, vendors and more. Some events happen more than one time a year, some hold qualifying events which then lead up to a main event. As spectators, or even competitors, we tend to over look or take for granted what all goes into planning an event like Shied Diesel Extravaganza (held every August in Terre Hautte, Indiana), Diesels in Dark Corners (put on every November in White Plains, Georgia by Liberty Truck and Tractor Pull), and so forth. We also never get to see the faces of the hardworking individuals that do so much work behind the scenes, from social media, budgeting, to keeping track of distance and track times, to cleaning the headsets used for communication of the track officials. Someone does these things, someone puts a lot of time and effort into making sure an event goes as close to planned as possible! Nikki Day, one of our Diesel Doll Bloggers, reached out to Michelle Talaski, with Ultimate Callout Challenge, about doing a feature on her and her role with this well known event in the diesel industry! Talaski does a phenomenal job with all of her tasks that play a part in the UCC team. Nikki asked Talaski what it was like to be a female in this industry, and her answer at first fell to the back burner. With a couple of reasons for that, one being when you read through Talaski’s interview, you’ll see her passion for her job, her gratefulness of experiences she has gained working with various companies, you’ll see she has a job she seems to love. A job she has been called, from God to do; God leads you where He wants you, where He needs you to be. As importantly, to us (we love this answer she gave), it is because she never saw herself at different advantage because of her gender, or disadvantage for that matter! Talaski tells us that she created opportunities for herself and built relationships! I never saw myself at a different advantage. I created opportunities for myself and built relationships!  What is the Ultimate Callout Challenge? The Ultimate Callout Challenge, or UCC, as you’ll see it talked about often in this article and around social media, is an event held once a year, bringing together some of the nastiest and best competitors in North America! How are these competitors ‘the best’? Most of these competitors have to qualify for this event, in one way or another! The competitors will come prepared to compete in three events, drag racing, dyno, and sled pulling. These three events are spread out over the course of three days, at the end of the three days, their scores are tallied up, to calculate who will be the UCC Champion! Now, let us tell you more about Michelle Talaski, UCC team member! 
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Written By: Amy KentThe goal this month was to bring three builds to the series, aiming to have one truck from each major make- cummins, duramx, and powerstroke. We had two planned out, and the build owners were excited to help us get the article ready! But, we needed one more! We put out a search on social media, and we quickly found the missing build. We love being able to feature people and women you tell us about, so coming soon, there will be an option on the website to nominate someone (or yourself!) to be featured! Get ready! Make sure you sign up for our newsletter, so you know when the nomination form will be up! CRESAH MONTGOMERY
This six liter, is a 250, with the King Ranch interior package. It is currently sitting on six inches of lift, with thirty fives wrapped around twenty by twelve Mofo Metal wheels. She installed the cab lights after she purchased it. This King Ranch adorns a Move bumper topped with a Billet mesh grille. Even more recently, it received a new transmission.She tells us that her build on this truck is a slow work in progress! 
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| Robin Eifert is a twenty year old, New York native, who currently resides in Tennessee. Eifert works for Ford and plans to begin building houses in the near future. Eifert loves music and singing, being creative, enjoys the outdoors, spending time with her two huskies- those are only a few of her hobbies, when she is not working. Robin, also used to ride motocross, and still has great love for dirt bikes and extreme sports, but like most of us, struggles to fit all of her hobbies in around, adulting, which makes us think of the saying- "Work hard and play harder"! |  |
Her Longhorn edition Cummins, which is another head turner on our 'Build Watch' list, will get a lot of custom work in the future. Plans include things like an upgrade on her suspension, a lift change; Eifert tells us she wants to go bigger and even shinier. She also plans to change all the lights on this Longhorn, affectionately nicknamed, Moose. As far as under the hood, Eifert has already deleted and tuned Moose, and plans to do some transmission work, injectors, and so forth. Eifert's list of 'wants' for Moose, goes on and on, as we all know, a build is never "done"!
