Emily Binder – 2017 KOH Racer
Featured Ladies Racers

Emily Binder – 2017 KOH Racer

King of the Hammers Lady Driver Bio for Emily Binder

Driver of Record: Jesse Balter
Co-Driver: Emily Binder
Age: 29
From: Santa Rosa, CA
Class: Smittybilt Every Man Challenge (EMC)
Car Number: 4533
Team Name: BalterBuilt Racing

My dad was always building cars when I was a kid, I feel like I was always helping him do something in the garage. As I got older, I wanted to learn how to work on my truck and I did. I rebuilt my 87’ Toyota pickup after the motor blew up (20 days after I bought it) in my garage with a few friends and a lot of hours by myself .

I love riding dirt bikes I have a CR125 … although I wish I got to ride it more than I do. I love anything outdoors. I love to fish. I’m a welder. I worked in a fabrication / hot rod shop with a friend’s grandpa for two years when I was 19. During that time I learned to transfer my love of art into welding sculptures! Now I work at a flooring store in town and do project managing and sales. Although, my dream job would be to own my own boutique and sell  my art , refinished home furnishing, whatever else I decide to create and be my own boss! 

My Husband Jesse has always been into off road anything his whole life, and after he introduced me to his love of Ultra4, I’m hooked… it’s so much fun. Normally he races alone , but he needed a co-driver for KOH so I’m going to help him out!   

How do you know your Driver?  Jesse is my husband.

How many times have you raced King of the Hammers?  This is our first time at KOH, and we get to race! So excited.

How did you get into Ultra4 Racing? My Husband started taking me 3 years ago and I loved it.  

What has been your most exciting achievement in Ultra4 Racing?  I’d say being on the KOH/Ultra4 TV show. That was pretty awesome!

What does race prep look like in your world? KOH prep for me: diet and helping out in the garage whenever Jesse needs me. Jesse, on the other hand, is always exercising … me - not so much. Normally, I’m pit support helping him get ready and communicating with him from the sidelines.   

What are you looking forward to at this year's King of the Hammers? I’m looking forward to just being there. It’s my first time, and I’m excited to be in the race truck with my hubby! We are looking forward to the Backdoor Challenge. We’ve always watched it live at home, but it’s going to be fun watching it in person.

What are your goals for this year's King of the Hammers?  We would just love to finish. Jesse’s been troubleshooting his steering lately and working really hard getting it all ready.

What excites you about racing?  I’m excited to race with my husband and make great memories with our friends.

What is a piece of advice that you have been given?  “If you ain’t first,  you’re last”  lol…

Tell us about the Team that Supports you. Our family and friends. Our friends have helped Jesse along the way with his build and have really supported him. Just to name a few: Tommy, Phil, Josh and Cliff. Our Family- Jesse's parents, Colleen and Lenny, and brother, Jared, have really been supportive cheering him on at races. It’s a team effort and it always helps to have support, especially when we're broke down.  

SPONSORS:
• Ahlborn Structural Steel, Inc.
• Rugged Radios
• Olympus OffRoad
• Raceline Wheels
• Renner Petroleum

Emily Adds: I would like to thank all our family and friends for supporting us and coming out to races and cheering us on. I hope 2017 is a great racing year for everyone out there!!!! 

Facebook:  facebook.com/emily.binder.378    //   facebook.com/Metal-Art-and-More-by-Emily


Author: Emily Binder