Shelby Hall
Sparks, NV
Selected for Business Training
"Shelby has an extensive series of off-road experiences, accomplishments and wins as part of Rod Hall Racing and recently being a business partner in Rod Hall DRIVE. She wears many hats from wife to dog-mom, business owner, and off-road fanatic. She is strong, a doer, caretaker, and is creative who always lives with passion. Shelby loves to spend time outside four-wheeling, camping, trail chasing, finding secret hot springs, meeting new people, traveling, good food and most importantly laughing."
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Tell us about yourself.
I am a woman who wears many hats; from wife to dog-mom, business owner to off-road fanatic. I consider myself to be strong, a doer, a caretaker, creative, and sometimes hard-headed. But, I live with passion and (almost) always look for the silver lining. As a third-generation off-roader, I was raised in a ‘man’s world’, but my family never treated me as so. My grandfather put me to work at a very young age, painting the deck or ironing the laundry, all to learn the responsibility of a dollar. When I was old enough, he hired me to work for his company at the bottom of the totem-pole, washing cars. Since then, I have grown immensely and learned the ropes from him (as he would say, “what to do and what NOT to do”). We are now business partners in our off-road event services company, Rod Hall DRIVE. I watched my family live the life of entrepreneurs, through the struggles and victories, and I am becoming a stronger woman because of it. I love to spend time outside, four-wheeling, camping, trail chasing, and finding secret hot springs. I love meeting new people, traveling, good food and laughing! I used to be very afraid of failing, but through the years I have learned that without failure, we never grow. I now love putting myself in new situations, as scary as they may feel, to be the best person I can be and I have no regrets!
How long have you been offroading?
I have been off-roading since I was big enough to sit on my Dad’s lap and steer while he worked the pedals. My parents taught an off-road driving school when I was young, and after the day’s class, my Dad would take my sister and myself for a ride in the school race truck. He’d strap me in, and of course I was too small to see over the dashboard, but I would beg him, ‘Daddy go faster!’ Since then, I have graduated to my own seat. I off-road for work (hosting off-road adventure trips), and also as a hobby. I love to head out on the trail, unplug from my media leash, and just enjoy the sun and fresh air and explore. When driving down a paved road and there’s a paralleling dirt road, I always wish we were taking the road less traveled!
How did you get into offroading?
I was basically born into off-roading. Since it was what my family did for a living, we were out in the desert more often than not. It grew on me!
Tell us about your vehicle:
I am lucky enough to have an assortment of vehicles: from race rigs, to work machines, and my own personal off-roading warrior. I personally drive a 2006 Hummer H3, which is my baby! She was built by Samco Fabrication to kick-ass in the Baja desert, with aftermarket Fox Shox and durable BFG KO2s. I also love to take out our Arctic Cat UTVs; they are like little race trucks; so much fun, tons of travel, and super nimble. Our companies Jeep JKs are upgraded with AEV suspension lift kits, Bilstein shocks, and BFG KO2s, which make trail rides smooth and our vehicles highly capable.
What has been your favorite offroad experience?
Competing in the NORRA Mexican 1000. I have raced in this stage rally race twice with my grandpa. Usually when I am racing in Mexico, it’s all business. But, the NORRA race is more of a nostalgia competition. We compete during the daylight, and I love being able to see the beautiful landscape. Plus racing with my grandpa is always epic, especially in Mexico. Baja has always held a special place in my heart.
What was your most exciting offroad achievement?
Finishing the Rebelle Rally in the Top 5! The Rebelle Rally was unlike anything I had done before, and it was intimidating at first. Being completely on my own, without a chase crew and with a new teammate definitely took me out of my comfort zone. I went through terrain I was not super confident in, but pulling through and finishing 4th was an amazing feeling. I started bawling when we crossed the finish line - I have never done that in a desert race.
What excites you about offroading?
I love just about everything about off-roading: exploration, challenging obstacles, overcoming the ‘I can’t do that’ feeling, adrenaline, being un-plugged, being outdoors and smelling the fresh air and feeling the sun, viewing wildlife and the natural landscape, and actually seeing the big bright stars in the night sky.
What do you think is the most challenging aspect of offroading?
I think the most challenging part for me is not being very mechanically savvy. When I’m out for a day ride it’s not a big deal, but when I’m competing it’s vital to have someone in the vehicle that can diagnose and fix and issues.
Which aspect of offroading do you think is the most fun?
The actual vehicle time. I love to drive and ride! I enjoy testing my skills, but I also enjoy sitting shotgun and taking in the views.
What does prepping for an adventure look like in your world?
Checklists! When I am preparing for a race, I make binders for the crew, which are full of information regarding the entire trip – from directions to specific locations, to what to do in case of emergency.
If I am getting ready for a weekend camp trip, I am always in charge of the food! I love cooking and feeding the group, so it’s fun to create a menu that will work in the middle of nowhere.
What is on your offroading bucket list?
I would love to compete in the Baja 1000 with my Dad and get back to the NORRA Mexican 1000.
Tell us about your typical offroading companions:
My husband is almost always by my side when we’re going on an off-road adventure. He is my MacGyver! He is a seasoned driver, very mechanically savvy, and can make a fire out of nothing! I am always learning outdoor skills from him, and know I am in safe hands.
What is a piece of advice you have been given that you instill in your offroading adventures?
“To finish first, you must first finish.” This saying always reminds me to keep my emotions at bay, and my head in the game. It’s easy to get amped up and push too hard, so I try to always keep it cool, calm, and collected to keep my vehicle together to finish at the top.
Do you have anything else you would like to add? (A unique fact, thanks, etc.)
I want to thank my family and long-time friends for always supporting me in a wild dream. On the days when I doubt myself, they are always there to remind me that giving up isn’t an option. We all need support, and I am very lucky to have it all around me!
Click here to see all the 2017 Ladies Offroad Challenge Entries.
