Q & A with Kelly Young

4WDH: Let’s get the basics out of the way first: name, age, profession?

KY: Kelly Young, 29 years old, female. I started working at 4WDH in 1999 working night time sales. I then transferred to customer service and once I graduated from college, I transferred to the internet department. I have been working in that department since 2000.

4WDH: What’s the story behind the name “Team 311?”

KY: There really is no story behind it. When I decided to compete, I had to come up with a number for the Jeep. I wanted 011 but it was taken. So I tried 111 – taken. 211 was also taken, but 311 was open. So I said I’ll take it. Plus the alternative band 311 is one of my favorites, too, so I stuck with it.

4WDH: Who are all the members/positions of Team 311?

KY: My spotter this year is Aaron Selway from Columbiana, OH. I have an alternate spotter, Aaron Schwab, also from Columbiana, OH. Other alternate spotters would be Rick and Mel West from Zelienople, PA. And I can’t forget about my mechanic, Jay Stull from Leechburg, PA.

4WDH: For how long have you been a rock crawling/4 wheel drive enthusiast?

KY: I bought my Jeep less than a year after I started working at 4WD. When I bought it, I said I was not going to do anything to it until it was paid off. Well, not even 6 months after I bought it, I had a 3” lift kit and 33” tires. In fact, I just paid it off early 2007! So, I guess I would say I have been into 4-wheeling and rock crawling for the last 9 years.

4WDH: Including the WeRock competition, how many total competitions have you/Team 311 entered?

KY: 2009 will be my 5th year of competition. In 2005, my rookie year, we competed in the series formerly known as NEUROC (North Eastern USA Rock Crawling and Off Road Championship) which held 4 events. In 2006, we competed in 1 WeRock western event and the 4 competitions of the UROC eastern series. This year we are running the complete eastern series of WeRock, which is a total of 5 events.

4WDH: Do you have any preparations or rituals you carry out prior to a competition?

KY: The big thing we do is just make sure the rig is ready. Usually the week prior to a competition we are in the garage going over everything to make sure we are ready to go. We also check our inventory of spare parts and anything else we can think of we need to pack with us to each event. And when we think we have enough parts and tools, it’s still never enough or what we need.

4WDH: What pleased you most about the results of the WeRock competition?

KY: What I like the most about competing in WeRock are the people behind the scenes that make each event happen. Big Rick, Lil’ Rich, Margi: the entire WeRock staff and crew. These people actually care about each and every driver and our safety -- you couldn’t ask for anything more.

4WDH: What do you hope to improve upon going into your next competition?

KY: Not finishing in the bottom 2 (Laughs). I hope we can make it through a competition season with low scores, no rollovers and no back ups.

4WDH: What has been the highlight of your career?

KY: It’s bad to say but I think the highlights and what I am most recognized for is the 3 rollovers I had in the 2006 season. 2 of those 3 were pretty bad and I think because of those, people recognize me and the Jeep more. On top of that, I am the only female driver in the stock modified class, so that gets us a lot of recognition as well.

4WDH: What’s your rig setup?

KY: My Jeep is a 1997 TJ. It used to have the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine from the factory until last winter, when we swapped in a 4.3L Vortec engine from a Chevy truck. The Jeep also has a Full Traction 4” Long Arm Suspension, Pro Comp Xtreme MT tires on 15x8 Pro Comp beadlock wheels. To finish off the exterior, I am running a Warn 9.0RC winch, fiberglass TJ stock hood, AGR Rock Ram system, TNT Customs tube fenders and Poison Spyder Customs Rocker Sliders and Trail Corners. I have a 44/60 hybrid front axle with chromoloy shafts and an ARB air locker, while in the rear I am running a Ford 8.8 with, Superior Super 88 kit and another ARB air locker. What is left of my interior includes: TJ Steering column and master kill switch from Flaming River, Mastercraft Rubicon Suspension seats, Art Carr shifter, gauges from Autometer, custom built roll cage by Peters Off-Road, fuel cell and a Staples Easy Button.

4WDH: What’s your most favorite aspect of rock crawling?

KY: It’s hard to explain. I just love to go out there and have a good time. When we find a good line or do something exciting, I love to hear the crowd getting into it. It’s just something about sitting in the driver seat and performing -- words can not describe it.

4WDH: Least favorite?

KY: When we get hung up on courses where other competitors were able to finish, or having to back up a lot. But the number one is BREAKING SOMETHING.

4WDH: What’s the worst jam you’ve found yourself in during a tough crawl?

KY: The rollover off the side of a mountain, I would say was the worst jam I have ever been in.

4WDH: For you what’s the most important thing to keep in mind when rock crawling?

KY: This is a team sport. I cannot do it without my spotter outside of the vehicle guiding me through the courses. Sometimes I think I can see the line or know where I am supposed to go while sitting inside, but this is not the case. I rely on my spotter for pretty much every move we make.

4WDH: What bit of advice would you give to beginners or inexperienced rock crawlers?

KY: Expect to pay money. This sport is not cheap. Do your homework ahead of time - contact potential sponsors for monetary support, as well as product support. Make sure you read and re-read the rules to whatever sanctioning body you want to compete in. The rulebook will be your new friend. Competing is a lot of work, both during the off season and during the regular competition season. But if you get a great team and support behind you like I have, things will not be as bad as they could be. On the plus side, competing is a lot of fun and I am so glad I got into it when I did. My fellow competitors are awesome. I could not ask for a more helpful accepting group of guys. Even though this is a competition, we are all friends as well.

4WDH: For those new to the off-road world, what suggestions can you make as far as the proper equipment is concerned? What gear would you say is the most crucial to have?

KY: First and foremost I would say skid plates. Make sure you have everything covered underneath. Last year we cracked 2 transmission pans because we did not have a skid plate there. Try to keep your vehicle as light as possible for easier mobility. Look into getting a winch with a winch rope, not cable, and appropriate rock crawling tires. You’ll definitely want to run a bead lock wheel, suspension seats and a good roll cage – you definitely do not want to go cheap on that!

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