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CORAL HETRICK
Coral Hetrick rounds out this month's Build Watch series with her 2008 GMC Sierra Duramax 2500HD. This 2008 is running strong with over 220k miles on it! Hetrick put a six inch Rough Country lift on it, sitting on 20x12 Rockstar II wheels that are wrapped in 35x12.5 Nittos. This Duramx also has a set of custom headlights and taillights, with color matched, 2016 mirrors and an Edge exhaust. She plans to get different wheels, take off the flares, and get all the chrome color matched one day soon.
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This nineteen year old resides in Jonestown, Pennsylvania, and is currently a full time student at Delaware Valley University, where she studies large animal science/pre-vet. Hetrick show and shines her 2008 Duramax, and if she's not studying, or cleaning the truck, you will find her either in the barn messing with her horses, or in the woods hunting anything in season. Her interest in diesel trucks also began at a young age, loving the sound and their large appearance!
Find More From This Series HERE!
SOCIAL MEDIA PROMOS
Written By: Amy Kent
What is interesting about a diesel truck website and blog is that technically you are branded all things Diese. What is fun about Diesel Doll and where we hope we’re changing the game, is that we enjoy supporting and making friends with other people and brands in the auto industry in general! You don’t own a diesel truck? That’s okay, I am sure we have similar interests else where! That’s what is great, we can find a way to “bond” over common interests.
That is exactly how we have gotten to know Morgan Hurd’s Instagram based small business and social media, Only Prettier Off-road, through similar interests! Back when Diesel Doll first started up on the Instagram scene, we found Only Prettier Off-road, which some of our team members have brand replied for in the past! Like many of you, we enjoy off-roading and off-road vehicles! That is where we bonded with OPO!
That is exactly how we have gotten to know Morgan Hurd’s Instagram based small business and social media, Only Prettier Off-road, through similar interests! Back when Diesel Doll first started up on the Instagram scene, we found Only Prettier Off-road, which some of our team members have brand replied for in the past! Like many of you, we enjoy off-roading and off-road vehicles! That is where we bonded with OPO!
Hurd began OPO in 2015, out of wishes to see pages feature more than just off-roading. For example, Hurd herself drives a diesel truck, something we didn’t know until writing this article on OPO, but she wanted a place to show off her truck without being called the infamous nicknames (we will let you imagine what those are!) us women in the diesel industry all to often, wrongfully get accused of being. She also seeked a community for women to be a part of, that they would feel safe and would know they were not going to get bashed for not having the largest or most expensive vehicle with a mile long list of modifications.
Only Prettier Offroad was designed for women of all walks of life, of all builds, and of all interests. Hurd stressed to us that a woman should feel free to be a part of their community and brand whether your rig is a “pavement princess” or if it is an off-roading toy. Hence their motto, “Pretty on Pavement, Prettier Offroad”. OPO is what we here at Diesel Doll call a “stress free community”, meaning they lack drama and do not stand for any type of hate. They welcome everyone and want to encourage others to be positive and respect others! A message that Diesel Doll can get behind!
Only Prettier Offroad was designed for women of all walks of life, of all builds, and of all interests. Hurd stressed to us that a woman should feel free to be a part of their community and brand whether your rig is a “pavement princess” or if it is an off-roading toy. Hence their motto, “Pretty on Pavement, Prettier Offroad”. OPO is what we here at Diesel Doll call a “stress free community”, meaning they lack drama and do not stand for any type of hate. They welcome everyone and want to encourage others to be positive and respect others! A message that Diesel Doll can get behind!
OPO is constantly growing their community with an apparel and accessory line. Hurd tells us that while they are primarily Instagram based, she hopes to take OPO on the road to truck and off-road events as a vendor. OPO’s goal for 2019 is to hit that twenty thousand follower mark on Instagram, while continuing to grow the brand!
Go check out Only Prettier Offroad for some of the coolest female driven rigs around!
Kelly Foster of Harrison, Arkansas, is setting goals high for herself and other women in and out of the diesel industry. Foster is a wife, a mom, a business owner and a diesel truck enthusiast. Foster fell into the diesel industry when she fell in love with her now husband, about three years ago. Her current build, which is also her first, originally belonged to her husband. She fell in love with it and wanted to make it hers, so he gifted it to her! Together, they have worked to get the truck to where it is now.
