Tabitha Tucciarone – Ladies Offroad Challenge Featured Entry

Tabitha Tucciarone
Newark, TX

"Tabitha has limited experience as a driver, but has been off-roading since 1994 when she met her husband spending every winter in Glamis in their sand rail. Lately they bought a Jeep and she has wheeled in Moab and at some local offroad parks. She is a very curious person and loves to learn new things and how things work so building a rig and trying her hand at off-road racing is making her come back for more opportunities. When time, she loves reading. "
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Tell us about yourself, hobbies, etc:

“I enjoy reading when I get the time, which is usually on our long drives to various events. I wouldn’t exactly call it a hobby, but I am a very curious person and love to learn new things, and figure out how things work. Taking on new challenges and experiencing new things is a big part of who I am. That’s why I told my husband that I wanted to build a rig and try off-road racing. I LOVE to go fast, and the challenge of overcoming trail obstacles keeps me coming back for more!”

How long have you been offroading?

“I’ve been enjoying the off-road lifestyle since 1994. I have driven RZRs and other side-by-sides, but my first real trail drive was this year (2017).”

How did you get into offroading?

“My husband introduced me back in 1994 when we first started dating. He had a quad and we would camp in the back of his 4x4 Toyota pick-up. I liked being away from the city and exploring the land. I’ve been hooked ever since!”

Tell us about your vehicle:

“It’s a 2015 Jeep JKU, named Jeeples, with 6-inch Teraflex lift, Raceline beadlock wheels, 40-inch Toyo tires, a Smittybilt winch, HiLift jack, Adams driveshaft, 5.38 gears, front and rear lockers, Artec skid-plates, PoisonSpyder rock sliders, a full sized spare, and Fab Fours bumpers.”

What has been your favorite off-road experience?

“Being on the trail with my family is my favorite. Teaching our daughter about proper wheeling, respect for the land, and sharing a love of the outdoors. I really enjoy wheeling with her so she can see that women can also drive off-road!”

What was your most exciting off-road achievement?

“Wheeling two trails in Moab and not breaking anything! Also, going to Wolf Caves by myself and wheeling for a few hours.”

What excites you about off-roading?

“The challenges you encounter on the trail. It’s like life; you’ll never be perfectly prepared for every challenge you face, but if you face it and use the tools you have, you can conquer them and learn a few things along the way. Then it’s a great ride!”

What do you think is the most challenging aspect of off-roading?

“Learning the limitations of your rig. It takes a lot of time behind the wheel to figure that out. Also, not letting your ego get in the way of asking for help or taking a bypass. Doing your best to be prepared for anything that may arise on the trail is also a challenge.”

Which aspect of off-roading do you think is the most fun?

“First and foremost, the experience of exploring and conquering the obstacles of the trail. Secondly, always meeting new people who share a passion for the off-road lifestyle!”

What does prepping for an adventure look like in your world?

“Checklists! More than 1 camera, a schedule (if necessary), a trail trashbag, a plan for recovery, emergency supplies, dry foods for the trail, at least 2 pairs of shoes that are acceptable for rugged terrain.”

What is on your off-roading bucket list?

“Building a rig and racing it in the Everyman at King of the Hammers. Building my own Jeep Bruiser conversion. And, wheeling trail without a spotter.”

Tell us about your typical off-roading companions:

“Sometimes we will wheel with local clubs or for charity events. We tend to mostly go out with friends because it’s fun and we will help each-other if something goes wrong.”

What is a piece of advice you have been given that you instill in your offroading adventures?

“It is totally acceptable to bypass an obstacle to avoid breaking something. Don’t be shy, ask for help and speak up if you have any questions!”

Do you have anything else you would like to add?

“I ran myself over with a quad the first time I rode one. I’m not afraid to try new things because the value of the experience is important to me. Also, thank you for opening the Challenge again![Charlene] I am grateful for the work you’ve put into this event and your candor about your expectations and needs for each event. Even with your busy schedule you always make time to interact with us, and that’s awesome! I appreciate the opportunity!”