Female Spotlight: Stephanie Cemo

Since I was 15 years old, I have been exposed to the motorsport industry and everyone who makes it run, participate, or help it grow. Like everything else in the world, there is good and not so good. Personally, I admire female drivers because they are at a disadvantage already by being female and have to work 10x harder to make their powerful presence known. They are smart, savvy, talented, and inspirational, but sadly a lot of these women get overshadowed by attention whores in the industry. Don’t get me wrong, models and other female eye candy will always be apart of the industry in their own way, most are great at what they do and call it a day. Lately, there are just some females that CLEARLY use motorsports as a platform for their vanity and it is so stupid. Why out of the blue am I being open about this? Because I am tired of seeing it happen. Each week or every other week, I would like to highlight a female driver or inspirational figure on here. Naming names and bashing others on the internet is so classless and disgraceful.

To start off my Friday female driver I want to write about someone I have been watching on the track, which happens to not be a Drifter! Stephanie Cemo caught my attention at Buttonwillow Raceway few months ago During Round one of Global Time Attack. It’s always rare to see female drivers out on the track, but to see one kick ass in her ’09 Corvette Z06. After getting her feet wet with drag racing about 9 years ago, she tried her hand at road racing and was not only hooked, but quickly moved to the advance group after the very first weekend. In about 2 months, Stephanie was asked to become a driving instructor at Texas World Speedway where she began learning and is currently instructing at Speed Ventures and BMWCCA. The ability to learn then teach is a quality that will make anyone successful at their craft and this is no exception. 

          I have heard some people say women have a softer style of driving by nature, but from my experiences, gender doesn’t matter on the track with serious racers. With an SCCA & NASA licenses under her belt, Stephanie has achieved many accomplishments on the track including finishing 3^rd in class Skip Barber Race School in 2003, winner of Shift-S3ctor Airstrip Attack- Tuner class, First place of Global Time Attack Pro-Am C13 unlimited RWD, and many much more that are listed on her website, cemoracing.com. You can also check out Stephanie while competing in SCCA GT2, NASA ST1, and Global Time Attack for the 2014 season.

          There is nothing prissy about her setup either, her modifications to the Z07 are bad ass are still changing as I write this. Take a look at her modifications straight from her proposal!

With many tracks and years of experience, Stephanie Cemo is a driver to keep an eye on in the coming years. Not only is she a versatile driver, she has years of unique knowledge and experience that furthers her in her career. 

Connect with Stephanie on Facebook!
facebook.com/StephanieCemoRacing

The Weekly

The past few weeks have been interesting on top of our laptop dying on us. I finally found a new job at an awesome property management company, Yukio left to Europe for about 12 days, and I got a pet bunny. Yes, the irony is obvious, but my friend Tiffany needed to give him up for adoption and I told her if I landed this job I’d take him. He is so adorable, while and grayish silver. Not sure why, but his coat reminds me of the F1 Mercedes team colors, so I renamed him, Nico, after Nico Rosberg. I tend to do that, perfect example would be my doggie, Tanner. He has gold and black, like the Rockstar energy team, which Tanner Foust drove for in FD.

It is my 3^rd day at my new job, and I am feeling like this is going to be a good match. Although Yukio came home for barely 2 days, he left for Formula D Atlanta and is coming home first flight on Sunday. It does make me a bit sad that he has been gone for 2 weeks; I never really saw how close we got until we have been apart. Through the ups and downs and everything in between, I know this brings me more into the realm of adulthood and maturity, which has also been a growing pain. Our apartment feels like home finally, and my transition into a cohabitation is starting to be more relaxed.

Last night I went through my Instagram account and came across the old photos I took at my Mom’s 50^th birthday dinner at my Grandma’s house last year. We don’t talk, at all. We had another falling out back in December and haven’t spoken since, although I have my own feelings towards the situation, I wish it wasn’t hostile. After reminiscing through pictures and memories, it became clear that I really am the black sheep of my family, at least on my Mother’s side. I am the only different sheep amongst the heard, but that is what sheep do, the follow and conform. My cousins, my brother, and myself, were born out of wedlock and at a very young age. All the marriages are ending, but for some reason, the way of thinking has not changed. This is where the disagreements have come from and why I refused to follow the same path, I need to make my own mistakes, learn, and evolve. I definitely feel lonely on the family side of things, but life sometimes deals hands that are not what we preferred. Hopefully one day in the future, my mom will be proud of me without any contingencies and we will see eye to eye rather than agree to disagree.

