INTRODUCTION
Our story actually begins out on the lakebed of Johnson Valley, during the 2012 King of the Hammers. Will worked in the pits for a team that had been around since the inception of the event. It was that trip that locked him into photographing the race, and its local off-shoot series, for the next 7 years. Also a photographer, Alex quickly found himself sucked into the adrenaline rush that is KOH week. In many ways it’s what led the two to start their first business in the industry, before the age of 20. Their company, Sherpa Equipment Co., manufactures storage solutions for the Toyota off road community. Now that the business has its own legs the two are back out on the course, this time putting their driving skills to the test.
Unlike many of the independent front suspension (IFS) teams who have tried before, our team’s trail experience is based almost solely in the same suspension system. With some of the toughest trails in the Rocky Mountains right in our backyard, our team knows exactly how an IFS system will perform in the rocks. We are firm believers that the combination of modern IFS and coilover technology is proving to be the winning combination for the 4600 stock class vehicles. We are also connected to OEM-vehicle based IFS and believe that racing is the perfect way to help aftermarket manufactures push the technology forward.
In addition to that, Alex (Driver) and Will (Co-Driver) have been wheeling and now racing together as an effective team for the last 7 years. Both playing to each others strengths and weaknesses on the course. This can be critical on race day, as clear communication and teamwork are essential to getting the car across the finish line.
THE TEAM
ALEX FLEMING - DRIVER
Practically born behind the wheel, Alex has been wheeling or going fast most of his life. Alex has also spent the last 4 years studying marketing and journalism. He understands the significance of going fast and making sure our sponsors get the attention they deserve.
WILL OLVIER - CO-DRIVER
Known as the “Spotter” in the group, Will has been known to be able to walk just about anyone through the toughest of obstacles. Will also studied design and marketing. As a photographer he has been shooting various desert racing events since 2012.
HAYDEN D. - CREW CHIEF
graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, an internship at NASA and experience with CSU’s Formula SAE program. Hayden now runs the engineering department at Sherpa and has proven himself to be a logistical genius on and off the course.
“THE GUYS” - PIT TEAM
Our guys have been in and around Toyota’s from an early age. These guys are truly the ones who can fix just about anything themselves. Our team is also passionate about pushing IFS Toyota vehicles to their limit in the rock-crawling world.