Prior to Meeting Her Husband
Foster had been a single mom of two, doing what she could do to make ends meet, often feeling as though she was "robbing Peter to pay Paul". For years, in previous relationships, she had been cheated on, used and abused, and taken for granted by partners she should have been able to trust.
Foster tells me, meeting the man that would turn into her husband, took her back to her roots! It brought her back. He helped Kelly become herself again. Their first date was in the truck they are currently building, together. Foster fell in love with a diesel guy, a diesel truck, but most importantly, fell in love with herself, again.
Foster THANKS her husband for believing in her, helping, being patient, and for doing all he has for her and their family. Aside from her father, her husband has given and been more for than any other man has. Her husband is proof that her standards were very high, all along, as she knew settling wasn't an option and that she deserved more- so. much. more.
Foster tells me, meeting the man that would turn into her husband, took her back to her roots! It brought her back. He helped Kelly become herself again. Their first date was in the truck they are currently building, together. Foster fell in love with a diesel guy, a diesel truck, but most importantly, fell in love with herself, again.
Foster THANKS her husband for believing in her, helping, being patient, and for doing all he has for her and their family. Aside from her father, her husband has given and been more for than any other man has. Her husband is proof that her standards were very high, all along, as she knew settling wasn't an option and that she deserved more- so. much. more.
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High Standards the Mindset
Foster admits, through all of her life's experiences, she has learned, often the difficult way, to set her standards high. Expecting anything less of herself or anyone else, is not acceptable. She's also made being the "bigger person" while being tough, a way of life.
High Standards the Build
As the once orange truck was a big part of a new, better outlook on life and life, the truck was named, High Standards!
High Standards, the truck, is built representing Kelly's mind set- TOUGH! The truck is built big and tall, sturdy and tough, representing Kelly's life in a way. High Standards is her hope for women everywhere, to not settle with what they want and deserve! She hopes to encourage other women to do great, excel in love and life, find themselves, be confident in setting standards higher, and to find their happy!
The build is a 1999 Ford 250, 7.3 motor. High Standards has a touch of Riff Raff Diesel, a Garrett turbo with upgraded injectors, and it is tuned by Tyrant. Cosmetically, Foster fully wrapped the truck, herself. High Standards is sitting on Fuel 24x14s, which Kelly also wrapped keeping in theme with the truck's wrap. The Fuel wheels are wrapped in 40" Nitto Trail Grapplers, with a twelve inch lift, and a Redhead stearing gear box!
High Standards is currently sponsored by Kastle Graphics,
Foster tells me, the truck will soon need track bars, and she hopes to upgrade bumpers. Maybe, continue "dolling" her up on the underside and under the hood, and more!
High Standards, the truck, is built representing Kelly's mind set- TOUGH! The truck is built big and tall, sturdy and tough, representing Kelly's life in a way. High Standards is her hope for women everywhere, to not settle with what they want and deserve! She hopes to encourage other women to do great, excel in love and life, find themselves, be confident in setting standards higher, and to find their happy!
The build is a 1999 Ford 250, 7.3 motor. High Standards has a touch of Riff Raff Diesel, a Garrett turbo with upgraded injectors, and it is tuned by Tyrant. Cosmetically, Foster fully wrapped the truck, herself. High Standards is sitting on Fuel 24x14s, which Kelly also wrapped keeping in theme with the truck's wrap. The Fuel wheels are wrapped in 40" Nitto Trail Grapplers, with a twelve inch lift, and a Redhead stearing gear box!
High Standards is currently sponsored by Kastle Graphics,
Foster tells me, the truck will soon need track bars, and she hopes to upgrade bumpers. Maybe, continue "dolling" her up on the underside and under the hood, and more!
Foster's Message to Us
 | Kelly wants you to know that she is just like you! She is a country girl who has worked hard to get where she is. She has struggled with herself and has overcome many obstacles, and you can too. Kelly has done everything she can do, herself on her truck. She gives support and encouragement to other women and their goals, as she loves to see women following their passions! |
Written by: Amy Kent
Pictures courtesy of Kelly Foster
Pictures courtesy of Kelly Foster
Wyoming based, Casper to be exact, Missy Cook, began her venture into the small business owner world, by opening an apparel line for women interested in the diesel industry! The idea came to her in the fall of 2016. Mind you, Missy was not new to the diesel world! Missy and her partner, Amber Thurston (of Wyoming) have been friends of Diesel Doll, basically since we began, back in 2012! I remember reading messages from them, about how there wasn't many women in Wyoming into diesels like they were, and that they longed to meet more women interested in the same thing. Missy and Amber have done a great job of creating a fun and active line with women of all types interested in their apparel!