 As many of you already know, I have my Real Estate license and have been in the industry for about 8 years now. Recently, I have decided to go back to school. Ultimately, I would like to achieve an MBA and hopefully enter the professional side of motorsports with a tire company or team. Falling back on my RE license has been helpful, but with the encouragement of my boyfriend, I have realized that I need to have a stronger education if I want to go above and beyond the average “comfortable” life. Hard work does pay off, so I am looking forward to going back to school and just learning new things.

Slow and steady wins the race (of life, not motorsports) and as of now, I am back on track. So far, I have learned that life and love require hard work, patience, and compassion. First you need all the correct ingredients, and then you mix them together, then finally enjoy the cupcakes of your labor.

xox Drift Bunny

Home for a Minute

I just got back home from visiting Moorpark, and when I say visit, I mean touch and go. It felt really strange being back there and not going home, but it was almost like a sigh of relief in the sense of the familiarity of the town. My best friend Katrina met up with me at one of my most favorite restaurants, Natural Cafe. That was actually one of the two first part time jobs that I had when I was in high school, and when I did the vegan thing, that was my prime place for fuel. Talking and catching up with one of the few important friends I have in my life right now made me feel less stressed out and reminded me of who I am and where I came from. We did a little shopping at the local TJMaxx and it was like stepping back in time. Yukio worked a half day today and was manning Casa De Yukio/Emma and I could tell it was feeling quiet because he had to text me about his yummy $10 burrito from FreeBirds that filled his tummy. 

After hanging out with Katrina, I headed over to Thousand Oaks to meet my Dad and of course, POOCH!!! I FINALLY got to see my doggie after 2 months! He shook and shivered like he had just taken a cold bath and smelled my eye balls uncontrollably. That is how my doggie shows affection, and that is just perfect by me :) Apparently, I am not missed that much at my former household, which brought many things into perspective for me. This message was passed through my Dad. Hearing that really hurt my heart and made my feel a small sense of emptiness, but who wouldn't feel that? I am truly on my own, however, I have someone who is always trying and willing to make me smile. My new friends here are so welcoming and accepting; today has solidified how much this move was needed and how hard I need to keep working in order to keep it running.

Still needing to kill time, I went over to the old Sprouts grocery store that I worked at to say hello to my old coworkers. That was such a nice little visit, seeing old faces and catching up briefly on what has been going on for the past 4 months after I left. Driving home, I encountered the lovely LA traffic which I didn't enjoy one bit. I can't believe I made that drive back and forth when I began dating Yukio, guess I really liked that man lol. 

It's funny how things happen for a reason and fall into place in their own perfect ways. Although no life or relationships are perfect, mine is just fine and makes me feel special and most of all, happy.

xo Drift Bunny

Viva Las Work Trip

For the last 3 days Yukes and I have been in Las Vegas for his work trip. Since right now I am hunting for jobs, I tagged along and of course would forget my ID. I am not a clubber or big drinker so it didn't matter too much, except it would be tough getting a drink or two. Besides the face palming and trying to find a DMV for a replacement ID ticket, the drive out there was fun. After lots of laughter and a nap, we got to Vegas right on schedule where we checked in and left for the convention center to drop Yukes off for the SEMA exhibitor summit. While driving back, I planned to take a nap and hit the gym before picking up Yukio. Those damn Planet Hollywood beds were like sleeping on a marshmallow, so I ended up sleeping until my phone dinged and had to retrieve my lovey. Even though this trip was for work, we planned to just spend time together by ourselves since he is leaving next week for about 9 days, then heading out again. This is one of the things that makes me uncomfortable that I have to handle like an adult on my own. Not seeing my boyfriend for that long wouldn't bother me as much if I was still living back home, however, I have seen him every day since December, so you could say I have grown accustom to seeing him every day. 

Although this isn't the greatest to look forward to, I know that it will be good having time to miss each other. Anyways, with all that mushy crap in mind, we got ready for date night; dinner and a night on the town. Of course, being the ding dong I am, I'd forget my special comb for straightening that comes in handy since my iron is weak. Being the creative butterfly I am, I used to iron for the clothes to speed things up. A few passes with the irons and we were off to dinner. After eating at a nice Italian place in the miracle mile mall, we hit the casino, drink in hand of course, and gambled a bit. Surprisingly, Yukes won on the first slots he tried; $120! After that excitement, we walked around the strip, other casinos all the while I was thrilled that drink was hitting me pretty good. It was a fun night just hanging out and laughing, just simple and perfect.

