Residence: Winder, Georgia
Age: 24
Relationship status: Taken
Vehicle: 2006 Hyundai Tiburon SE
I would want my 2001 Mercury Cougar S back. It got totaled in February. That was my baby! I had done everything by myself to that car and it’s even featured on NOPI’s website for the 2004 show.
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What are some of your hobbiest and interests?
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Besides working on cars for a living and working on mine in alot of my spare time, I love being outdoors! I love to go swimming, play football, dance, draw tattoo’s, and just hang out with my friends (and of course, go to car shows)!
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How did you first get involved in the car/Hyundai scene?
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My dad and my brother really got me into the car scene. Ever since I can remember I have been into cars. I’ve been to NOPI Nationals every year since I was little, and my dad taught me how to work on cars. Now I have been working on cars for a living for 2 years, and modifying/showing my cars for 3 years. On January 4, 2004 I lost my little brother while I was test driving my first car. So I dedicate my work and love for cars to him!
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Is it difficult and if so, how do you handle being in a male dominated sport?
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I think it’s a little harder for women in this scene. But all it really comes down to is how your car looks, and if the mods are done well or not. It’s all in the overall look of the vehicle. No one is going to give you props on a poorly done vehicle. That doesn’t matter if you’re male or female!
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What percentage of Import models do you think actually know how to tune cars?
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With talking to some of them at shows, alot of them don’t know how to tune cars. They are just in it to get the exposure. But I’m not saying all of them don’t know, because I myself am one of the few that does know.
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Should some of the big car shows (HIN, NOPI, etc) have a Female Tuner class?
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As far as I know NOPI does have a female class (at least in GA NOPI Chic). It doesn’t really matter either way to me. I always enter with the guys even if there is a female class. More competition!
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Any final thoughts, comments, or thanks?
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I would like to thank my dad for teaching me about cars when I was young. My brother, Joshua Ricky Marlin Johnson (RIP), for teaching me about modifications and possibilities. All of my car club friends from Waffle House MOG. Thank you to my boyfriend Matt, for being so patient with me about my cars and supporting me though it all. Thank you Hyundai Aftermarket.org for choosing me. And to all those females out there that get told “You can’t do this…you’re a girl…girls can’t work on cars!” Yes you can!!! Look at me! Put your mind to it and work hard and you can make it!
