Susan Pieper and Tony Warner, the team sponsor, have known each other for years through the automotive aftermarket world. Susan was also a customer of Tony’s other company, Mercedes-Benz Van Center—Warner. Tony had always respected the Rebelle Rally as a proving ground, not just for the competitors but also for the vehicles. In late 2023, after securing the INEOS Automotive dealership in Utah, Tony knew the Grenadier would be perfect for the Rally and asked Susan to assemble a team. Knowing Elise Young from past Rebelle Rallies and sharing a mutual respect for each other’s careers and hobbies (hunting, fly fishing, skiing), Susan invited Elise to join the team.
The team name, “Grins and Grit,” embodies the Grenadier’s story of resilience and toughness (“grit”). At the same time, we believe that anything worth doing should be approached with a smile.
The full “Grins and Grit” team includes key members like Todd Kunkel, Clayton Wilde, and Mike Reed, along with their vehicle, “Helga.” Together, they’re excited to make their debut at the 2024 Rally, representing both INEOS and Warner INEOS Grenadier.
The name “Grins and Grit” came from our belief that people perform their best when they’re both determined and having fun.
Warner INEOS Grenadier, BF Goodrich, Evictus, LeTech, Goose Gear, Agile Offroad, Overland Gear Guy and Blue Ribbon Coalition
After working as a corporate executive, I went through a midlife crisis and shifted to entrepreneurship, eventually building and selling my own automotive aftermarket company. I’m also a proud mom with a "rad" son with whom I share my passion for adventure, adrenaline, and design.
Business Owner & Consultant
Alpine, WY, USA
"Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing." -- Helen Keller
I'm working on my A license in Skydiving
I've always put in my best effort in previous Rebelle rallies, but now it's time to leave nothing on the course and aim for the podium.
Ernest Shackleton inspires me the most as I respect his leadership in adversity and his resilience and perseverance.
Books – The Endurance by Caroline Alexander about Shackleton; Unbroken: The Story of Louis Zampieri by Laura Hillenbrand and finally In the Heart of the Sea by Nathanial Phillbrick
Competing in the 1995 Transpacific Yacht Race. We won our division and I also skippered our sailboat from Hawaii back to San Francisco taking 23 days.
2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
Senior Business Intelligence Analyst
Livingston, MT, USA
We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful what we pretend to be. - Kurt Vonnegut
I learned to ski before I could walk!
The Rebelle represents to me a proving ground for growth. It's time to find out how far I've come since my last competition in 2020 and what giving it everything I've got looks like today.
My dog Hudson. He does everything with maximum enthusiasm and effort. His love and joy are contagious. He reminds me how important the little everyday things are.
“Books – Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals (Oliver Burkman)
– Crescent City Series (Sarah Maas)
Podcast- Freakonomics”
A 2-week mountaineering trip with NOLS in the PNW, where we lived on a glacier for much of those 2 weeks, culminating with an ascent of Mt Baker (I was on the student-led rope team).
2018, 2019, 2020
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