“I got the name Crafty Kate from working in the film industry doing craft services for 30 years. I do not do arts and crafts. But I am Crafty.” — Crafty Kate That’s the first thing you need to know about Kate, is known throughout the racing world as Crafty Kate. The name came from three decades of hard work feeding film crews, not from scrapbooking or Pinterest projects. And that distinction matters—because everything Kate does is rooted in authenticity, grit, and real-world experience.

From Hollywood to Horsepower.

“I’ve spent most of my life at race tracks across the USA.” Kate’s journey in the automotive world is as colorful as the custom paint jobs on the cars she promotes. Her path has taken her: 

Trade Shows Working as a spokesmodel in the automotive industry, engaging with enthusiasts and professionals across the country – 

On the Road Serving as a promotional girl, traveling circuit to circuit. 

The 1980’s and 90’s Racing Scene. Working as a “BUG ” alongside legends like George “The Bushmaster” Schreiber and the notorious original Christine Pro Mod.

Rods West. Representing one of California’s premier custom Gasser builders, modeling. Throughout it all, Kate learned the business from the ground up—understanding what makes car people tick, what brings communities together, and how to create events that honor both the machines and the people who love them. Gasser Haven: Building Dreams in the Desert

I currently work for Rods West out of Ridgecrest, Ca. Gasser Haven.. we build custom Gassers, with a ton of Willys parts. I am the promotions manager.

Kate found her professional home at Rods West in Ridgecrest, California— Rods West affectionately known as “Gasser Haven.”

As the Promotions Manager, she represents a shop that specializes in crafting bespoke Gassers filled with an abundance of Willys, and Austin parts.

Her deep connection to the Ridgecrest Community and authentic passion for grassroots racing made her a natural ambassador for the sport.

Kate doesn’t just promote events—she lives the culture, breathes the exhaust fumes, and understands what makes car people come back year after year.

I am a promoter,  like: promoting Ed Iskenderian’s 100, 101, 102 Birthday party, and car shows.

While attending many other birthdays for years as a volunteer. One of the greatest honors of Kate’s career has been her relationship with Ed “Isky” Iskenderian, the legendary “Camfather” and hot rod pioneer. Kate had the privilege of attending Ed’s birthday celebrations for years as a volunteer, building a relationship with one of racing’s most beloved figures.

When Ed reached his milestone birthdays, Kate stepped up in a major way—taking on the monumental task of promoting his 100th, 101st, and 102nd birthday celebrations.

These weren’t small gatherings; they were massive events that attracted: – friends and fans from across the country – Racing legends like Don “The Snake” Prudhomme and Don Garlits – Nitro-burning dragsters including Garlits’ legendary Swamp Rat III – Multiple cackle fests that filled the desert air with the sweet smell of racing fuel .

Coverage in major automotive publications nationwide Working alongside industry legends to celebrate Ed’s centennial in July 2021, Kate helped organize car shows and celebrations that proved she could handle events of any scale while maintaining the personal touch that made them special.

Ed Iskenderian has been a significant inspiration throughout Kate’s career, and celebrating his milestones alongside racing’s elite remains among her proudest achievements.

I do a fundraiser car show in the town of Inyokern every year. (The Classic burgers classic car show)

Inyokern was one of the oldest living drag strips, many old timers remember it. A passion project extraordinarily close to Kate’s heart is the, Classic Burgers Annual Car Show, held each spring in Inyokern—a tiny town of just 968 residents with enormous racing heritage.

Why Inyokern matters: This small desert community was home to one of the oldest drag strips in California. Old timers still talk about the legendary races that happened there, and Kate honors that history with every show she produces.

The show’s origin story is rooted in pure community spirit.

Kate has known Abdul Hugais, the owner of Classic Burgers restaurant, since he was a child. When Abdul opened his restaurant on West Inyokern Road with plenty of outdoor space perfect for displaying classic cars, Kate saw an opportunity.

Together, they created something special—a show that celebrates automotive history while giving back to those who can’t speak for themselves.

The Classic Burgers Journey, March 23, 2019.

• The Inaugural show raises $1,277 for Ridgecrest Animal Shelter :-
• 2020-2021 – Event paused due to COVID-19 pandemic
• March 12, 2022* – Triumphant return raises $2,510 –
• March 11, 2023* – Third show raises impressive $4,895
• March 16, 2024* – Record-breaking fourth show with 200+ vehicles raises $6,250
• March 15, 2025* – Fifth annual show $4,200.00 due to weather

April 18, 2026 – Sixth show already scheduled What started as a modest local gathering has evolved into a regional phenomenon, drawing car enthusiasts from as far away as Las Vegas, Arizona, Idaho.

Hundreds of polished classics and roaring customs fill the desert air with the scent of gasoline and nostalgia each spring.

More Than a Spectacle: A Village of Volunteers

More Than a Spectacle: A Village of Volunteers “My fundraiser is for the Ridgecrest Animal shelter. It takes a village, we’re all volunteers. I am always looking for Goody bag sponsors.”

This show isn’t just about beautiful automobiles—it’s about giving back to the community.

