WHERE IT STARTED
The Stock Car Pit Crew Challenge was founded in 2001 by Trenda Eversole and Renee Merchant—two driven women with a shared passion for teamwork, performance, and the thrill of motorsports.
The idea was first sparked when Renee, while researching for her book Checkered Flag Teams, visited Trenda at TrackTime Driving Schools, where Trenda served as Vice President. Their conversation planted the seed for what would become a dynamic team-building experience unlike any other.
A short time later, fate stepped in again when the two crossed paths at a Chamber of Commerce meeting. Over coffee—and a napkin sketch—the concept for the Stock Car Pit Crew Challenge was brought to life.
What began as a pilot program at Michigan International Speedway (MIS) with local businesses quickly grew into a full-scale corporate and educational experience. For more than two decades, Trenda and Bill Eversole have delivered the Pit Crew Challenge to organizations and institutions across the country, including the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, Chevrolet, Chrysler, METALCON, and many more.
Today, the Stock Car Pit Crew Challenge continues to fuel collaboration, communication, and competition—proving that when a team works together like a pit crew, incredible things can happen.
OUR TEAM
TRENDA EVERSOLE
PRESIDENT
EVENT COORDINATOR
As President and co-founder of the Stock Car Pit Crew Challenge, Trenda Eversole brings unmatched energy, passion, and real pit road experience to every event. Before launching the Pit Crew Challenge, she served as Vice President of TrackTime Driving Schools, where she helped countless people experience the thrill of real racing.
Trenda’s credentials speak for themselves—she was part of a professional pit crew in the ARCA Remax Series, giving her firsthand knowledge of what it takes to perform under pressure and work as one seamless team.
With her blend of motorsports expertise and team-building know-how, Trenda delivers fast-paced, hands-on events that inspire teamwork, communication, and a winning attitude in every group she works with.
BILL EVERSOLE
VICE PRESIDENT
EVENT FACILITATOR
Bill Eversole brings decades of racing experience and leadership to the Stock Car Pit Crew Challenge. He’s been behind the wheel since he was 18, starting his career in dirt track racing before moving up to the ARCA Remax Series in 1999—where he earned Rookie of the Year honors in 2003.
As the former President of TrackTime Driving Schools, Bill trained and certified professional racing licenses for new ARCA drivers while also serving on several pit crews and working as a spotter for many teams.
Today, Bill continues to race and share his deep knowledge of motorsports through engaging, hands-on team-building experiences that teach communication, precision, and trust—the same skills that make a pit crew, and a workplace, run like a well-oiled machine.
MARDY KAIDAN
EVENT OPPERATIONS
For more than 15 years, Mardy Kaidan has been an essential part of the Stock Car Pit Crew Challenge team. His dedication, experience, and enthusiasm make him a key player in helping every event run smoothly and successfully.
Before joining the team, Mardy worked with TrackTime Driving Schools, where he strengthened his motorsports expertise and event skills. He’s also spent time on the road as a roadie for several professional singers and bands, helping manage live events and logistics—experience that shows in his ability to keep every pit crew challenge running like clockwork.
Today, Mardy channels his love of competition into professional snowmobile drag racing, earning standout accomplishments in the sport. With his unique blend of racing knowledge, event experience, and team spirit, Mardy brings energy and authenticity to every event he’s part of.
JULIUS CURRY
EVENT OPPERATIONS
Julius Curry brings athletic excellence and leadership to the Stock Car Pit Crew Challenge team. A former University of Michigan football standout and NFL player with the Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears, and Green Bay Packers, Julius knows what it takes to perform under pressure.
After football, he turned his competitive drive toward motorsports and continues to share his passion for teamwork and performance both on and off the track. Julius also dedicates his time to mentoring and inspiring children to stay focused, disciplined, and confident.
His energy, experience, and heart for helping others make him an invaluable part of our team.
STEVE MURILLO
EVENT OPPERATIONS
Steve Murillo brings a sharp logistical mindset and decades of business experience to the Stock Car Pit Crew Challenge team. Steve has built and managed several successful companies, including Mobile Hitch, known for its quality service and innovation.
In addition to his business success, Steve has spent years coaching football teams, where he honed his leadership and motivational skills. His ability to organize, strategize, and keep teams running smoothly makes him an invaluable part of every event—both on and off the track.
JUSTIN VAUGHAN
EVENT OPPERATIONS
Justin Vaughan has had a passion for racing since childhood—if it has an engine, he’s interested! A skilled mechanic with a love for all things motorsports, Justin has spent over a decade working on and pit crewing for friends and local racers, including Bill Eversole.
His hands-on experience, mechanical expertise, and enthusiasm for the sport bring authenticity and energy to every Stock Car Pit Crew Challenge event. Whether he’s turning wrenches or helping teams perfect their pit stop, Justin keeps the action running smoothly and the excitement high.
TALENA VAUGHAN
SOCIAL MEDIA
Growing up around racing with Bill Eversole, Talena Vaughan has always been connected to the fast-paced world of motorsports—though she chose horses over horsepower early on. With a creative eye and a passion for storytelling, Talena leads the social media and digital marketing for the Stock Car Pit Crew Challenge, bringing the team’s energy and excitement to life online.
As the owner of LUX, her own successful business, Talena combines her marketing expertise with a flair for design and detail. She loves seeing each project come together and sharing the unforgettable moments that make every Pit Crew Challenge event so special.
Renee & Dick Merchant
​CO-FOUNDERS & AUTHOR
Renee Merchant, along with her husband Dick, co-authored Checkered Flag Teams ~ Driving Your Workplace Into the Winner’s Circle, the book that inspired the Stock Car Pit Crew Challenge. Renee has over two decades of experience as a trainer, consultant and professional speaker. Renee’s vision and dedication to helping teams perform like champions remain at the heart of every event we host.