After a fun night, day time soon came up, but not without a little something extra; there was a solar eclipse the night before, which I was too pacified to remember to wake up and watch the blood moon. I woke up at 5, which still allowed me to see that something cosmic took place. The room was filled with a deep orange glow and it was just so beautiful. Next time, I will avoid and large drinks before something so neat! After Yukio left, I got some breakfast and just walked around looking at whatever looked interesting until it was past noon and time to eat. I had lunch with a friend that lives in Vegas and we chatted for enough time to where I left directly to meet yukes for a special mixer and spot on the observation wheel. Haven't heard of it? It is this HUGE London Eye looking wheel that takes you in a bubble to the top and you can see all of the strip and surrounding Las Vegas. We took the monorail out to a new alley filled with shops, restaurants, and of course bars. The bar where SEMA hosted us was a classy and not too fancy bar where we mingled with friends and new faces for a bit until it was time to ride the huge wheel. To our delight, we were informed that one of the bubbles had an open bar, but I guess that's how you do it in Vegas! The ride itself was neat, the view was completely breath taking! We were above a few of the hotels and gazing down at the sparkling town. 

I got to meet a few of Yukio's good friends that he works with and could see why, they were awesome! After the observation wheel, we all headed to Yard House for dinner. After sharing funny stories and talking about the day, we headed to the Mirage to smoke some hookah. Perfect, you have to be 18 to smoke, I am 5 years past that, I should be ok. Nope. Apparently, I look like I am still 16, and with not having my ID with my, I had to leave. Note to self: MAKE A CHECKLIST BEFORE LEAVING THE HOUSE! My partner in crime and I left, and then he left without me, to which I was so confused but it was funny because this time, it was him that had some drinks and not me. After catching up to chooks, we hit up serendipity for dessert, ice cream of course. That's one of his favorites, so who was I to try and stop that? :) we finally made the journey back to Planet Hollywood and completely knocked out from such a fun night.

The next day was a short one. Yukio only had few meetings and came back about 10:30 and left. My friend Alex had apprently found a magical machine in the Venetian and won a ridiculous amount of money, so it was a must to check it out. We walked around and had lunch once again in the miracle mile and talked about all the upcoming traveling. It is part of the job and the life, but having such a supportive person who is kind about the whole thing helps greatly. We finally were at the Venetian after some time and hoped that we would have the same outcome of Alex. Instead, we lost together $80. Go figure! It was worth the try, but I will stick to sipping my drink and watching the slots instead.

After getting our pockets robbed, we had one last stop had been to that mall when we first began dating around SEMA time, so it was nice to be back somewhere with a nice familiarity to it. After light shopping, we gassed up and left Vegas. The drive seemed much longer going home than coming back, and we were not heading straight home either. It was our friend Travis' birthday, and a group of us planned to meet up in Anaheim for KBBQ. It was nice being with friends and just laughing about whatever and anything. We finally headed home at about 11, which made yesterday a ridiculously long, but fun day. 

Today I am planning on visiting an old friend and maybe some family back in Moorpark today since I have an appointment in mid city at 2. I am hopping that I get to see my beloved toy yorkie today! We will see, still up in the air.

Our trip was a busy but fun one, definitely full of fun memories, and I am looking forward to the next adventure we have.

xo Drift Bunny 

  

Track Life

Last week was Formula Drift; we went to Press day on Tuesday and attended both qualifying and the main event. I decided to sit out shooting on Friday and enjoy the event as a spectator while hanging out with Yukio which was a really nice change of pace. It's different shooting specific drivers and not shooting everyone, but it was a good experience none the less, it will only help sharpen me as a photographer.

Fun fact: we just got internet access in our apartment, it has been about 3.5 months.
No complaints here, I moved in with a bachelor who travels constantly so I understood why it was the way it was. The good news is, I got to see my chookio more and more since he could do a little work from home. I was still day dreaming about all the fun we had over the weekend I almost forgot to look forward to the Grand Prix up this weekend. Our schedule is a little hectic for the next week; Grand Prix, IDRC (drag racing), and Las Vegas for the SEMA exhibitor summit from Monday to Wednesday. It was so refreshing to see something other than drifting, which don't get me wrong, that is where it all began for me, but my motorsport interest has matured into other reaches of the Industry and I was mostly looking forward to seeing the Prototypes compete in the Tudor Challenge/ALMS race. The Grand Prix involves a ton of walking around, but it is so worth it, especially if you are there to absorb and learn about several types of racing. Yukio's company sponsors some cars in World Challenge and Prototype; for some reason, the WC teams did not compete, but the two Sky Active Mazda cars did. Quite honestly, they got chewed up, but that's okay! That just leaves so much opportunity for growth after development.