Every dollar raised benefits the Ridgecrest No Kill Animal Shelter, partnered with the Bissell Pet Foundation’s “Until Every Pet Has A Home” mission. 

• Kate’s approach is simple and powerful: – 100% volunteer-run – Nobody gets paid, everyone gives their time –
• All proceeds donated – Every penny left after expenses goes straight to the shelter
• Community-powered – “It takes a village” isn’t just a saying, it’s how the show operates
• Always seeking sponsors – Goodie bag items, trophy sponsorships, and event support welcome.

The shelter is a compassionate facility dedicated to the rescue, care, and rehoming of abandoned, stray, and surrendered animals.

Committed to a no-kill policy, the shelter ensures that every animal receives necessary medical treatment, socialization, and love while awaiting adoption.

Kate embodies the spirit of community, working tirelessly to coordinate vendors, design trophies by hand, book master of ceremonies, entertainment, secure permits and insurance, and handle every detail—big and small—with the same energy and passion that has defined her entire career.

It’s about giving back. Cars bring people together—and when they do, we can make a real difference

Authenticity in Overdrive: The Crafty Kate Way Kate’s events are powered by community spirit rather than corporate polish.

From her years in film craft services, she learned how to feed a crew, keep people happy, and make sure every detail is handled.

• Those same skills translate perfectly to car shows: What makes Kate’s events different:*–
• Approachable – She treats every car owner like a friend, not a registration number
• Down-to-earth – No pretense, no corporate speak, just genuine passion –
• Hands-on – From booking entertainment to designing awards, Kate does it all
• Detail-oriented – Every goody bag, every trophy, every experience matters
• Community-first – All volunteers, all proceeds donated, no money kept for next year
• Feedback-driven– She listens to participants and makes positive changes year after year Her blend of showmanship and sincerity has made her a household name in the local car scene and a rising figure in grassroots automotive culture nationwide.

Kate also sponsors several other shows and events, extending her support across the racing community.

Participants often say it’s her personality that keeps them coming back year after year.

She’s the real deal—a woman who has lived this life, earned her stripes, and genuinely cares about the people and animals she serves.

The Racing Spirit: Down But Never Out.

“I am currently not racing, due to an injury, but hope to see everyone at the races in my Gasser soon, or in Smitty Smiths truck in 2026”

Although currently sidelined from racing due to an injury, Kate’s spirit remains unbroken, and her passion for the race track undimmed.

She eagerly anticipates her return to competition—whether behind the wheel of her beloved Gasser or in Smitty Smith’s truck come 2026.

This temporary setback hasn’t slowed her down one bit. If anything, it’s given her more time to focus on promoting events, supporting other racers, and making sure the Classic Burgers show gets bigger and better each year.

“I’ve always believed horsepower is just one part of the story.

It’s the people, the history, and the heart that make this culture what it is.

That mindset has made her a beloved figure across California’s desert valleys and classic car communities—a woman whose charisma, grit, and compassion are as powerful as the engines she celebrates.

That mindset has made her a beloved figure across California’s desert valleys and classic car communities—a woman whose charisma, grit, and compassion are as powerful as the engines she celebrates.

• Supporting the Community: Beyond the Shows Kate’s impact extends far beyond the events she organizes. She:
• Supports other racers through sponsorships and promotion
• Donates to their causes and helps amplify their fundraising efforts
• Mentors newcomers to the classic car scene
• Preserves racing history by documenting and celebrating legends like Ed Iskenderian
• Connects sponsors with worthy causes like her partnership with Viking Bags
• Brings together generations of car enthusiasts
• Keeps Inyokern’s drag strip legacy alive in the hearts of old timers and new fans alike. Looking to the Future: More Cars, More Causes, More Community Kate is steering toward an even bigger future. With the 2026 Classic Burgers Car Show already scheduled for April 18, 2026 and her anticipated return to racing that same year—she’s planning:
• Expanded partnerships with shops, sponsors, and regional events
• Greater impact for the animal shelter and other community causes
• More opportunities for car enthusiasts to showcase their pride and joy
• Enhanced experiences that honor both automotive history and community values
• Continued growth of grassroots car culture across California
• Her return to the track whether in her Gasser or Smitty Smith’s truck — The Kate Philosophy, is what Makes Crafty Kate Different,
• Community Over Commerce Every event is run by volunteers, with all proceeds going to charity. Kate doesn’t keep money for the following year—every penny left after expenses goes straight to the Ridgecrest Animal Shelter the very next day.
• Feedback-Driven Excellence Kate listens to participants and makes positive changes year after year, ensuring each show is better than the last.
• Inclusive Spirit “If it has a motor, bring it!” – Kate welcomes all makes and models, celebrating diversity in automotive passion.
• Personal Touch From hand-designed trophies to personally reaching out to sponsors, Kate makes every participant feel valued and special.
• Authentic Connections Having spent decades in the Ridgecrest area, Kate knows the community intimately and builds genuine relationships that last.
• Real Experience With 30 years in film craft services and a lifetime at race tracks,

Kate brings real-world skills and authentic passion to everything she does.