It all started when Cook was shopping for diesel themed apparel for herself. She had a difficult time finding exactly what she wanted, noticing that there are many diesel apparel lines, but most are catered towards men! That is when the idea of launching a line herself, came up. She ran the idea by Thurston, who of course was very supportive! Little did Thurston know, Cook was about to wrap her up in this project as co-owner! Once Cook came up with the name, Miss Diesel, she set out to create a logo. After many trashed ideas, the iconic M came to place and has stuck! Miss Diesel is run out of Cook's home, so every shirt, decal or other apparel is put together by no one other than Cook, herself. Cook describes Thurston's position as co-owner, explaining that she is literally the support pillars of the company, and that without her support MD wouldn't be what it is today!
In addition to a great supportive co-owner, Miss Diesel is supported by elleven brand reps! Some of which play a more administrative role by helping with social media accounts! Another long time Diesel Doll friend and avid truck puller, Paula Borring helps run the Miss Diesel facebook account, while Elsha Hunter LeFevre, of Utah, assists in running the Instagram account. Cook credits all the brand reps for helping MD grow, but gives big kuddos to Borring and LeFevre for being a great help in MD's skyrocketing growth. Cook says, "These two ladies have been unbelievably incredible, they both have made Miss Diesel skyrocket with their phenomenal keenness and point of view.". Cook also tells me that they have been a joy to get to know, along with the other nine ambassadors, claiming she feels that she has made some great friends in them, which only deepens her love for this community even more!
It all started when Cook was shopping for diesel themed apparel for herself. She had a difficult time finding exactly what she wanted, noticing that there are many diesel apparel lines, but most are catered towards men! That is when the idea of launching a line herself, came up. She ran the idea by Thurston, who of course was very supportive! Little did Thurston know, Cook was about to wrap her up in this project as co-owner! Once Cook came up with the name, Miss Diesel, she set out to create a logo. After many trashed ideas, the iconic M came to place and has stuck! Miss Diesel is run out of Cook's home, so every shirt, decal or other apparel is put together by no one other than Cook, herself. Cook describes Thurston's position as co-owner, explaining that she is literally the support pillars of the company, and that without her support MD wouldn't be what it is today!
In addition to a great supportive co-owner, Miss Diesel is supported by elleven brand reps! Some of which play a more administrative role by helping with social media accounts! Another long time Diesel Doll friend and avid truck puller, Paula Borring helps run the Miss Diesel facebook account, while Elsha Hunter LeFevre, of Utah, assists in running the Instagram account. Cook credits all the brand reps for helping MD grow, but gives big kuddos to Borring and LeFevre for being a great help in MD's skyrocketing growth. Cook says, "These two ladies have been unbelievably incredible, they both have made Miss Diesel skyrocket with their phenomenal keenness and point of view.". Cook also tells me that they have been a joy to get to know, along with the other nine ambassadors, claiming she feels that she has made some great friends in them, which only deepens her love for this community even more!
 Paula |  Elsha |
More About Miss Diesel
Miss Diesel knows that us women love to dress to express ourselves, and they want to help to facilitate that, by providing apparel just for you! MD's goal for this year is of course to GROW! They hope to expand their product line and hopefully grow their team, as well! MD is here for all women in the industry, and without you all, they wouldn't be here, doing what they enjoy and meeting more of you! Whether you are into diesels as a hobby or a job, MD is here to support you, and hopes to provide you with clothing and accessories that help express your interests!
Sage
 Casey |  Gina |
About Missy
Missy was born, raised and currently resided in Casper, Wyoming. She is a wide to a loving and supportive husband, together they have a beautiful daughter! Aside from MD, Cook holds a full time job, with a local non-profit that provides a self-sufficiency program for single parent families experiencing homelessness.