Hearing what ALMS and World Challenge cars sound like up close and in person was like hearing the motorsport angels sing; Ferrari, Cadillac, Porsche, Audi, BMW... So Incredible! When the bunch of ALMS cars accelerated after the hairpin it was like all 9 years of drifting excitement was bubbled up into those few seconds of glorious roaring. Ferrari was so loud, you could here that driver spool up over the bunch of 6 other machines; one of the most amazing sounds to hear in person. Our friends Cuban, Kevin, and Travis were with us too, talking good shit and making even better jokes, I couldn't ask for a better experience than laughing and watching some amazing racing.

At the end of the evening, Motegi has their "Super Drift" Challenge where 16 drivers from the series compete instead of the usual demo they put on. I feel like that was a good move in terms of showing what Formula Drift is really like and will bring in a load of new faces for Irwindale or perhaps out of state events.
Yukio had to shoot photos and do all the social media stuff in the photographer pit both nights, so last night, I hung out with my new friend Ari in the spotter tower to which I found out was a suite for spectators too! Of course, it's not free and I could imagine it costs a pretty penny to be there... When the competition began, chooks came up and watched with us and we all had fun despite the chilly weather. Everyone did a great job showcasing what the series is about, and just from hearing the comments from new faces, this league is only going to continue it's rapid growth.

After the excitement, we finished with dinner at our favorite ramen spot in Gardena. Super authentic, and one of the best tasting hot meals for when it is cold.

Today is IDRC in Fontana, Import drag racing. I was going to go with Yukio again, but there was one problem; laundry. We need some fresh laundry for Vegas, and in the midst of the racing excitement, it kept getting put off. So I decided last night to stay back, clean our apartment, and make sure we have clean clothes for our trip. I guess that's love, right? I want to be supportive in more ways than cheering for my boyfriend's sponsored drivers, so hopefully cleaning today will do the trick (I know it does).

I am excited to leave tomorrow and spend a little time with my lovey out of state even though this is a work trip, but he will be traveling internationally and all over the US soon. We are trying to spend a good amount of time together before he is gone for basically 6 weeks. This is one of the aspects of my relationship I am going to have to learn to deal with in a positive manner, since we have basically been together since October. Time apart is good, but it will be a good challenge.

Well, it is time to watch a few of my favorite shows then start cleaning up a bit. Viva Las Vegas in the AM!

xo Drift Bunny  

Nutshell

My infamous time gaps, ah yes. Lovely, aren't they? I know, I know, I am terrible at updating. Here's the truth, it has been hard to update often with the situations I've been in. When I lived at home, our family PC was on it's last leg of life, so working on photos and posting/blogging was challenging. My mother let me use her work laptop on occasion to edit, but with work, obviously that was priority. So as always, here is the juicy post that catches you up to speed on the past 6 months or so on my life in motorsports and off the track.

I last left you all on a cliffhanger before SEMA. If you all follow my Instagram (@thedriftbunny) then you saw how crazy it was with the crazy industry parties every night, the exciting show itself, and of course, hanging out with a variety of new faces and old ones. I hadn't experienced wither SEMA or Vegas until that week, which was the most fabulous thing ever, going back to Vegas when it isn't SEMA is going to be debated ;) If any had noticed I went out there on Halloween, it was for a certain reason, and no, it was not to get extra partying in. 

This now brings me to one of the most exciting and special chapter in my life that I have already been very open with, the love of my life; my boyfriend Yukio. I went out early to hang out with who I originally saw as a friend, and wanted to just have fun few days early. Right off the bat, it was like I had known this person for years, and it was like seeing those animated stars when we had our conversations. Ironically, in the city of sin, I fell in love.

About December time, things at home were once again, rough and not working out. Just like last year, I left unexpectedly. I stayed in Moopark for a few weeks figuring things out and working a small part time at my favorite store, Sprouts. After about a month, I moved in with my boyfriend to the beautiful South Bay. We live on the border of Redondo Beach and Torrance, and it is so lovely here. Living on my own for a bit last year is totally different now, especially since I chose to have a better and positive state of mind than last year. Life for the past 4 months have been an adjustment, and I am now barely seeing here as my home. I have the most loving and supportive boyfriend here that wants to make sure I am always comfortable and happy as to where living in Highland Park, I had no one. Don't get me wrong, I am not an ignorant young woman that is going to sit here and rant about how I have the "best boyfriend in the world", because we have our ups and downs learning to cohabitate together.

