9TH RALLY EDITION: OCTOBER 10 – 19, 2024

#206

KiAloha

Susie and Verena were brought together by KIA to compete in this year’s Rebelle Rally. They are bringing the aloha spirit to the rally this year with their shared love of Hawaii. Verena grew up on Oahu and Susie’s family business has been based in Hawaii since 1977. They are excited to be competing in the super capable Kia Telluride X-Pro.
Sponsored By:

KIA

Susie Saxten

Navigator

I live in San Diego with my husband, Adrian, and my two German Shepherds, Sadie and Benny. I love to read, travel, eat good food and be outside.

Occupation:

Restaurant Owner

Residence:

Encinitas, CA

Favorite Quote:

“You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.” C.S. Lewis

Fun Fact:

I love social dancing and take a swing class every Monday.

Why the Rebelle? Why now?

I was lucky enough to be asked by Kia to navigate for the amazing Verena! The Rebelle is always such a fun challenge and a reset for your brain and priorities.

Who, or what, inspires you most?

My mom, original Rebelle, Dana Saxten, on Team 108. She keeps adventuring and showing all of us how it’s done.

Top three favorite podcasts / books / shows

Show: Fleabag
Books: Harry Potter, The Art of Gathering

Greatest adventure to date?

Competing in the first all women’s rally in Saudia Arabia

Prior Years Competed:

2016, 2017, 2018, 2021

Awards Achieved:

Many stage wins

Verena Mei

Driver

I’ve been in the automotive industry for 20 years, competing in Formula Drift & Rally America and teaching performance driving for OEM programs. I love the adventure of life, traveling with my husband, and living with the aloha spirit.

Occupation:

Social Media Manager with Xbox

Residence:

Near Seattle, WA

Favorite Quote:

Life is not about finding yourself, it’s about creating yourself.

Fun Fact:

In the movie Fast & Furious Tokyo Drift, I was the girl who wrote my phone number down to “Han”, after he did donuts around our Skyline in the middle of the street.

Why the Rebelle? Why now?

The Rebelle was on my bucket list since the first year, so when Kia asked me to drive for their team in 2021, there was no hesitation. I love being a part of it because every year I get to connect with amazing ladies, push myself to a new level, enjoy the scenery and be completely present in the journey. I always come back a better version of myself because of it. Can’t wait to team with Susie this year!

Who, or what, inspires you most?

I’m inspired by people who break boundaries to make a difference in the world, and those who push their limits to achieve something seemingly impossible, then discover a world of possibility.

Top three favorite podcasts / books / shows

Books: The Art of Happiness
Podcast: Jay Shetty
Shows: F1, Drive to Survive

Greatest adventure to date?

It’s a tie between racing in the Rally America Championship and The Rebelle Rally

Prior Years Competed:

2021 and 2022

Awards Achieved:

2021 – 2nd in the X-Cross class and a stage win, in a 2022 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid

Vehicle

2024 Kia Telluride X-Pro