MEET THE TEAM

ROBERTO MENDOZA - CO - PILOTO

Roberto Mendoza joined Renée in her 2013 La Carrera Panamericana (LCP) debut as her co-piloto. He has a rich history with LCP. Prior to joining Valkyrie Racing he was part of the race’s press team.

Racing runs in Roberto’s blood and he’s involved in all aspects of the sport. On any given day, you’ll find him racing, supplying tires to drivers or part of the press covering motorsport events. He owns and operates one of the top tire shops in Mexico and is a commentator for Shakedown, a program dedicated to covering motorsport events throughout Mexico.

He currently resides in Mexico City with his wife, Pamela, daughter and one more on the way. He enjoys traveling with his family and riding his dirt bike.

JIM ANSITE - CAR BUILDER

Jim Ansite has over 30 years of experience servicing all models of Porsche from daily drivers to award winning racecars. Jim oversees all repairs to Valkyrie Racing’s 1956 Porsche 356A. His first time to the La Carrera Panamericana with Renée was in 2014 and he returned again in 2015. Jim owns and operates a Porsche service and repair shop in California.

When Jim isn’t working on cars, you’ll most likely find him volunteering for his kids’ extracurricular activities. These days Jim, his wife, Jenny, and two kids are working on perfecting the sport of archery.

KELLY BROWN - MECHANIC

Kelly Brown was born with a passion for adventure, speed, and competition. He credits that passion for leading him into auto racing. He studied automotive technology at the Universal Technical Institute and has over 15 year experience preparing cars, supporting race teams, and helping drivers reach their full potential on the track.

His vast knowledge of cars and no nonsense can-do attitude was a perfect fit on the Valkyrie Racing team. He joined Renée for the 2015 La Carrera Panamericana as a lead mechanic.

In 2015, Kelly was the car chief for Ryan Ockey’s race team, O’Gara Motorsport/Cardel racing. Kelly is honored to have been part of the teams
successful season that included capturing the 2015 Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo US-AM World Championship.

When Kelly isn’t on the track, he enjoys time in the outdoors with his wife, Sonya, and 3-year- old son.

JOHANA "JO" MENDOZA - MARKETING & PUBLIC REALTIONS

Johana Mendoza joined Valkyrie Racing in 2015 to assist with marketing and public relations. With no auto racing experience, Johana jumped in headfirst and learned a lot, quickly! With the goal of growing Valkyrie Racing’s brand, she assisted in developing brand standards, launching a website, social media platform, and served as the team manager in the 2015 La Carrera Panamericana.

Johana was born in Mexico and is fluent in Spanish, which comes in handy during the race. On her free time Johana enjoys racing – but on her own two feet. She is currently working towards a goal of running a marathon on all
seven continents.

EFREN VELASQUEZ - LOGISTICS

Efren Velasquez was born in Roswell, New Mexico, and raised in Chihuahua, Mexico. Efren oversees logistics and is the chef for Valkyrie Racing.

He does everything from transporting the car from Colorado to Mexico, to transporting the support crew from race start to finish line each day, serving as the team’s interpreter, and fixes the meanest carne asada tacos south of the
border.

When Efren is not supporting Valkyrie Racing, you will find him at La Loma Mexican Restaurant working as the restaurant’s chef. Creating good food is Efren’s passion, and he gets the most joy out of watching someone’s expression of happiness when they eat something delicious that he has made for them. It goes without saying the Valkyrie Racing team is fed well the entire race!

TRAVIS ESTEY

Travis attended Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, where he got a degree in sports exercise science and physiology. After graduating, he moved to Denver and worked as a personal trainer until this love for planes, boats and automobiles caused a shift in his career.
Travis would go on to start a detailing company that he owned and operated for 10 years. He currently is a ranch foreman, and supports Valkyrie Racing.

He oversees day-to- day handling and transportation needs for both of Valkyrie Racing’s cars. With his experience in detailing, Travis also “cleans-up” the mess after each race and makes sure the car is nice and shiny for the next competition.

When Travis isn’t working, he enjoys gardening, and biking the many trails Colorado has to offer with his wife, Meg, and two kids.