Cook tells me her love of diesels was sparked at a young age, Her dad owned a 1985 Ford 6.9 idi. The sound, the smell, and how it seemed to tower over her as a child- she loved it all. Cook's dad always included her when the truck needed maintenance, and was one of many father-daughter moments. When Missy was twelve, she and her family were hit head on by a drunk driver, causing the truck that had held so many memories to be reduced to scrap metal. Though that truck held so many memories and will always be remembered, it definitely was not her or her families' last diesel! It seems to Cook that her family always had a diesel!
Cook tells me her love of diesels was sparked at a young age, Her dad owned a 1985 Ford 6.9 idi. The sound, the smell, and how it seemed to tower over her as a child- she loved it all. Cook's dad always included her when the truck needed maintenance, and was one of many father-daughter moments. When Missy was twelve, she and her family were hit head on by a drunk driver, causing the truck that had held so many memories to be reduced to scrap metal. Though that truck held so many memories and will always be remembered, it definitely was not her or her families' last diesel! It seems to Cook that her family always had a diesel!
Cindy
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You can find more on Miss Diesel by visiting their website and social media platforms!
Facebook: facebook.com/missdieselapparel
Instagram: instagram.com/missdieselapparel
Website: www.missdieselapparel.com
Article written by: Amy Kent
Pictures courtesy of Miss Diesel and MD Reps
Pictures courtesy of Miss Diesel and MD Reps
Make sure to read the whole blog
to learn how to win tickets to the Ultimate Callout Challenge This May 2018!!!!
Pictured Left- Blackmaxx, Center- Greenmax, Right- Babymaxx
As promised from my previous blog post [Thoughts on the Diesel Industry, by Women In It], here is [PART 2]! Originally, I interviewed MissMaxx herself, Kelsie Epp, but after reading her answers for [Part 1], I was inspired to do a blog post just on her. Now, if some of you don’t know who Kelsie Epp is, I recommend you pay attention to this blog. Not only are you going to read about her competitive career, but you’re going to learn about what it means to be a competitor.
Here are some of her stats:
Name: Kelsie “MissMaxx” Epp
From: Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada
Trucks:
“Blackmaxx”-
03' Chevy Silverado 2500HD Duramax 611 RWHP Stock Turbo (Bracket Racing Truck)
“Greenmax”-
02' GMC Sierra 2500HD Duramax- 1400HP+ Triple Turbo (Fully Built Race/Dyno/Sled)
“Babymaxx”-
16' GMC Canyon 2.8L Duramax- Deleted, EFI Live Tuned (Daily Driver)
Competitions she’s been in:
Diesel Power Challenge (2016), NHRDA Edmonton Diesel Shootout (2009-present), various dyno competitions and burnout competitions, Alligator’s events, various NHRDA races including World Finals twice.
Here are some of her stats:
Name: Kelsie “MissMaxx” Epp
From: Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada
Trucks:
“Blackmaxx”-
03' Chevy Silverado 2500HD Duramax 611 RWHP Stock Turbo (Bracket Racing Truck)
“Greenmax”-
02' GMC Sierra 2500HD Duramax- 1400HP+ Triple Turbo (Fully Built Race/Dyno/Sled)
“Babymaxx”-
16' GMC Canyon 2.8L Duramax- Deleted, EFI Live Tuned (Daily Driver)
Competitions she’s been in:
Diesel Power Challenge (2016), NHRDA Edmonton Diesel Shootout (2009-present), various dyno competitions and burnout competitions, Alligator’s events, various NHRDA races including World Finals twice.
Diesel Doll has permission from Alligator Performance to use Youtube video shown! We do not own the rights to this video! Can follow their channel by clicking HERE
Now that you have an idea how serious of a competitor Kelsie Epp is, let’s continue. When I got first got in touch with Kelsie Epp about doing an interview, I’ll be honest, I was nervous. I knew who she was, I knew she was a badass Duramax girl, so yeah it was nerve wracking. I mean come on, if you’ve ever met someone famous… or that well known… well, you can’t blame me. She was so kind towards me and Diesel Doll is honored that she agreed to do our interviews via Google Forms. I didn’t know what to expect- I didn’t know if she would just do the bare minimum or what. I knew she was a busy woman, working full time as a Gas Plant Operator, as well as getting her truck ready for the Ultimate Call Out Challenge this May. I was shocked how quickly I got her interviews back, but after reading them… I was at a loss for words.
