Susan Pieper
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Susan Pieper broke into off-road racing without family connections, becoming one of only four women in the U.S. to earn international four-wheel drive instructor certification.
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only four women in the United States who are international four-wheel drive training instructors
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FULL BIO: Susan Pieper
Susan Pieper carved her own path into the male-dominated world of off-road racing without a single family connection to motorsports, becoming one of only four women in the United States to earn international four-wheel drive training instructor certification.
EARLY YEARS
Unlike the majority of women who break into off-road racing, Susan didn’t grow up with brothers tearing around dirt tracks or a father who lived and breathed horsepower. Her family had zero ties to motorsports, making her eventual dive into the off-road world all the more remarkable. Based in Park City, Utah, she represents the rare breed of racer who looked at a completely foreign world and decided to master it from scratch.
OTHER INTERESTS
When she’s not conquering terrain that would make most people think twice, Susan channels her competitive spirit into other challenging pursuits. She proved her navigational prowess on water by winning the Navigators award during the 1995 Trans-Pacific Yacht Race as co-navigator—because apparently, mastering one form of extreme navigation wasn’t enough. As an entrepreneur and executive advisor, she’s also made waves in the automotive accessories world, founding DMOS Collective Inc. and developing premium car shovels that caught the attention of industry insiders at SEMA Launch Pad.
EARLY SUCCESS
Susan’s approach to off-road racing was refreshingly honest: she admitted she had no background but was determined to learn and make it significant in her life. This no-nonsense attitude served her well as she worked her way up through the ranks of off-road training, eventually achieving the rare distinction of becoming an international four-wheel drive training instructor—a certification held by only three other women in the entire United States.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
- 1995: Won Navigators award at Trans-Pacific Yacht Race as co-navigator[1]
- Became one of only four women in the U.S. to achieve international four-wheel drive training instructor certification[1]
- 2022: Recognized at SEMA Launch Pad for automotive product innovation through DMOS Collective Inc.[2]
INSPIRATIONS
While Susan acknowledges the women in off-road racing who had family connections to the sport, she’s carved out her own unique position as someone who proves you don’t need a racing pedigree to make an impact. Her philosophy centers on the idea that passion and determination can overcome any lack of background—a refreshing perspective in a sport where family legacy often opens doors.
REPUTATION
Peers recognize Susan as a pioneer who broke into off-road training through sheer determination rather than inherited advantage. Her leadership in the off-road community has earned respect not just for her technical skills, but for her ability to inspire others who might feel intimidated by the sport’s traditionally male-dominated culture. As CEO of DMOS Collective Inc., she’s also gained recognition in the broader automotive industry for her innovative approach to developing practical tools for car enthusiasts.
FUTURE GOALS/PLANS
Susan continues to balance her roles as an off-road training instructor and successful entrepreneur, remaining actively involved in the off-road community while expanding her business ventures in the automotive accessories market. Her focus appears to be on continuing to break barriers and mentor others who want to enter the sport without traditional racing backgrounds.
References:
Susan Pieper – The Life Cycle of an Entrepreneur, YouTube Interview[1]
SEMA Launch Pad Prize Report, 2022[2]
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