Rubi Kunsch Built & Raced Her Own KOH Jeep

Rubi Kunsch is an Ultra4 racer competing in the 4600 class with her self-built 1997 Jeep TJ, race number 808. She finished 19th at King of the Hammers in 2026 after completing one lap before breaking on the second. An AWS certified welder, fabricator, and instructor based in St. George, Utah, she runs Send It Nation while sharing builds, races, and shop work. The conversation covers her path from fashion blogger and contractor to full-time Ultra4 competitor, the real costs of racing, and why she builds her own car.

Timestamps 00:00 – Ruby Kooch: 808, Ultra4 Racer, Hawaii Roots 02:43 – Ruby's Name, Machining Roots, and Red Jeep Passion 06:01 – From Boston to Hawaii: Living History & Local Off‑Road Spots 07:37 – Life Across States & Rock‑Type Differences in Off‑Roading 11:12 – Launching Ultra4 Career During COVID and Building a Brand 13:55 – Monetizing Off‑Road Content: Sponsorships, Social Media Income 16:33 – Racing Costs, Fundraising, and Financial Challenges 21:20 – Maintaining Humility and Ethical Partnerships in Sponsorships 23:35 – Navigating OnlyFans Concerns and Online Reputation 27:24 – Sustainable Brand Support Through Visibility and Performance 28:32 – Clutch Work, Hand Throttle, and Drivetrain Upgrades 33:14 – Team Dynamics, Self‑Built Jeep, and Learning Mechanics 36:00 – Learning Welding and Automotive Skills via Mentors and Media 40:17 – Using Catheters in Ultra4 Races: Design and Practical Issues 44:02 – Ruby's Health Challenges and Medical Support 47:10 – Building Dedicated Ultra4 Race Jeep vs. Everyday Jeeps 50:11 – Closing Remarks and Future Interview Plans 50:51 – Promoting Send It Nation: Social Media, Community, Education 52:54 – Upcoming Events: SEMA, PRI, and Racing Calendar 54:58 – Travel Food Favorites and Dietary Choices 57:04 – Sponsorships, Food Talk, and Road Trip Highlights 58:11 – Show Disclaimer and Closing Statement Key Highlights

Built her own 1997 TJ (T-Rex) for the 4600 stock class with a 4.0L, AX15, and JK Rubicon transfer case Finished 19th at King of the Hammers 2026 but broke on the second lap Race number 808 comes from the Hawaii area code; she fought to keep it AWS certified welder who teaches free classes and fabricates her own race car Low-budget program racing against half-million-dollar factory cars while still placing ninth nationally If you build or race a TJ, what part would you never touch on a 4600-class car? Drop it in the comments. Subscribe for more real Jeep builds and trail talk, and check out more e