Dreaming Big

By Kaylee Crayton for Shelby online

I first found my need for speed at a very young age, in a Power Wheels, and then on dirt bikes and quads. That was the start of me becoming a 4th generation car enthusiast, racer and certified welder.

I discovered my passion for racing cars when I was just 17 years old while on a trip to the racetrack with my dad. By the age of 21, I had appeared on “All Girls Garage” and had a Top 10 SEMA build to my credit. You can put me in a dragster, a Shelby Cobra or even a Honda because I can drive!

My real experience began when I graduated at 16 years old and bought my first car at 17, a Scion FRS. At the time, I had no idea that first car would change my life./p>

I found myself and my first car at the racetrack just 3 weeks later. I went on to win four of five bracket events in my first season. Now I hold two NHRA licenses in two classes, with aspirations to one day race in the series.

I began turning heads when I wrapped the car during my first season while winning a bracket points championship. I named the Scion “Nebula” after the galaxy. The build included an FA20 supercharged with an 80 shot of nitrous express. It was my own personal rocket ship.

At my first SEMA in 2019, I attended a meet-and-greet with the “All Girls Garage” cast. Two weeks later, Nebula and I were offered an opportunity to appear on the show, season 9 episode 11. I returned to SEMA in 2021, with Nebula as the booth car and placed top 10 in the Young Guns division. Leaving SEMA, I put my plan in motion to become a certified welder.

In January 2022, I enrolled myself in welding, and by July I was certified by AWS in SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, class, I made the Dean's list. I applied at Premier Street Rods and now I build GMC-certified K5 Blazers. I even helped create some suspension parts used on Shelby Cobra restorations.

I accomplished two major goals in under a year. Someday I'd like to be on the level of Jessi Combs, who has been a big inspiration for me. I'd like to build Shelby Cobra's, build race chassis, and then race my own builds.

The automotive industry has been good to me. I've had Aaron Shelby check out my build and squeeze into my car. I attend all types of events, like NASCAR, Barrett-Jackson, car shows, and all types of drag races. I found my passion and it's an amazing feeling! My goal is to help others find theirs. Four years ago, I met and became friends with Team Shelby members Tracey Smith and Scott Black, who advised me to set goals, become educated and obtain my licenses. You must make success your number one priority. Always Dream Big!