The hardest aspect of living with a boyfriend has been the struggle to accept that I am no longer an "I" and have to learn to share space and adjust habits of mine like when I lived at home or on my own. All in all, it is fun, Yukio has an incredible career (in motorsports of course) and I have been lucky enough to go with him to few drag races and two time attacks. Today, we are  going to the 2nd day of the Long Beach Grand Prix, and it is just amazing. Being with someone who shares my love for motorsports feels like I've slipped on a pair of glass slippers.

Of course, there has to be one thing that isn't so peachy. I fell off the vegan/healthy wagon. I FEEL SO GUILTY! It really sucks. When I lived at home, our family room was very spacious and i could move my couches quite easily and get my workouts in, here, not so much ( haha). Yes, yes, I do remember my motivational sayings and postings, I should just move the damn sectional couch we have here along with the coffee table. The space here is small, however, I need to just suck it up. My whole being felt so in balance last year, and now I just want to be back in that spot. Hopefully that motivation stick whacks me in the head and there will be no belly aching about this! 

So there you have it, my life over the past 6 months or so. now that we have Internet and I have a laptop that won't travel from me, I can attempt to update this weekly (hopefully). I am planning on introducing a new blog on my cohabitation adventures, but will most likely just merge those stories with this blog. 

Off to the races we go! Make sure to keep up with my pink adventures of Instagram; @thedriftbunny... Let's see if I can reach 50k followers! :)

xo Drift Bunny 

Scribble, scribble, dot, dot.

I get asked a lot about this whole Drift Bunny project and what my agenda really is behind it. Truth of the matter is, I really do this whole thing because I love it and have such a passion for bringing these events to life. I have friends and family that aren't into any sort of motorsports and telling them all about the day or weekend adventures is always fun, especially because I get to somewhat experience it all over again. When I was in high school I had this one history teacher who would always take his time and ask everyone what they did over the weekend; if there was a drift event my hand would be up before he could finish his sentence. Simply telling classmates, friends, and family wasn't enough especially since my adventures kept getting more and more exciting and complex. My favorite part of any adventure I write about will always have to be when I am working on the track and am few feet away from these absolute monsters roaring past me and leaving behind their musky yet sharp smell of burning rubber... Oh! Just gives me goosebumps reliving those moments.

One of my favorite parts of each and every event is seeing all my friends and familiar friends that I have been lucky to make over the past years being around this chaotic playground. Formula D Long Beach feels so comparable to the first day of school, those same jitters and excitement from not seeing your friends after a few month hiatus, just anxious to see everyone's new monsters dance through the turns and hairpins. One of the best events to cover and experience all around. Some familiar faces aren't always in the Drifting side of things, they're working in the vendor village, have a show car in their own area, or some of them happen to be the pretty faces that make men melt; the models. Whatever they do, making the rounds around the general paddock with the diverse friends constantly makes me smile and happy to be in such an interesting industry with even more interesting characters.


Wouldn't you know? That's just for the pro league. Although I started off with Nightshifts and Formula D, JustDrift will always be like a second home for me. Willow Springs is where the raw talent and love for the sport is cultivated and nurtured, grassroot style. Beat to hell 240s, 86s, FC's and so on whine and wiz by with their stock motors and coilovers spinning often but returning promptly to the start line to try again. It's really an addictive taste that isn't difficult to acquire, but addictive once you have it; spectating, riding along, or driving, drifting is such a potent fun at any level. Top Drift is a lot of fun, especially in the recent seasons since more and more pro license hopefuls come out to journey themselves for a professional license. It really is grassroot days on steroids and twice exciting, just as down to earth.

The waking up early and driving through the mountains and desert that feels as if I'm traveling through Mars and is usually one of the best parts of the day before the track. Its usually cold and windy in the beginning of the season however weather and any other grievance seems to fade when everyone starts driving and especially when ride alongs are given out; that will always be my favorite part of any event, planned or not. There is something about driving with someone that is so magical and memorable each time without fail, I believe it is because every driver has their own unique style to their art, each personality seems to be painted a bit through their driving, just like every writer or photographer has their own personal touch to whatever it is they bring to life. In a way, it feels like I am able to get to know that person somewhat regardless if they are shy and not speak.

I could very well go on and on and on about how exciting every experience has been and try and make it dance in your mind, but you and I would most likely be here all day and night, but I promise I won't keep you hostage that long. Since Formula D Texas is in two weeks, and I have to wait to start doing what I do best, writing is my outlet for that excitement. The best part about Drifting is that I grew up throughout the whole experience; 15 to 22 years old. It never dulls, never becomes routine, and never becomes a jaded chore. Hopefully this little entry explains where I come from to a degree, because it will never be understood unless you go out and experience the monsters and magic for yourself.

xo Drift Bunny