“My trucks are a symbol of all my hard work and passion combined. A lot of long days taken away from my family to afford building these trucks, plus the long hours working on them with friends that became family. They are an outward expression of my heart and everything that I love. Every build is very specific to my tastes-.” Kelsie answered to the question (What does your truck mean to you?). If you remember from my last blog post [PART 1], her answer isn’t so far off from the others that were interviewed. Just read what else she has to say to this question, “My black 03 is a very special heirloom that was originally my grandpa’s truck. It’s seen many different looks since I first bought it from him in 07’, it’s really a living palette of my changes in tastes and the evolution of modern diesel truck looks over the last 11 years. It’ll continue to be updated and kept in perfect condition to be passed on someday.”
Educational Information recommended by
Kelsie Epp
"Eric Merchant for Duramax info, he has some really good
YouTube videos. Diesel performance podcasts have a lot of info from experts I’ve really enjoyed them!"
So, what made Kelsie Epp get into diesel trucks? Well as [Epp] mentioned before, her grandpa’s 2003 Duramax that she bought in 07’ was the start of it. “When I was fourteen, my Grandpa bought our first Duramax (Blackmaxx). We used it to tow our 5th wheel camper on all kinds of summer adventures. Back then it was the cats-ass compared to the 6.5L diesel we had before it, so I was in love…” She then went off to college which the truck had some minor mechanical issues that needed to get repaired at a local diesel shop. Kelsie says, “That shop just happened to specialize in Duramax performance, and raced them. Brian Spooner took me for a ride in his souped up 02’ GMC Duramax (probably pushing 600hp back in the day) and I was totally hooked on high powered, fast diesels.” I honestly couldn’t help but smile at her answer. I may have been nervous interviewing Kelsie, but reading these answers made me understand her humble beginnings. It’s proof that everyone has to start somewhere.
Kelsie’s passion and drive started by building [Blackmaxx] to do bracket racing at the drag strip, which is still Kelsie’s favorite competition to compete in. She explains that the guys from J&R Automotive were responsible for getting her into the Duramax performance scene and invited her out to the racetrack with her stock Duramax. “In the beginning, I got hooked very fast on the diesel drag racing. I was always inspired by Brian Spooner’s white stroker Duramax and I loved watching it go faster and faster, year after year.” It’s no surprise, with that kind of inspiration, that she has now won an IHRA Ironman, placed 4th in the Diesel Power Challenge (2016), and now has qualified to compete in this year’s Ultimate Callout Challenge in May 2018. Her goal is to finish the UCC with her truck intact, make 1600HP, and beat Charlie Keeter’s 6.0L. Kelsie’s goals don’t stop there though, “As for bracket racing, I have my IHRA Ironman now, so I’d like to shoot for an NHRA Wally and then eventually a NHRDA World Champion title.”
Kelsie’s passion and drive started by building [Blackmaxx] to do bracket racing at the drag strip, which is still Kelsie’s favorite competition to compete in. She explains that the guys from J&R Automotive were responsible for getting her into the Duramax performance scene and invited her out to the racetrack with her stock Duramax. “In the beginning, I got hooked very fast on the diesel drag racing. I was always inspired by Brian Spooner’s white stroker Duramax and I loved watching it go faster and faster, year after year.” It’s no surprise, with that kind of inspiration, that she has now won an IHRA Ironman, placed 4th in the Diesel Power Challenge (2016), and now has qualified to compete in this year’s Ultimate Callout Challenge in May 2018. Her goal is to finish the UCC with her truck intact, make 1600HP, and beat Charlie Keeter’s 6.0L. Kelsie’s goals don’t stop there though, “As for bracket racing, I have my IHRA Ironman now, so I’d like to shoot for an NHRA Wally and then eventually a NHRDA World Champion title.”
There were only a few small differences in the answers compared to the other’s I interviewed for [Part1], and this was one of them, “I absolutely love how no matter where we run into trouble, there are 10x more people in the industry ready and willing to do anything to help out. I haven’t come across anyone that wouldn’t willingly be open to giving advice or a helping hand even if they have no idea who I am. A quick call out to FB and everyone is tagging people until everything is sorted out and questions are answered. It sure feels like we belong to a very large family of diesel people in the industry.” Now her answer was a little different from some of the other's interviewed, but not much. Just because there are few people out there that think it’s cute to downplay someone on social media... I promise there will be people willing to help out. Like I said before, you just need to find the right groups, forums, or pages to be a part of. Have some courage to speak up though and ask for help. I get it, it can be scary, but essentially, that is why forums, pages like Diesel Doll, and etc are for!
I asked Kelsie what changed in the industry from when she first started out in 2009 to currently. “When I first started, a 12 sec truck was FAST and 1000hp was almost unheard of. Every year they keep getting faster and the horsepower numbers have skyrocketed. The industry has grown equally as fast and definitely has attracted some negative attention with the growth.” Kelsie answered. This made me think about the question from my [PART 1] blog post, when I asked everyone what they thought the diesel industry lacks. Just read what Kelsie says next, “Newer people coming into the industry as diesel truck enthusiast, unfortunately sometimes lack the respect and knowledge of how much it’s taken die hard competitors to get where they are. The years of hard work, research, breaking, fixing, time spent in shops, etc. One does not just become Lavon Miller or Shawn Baca because you have a big pocket book… the duties these people have paid to make this kind of power is absolutely beyond what anyone can imagine just starting out. It’s easy to sit behind a computer or in the grandstands and say how things should’ve been done, what parts they should’ve used, etc. What those keyboard warriors and newcomers don’t comprehend is the dedication these competitors have spent their entire lives and every penny to furthering the diesel industry.”
I can see where she’s coming from. If it was easy, everyone would compete in the major diesel truck events. For someone like Kelsie Epp, being a part of the industry for 9 years, I think she knows what she’s talking about when it comes to competition. I had to ask her what changed for her personally, when she first started competing to now. “I’ve just gained, confidence in myself when competing and that’s just driven my passion further into my soul.” She also said she’s learned so much through her journey building her trucks and how she loves sharing everything she can with people new to diesel performance or racing. “It’s really heart filling to help new people succeed in competition. The people I’ve met have changed my whole life over and over again, they’ve inspired me and pushed me to keep challenging myself. They’ve become my family and support system, I wouldn’t change that for the world. They all have a huge place in my heart forever.”
So, what do I think about MissMaxx? I think Kelsie’s very humble and a doll at heart, though she’s just recently learned about Diesel Doll. Don’t get me wrong as a competitor she’s as tough and badass as her trucks, but to me, she holds a lot of Diesel Doll values; humbleness, generosity, work ethic, and passion. The time she took to answer all my questions and the heartfelt, genuine manner she answered with is inspiring. It honestly felt like I got to know this woman, not only as MissMaxx, but on a personal level. I could tell how much she’s poured into her trucks following her career, but the amount of passion and heart she lives by is something anyone can get inspired by. I had to ask her what it’s like competing.
I can see where she’s coming from. If it was easy, everyone would compete in the major diesel truck events. For someone like Kelsie Epp, being a part of the industry for 9 years, I think she knows what she’s talking about when it comes to competition. I had to ask her what changed for her personally, when she first started competing to now. “I’ve just gained, confidence in myself when competing and that’s just driven my passion further into my soul.” She also said she’s learned so much through her journey building her trucks and how she loves sharing everything she can with people new to diesel performance or racing. “It’s really heart filling to help new people succeed in competition. The people I’ve met have changed my whole life over and over again, they’ve inspired me and pushed me to keep challenging myself. They’ve become my family and support system, I wouldn’t change that for the world. They all have a huge place in my heart forever.”
So, what do I think about MissMaxx? I think Kelsie’s very humble and a doll at heart, though she’s just recently learned about Diesel Doll. Don’t get me wrong as a competitor she’s as tough and badass as her trucks, but to me, she holds a lot of Diesel Doll values; humbleness, generosity, work ethic, and passion. The time she took to answer all my questions and the heartfelt, genuine manner she answered with is inspiring. It honestly felt like I got to know this woman, not only as MissMaxx, but on a personal level. I could tell how much she’s poured into her trucks following her career, but the amount of passion and heart she lives by is something anyone can get inspired by. I had to ask her what it’s like competing.
“Competing feeds my soul, my passion. It’s all that hard work and travelling for that one dyno pull or pass down the track, that might not even happen once we get there. It’s the friends that turn into family, sleepless nights, fixing the truck, and driving. It isn’t necessarily just the thrill of those couple seconds of fame, it’s the lifestyle, dedication, and hoping it all pays off.” -Kelsie Epp.
If you’re a Duramax owner and you’re wondering where to start, pay attention. I asked Kelsie what she recommends getting done to a truck before someone starts competing in truck pulls, dyno runs, drags, etc. These answers are based on a stock Duramax, since she admits that all she really knows, “First- even on a daily driver stock truck, a FASS system is a must. They’re miracle workers for your whole fuel system even if they don’t add power, they are a necessity. It is a supporting mod for when you add more power. Secondly- Air Intake and Exhaust, Third- Tie Rod sleeves or upgraded big tie rods, Fourth- EFI Live tuning from a REPUTABLE tuner, not usually more than 60 HP on a stock transmission unless you’re ready to dish out $5,000-$8,000 on a built trans. After the built trans there are lots of directions you can go! Have fun!”
Advice
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Diesel Doll was given permission by Alligator Performance for use of their youtube video.
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**BIG NEWS!! SEE BELOW!!**
That's right! After doing this blog I reached out to Chris and Michelle with DPI Expo and we are SO BLESSED they donated TEN, yes TEN tickets for us to giveaway to our community!! These tickets are 3 DAY WEEKEND PASSES. We wanted to give ya'll a chance to watch Kelsie Epp, Dmitri Millard, Lavon Miller, and so many others! The 2018 UCC event is May 4th, 5th, and 6th, located at the Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis, IN.
HERE'S HOW TO ENTER FOR THE FIRST GIVEAWAY!!
1. LIKE and SHARE the Original Blog Post on Facebook
2. YOU MUST tag two friends in the Facebook comments of post.
(To be FAIR we will check to see if all of this is done!)
3. BONUS ENTRY: Comment on this blog post at the top by the title!
A HUGE THANK YOU TO THE UCC AND DPI EXPO
for the tickets!!!
Checkout the UlitmateCalloutChallenge.com and DPIExpo.com for more information about this years ULTIMATE CALL OUT CHALLENGE!
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE EVENT TICKETS!
Desiree Doyle | Project Autism Jeep
About Desiree:
Desiree is twenty two years old, who has always been interested in the automotive industry. In the last few years she has really began to learn, some self taught through watching YouTube tutorials and watching others. With a soft spot for people with disabilities, especially Autism and Down Syndrome, she has been able to bring both of her passions together, into one. Desiree has been around those with special needs since middle school; a best friend's brother (who has become family) has High Functioning Autism. She was also able to help in the Special Needs Classroom in high school. After she graduated, Desiree felt lost, until she landed a job working with adults with disabilities in group homes. She has sense been promoted to Program Coordinator, managing a house for three men- all having autism. She has also been volunteering with Greater Ohio Area Super Kids. 
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Project Autism Jeep | 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport
STANCE:
- 3" Zone Lift - Cragar soft 8s - 31" Firestone M/T tires REPAIRS OVER MODS: - engine rebuild (cracked head) - both drive shafts - brake lines - coil packs - aftermarket bumper* -puzzle wrap and stickers* *Donated by sponsors, see sponsors below |
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Project Autism Jeep's Goal:
Spread acceptance, awareness and knowledge about autism and the ASD spectrum. |
Desiree's Advice:
Always remember, no matter what there is always at least one person in your corner, and that is you! Focus on you and your build, never give up and stay positive!
Project Autism Jeep Official Sponsors:
419 Graphix- Mansfield, Ohio Affordable Offroad Off the Grid Motorsports |
Written by: Amy Kent Photos courtesy of Desiree Doyle |
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