Sasha Johnston: Building My 2009 Jeep SRT8 (Leroy) For Sema

Discover how Sasha Johnston transformed her 2009 Jeep SRT8, Leroy, into a powerful, personalized build that embodies passion and craftsmanship. Learn about the car community and the journey of modifying a unique SUV.

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2009 Jeep SRT8 (Leroy) For Sema

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Sasha Johnston

2009 Jeep SRT8 (Leroy)

Instagram: @sashy2011

TikTok: sashy2011

By Photographer/Author: Donnie Rochin
Instagram: @r0cean11

Facebook: r0cean11 Photography
Website: r0cean11.com

My Journey Into Cars and Sema

I'm Sasha Johnston, a 32-year-old Colorado native. I wear many hats—four jobs, two board positions, and I manage events and operations for an independent LLC. But even with all the demands of my career, my passion for cars has been a constant in my life. From a young age, I was always drawn to the mechanical and technical side of things, often dismantling toys and gadgets to see how they worked. My interest grew deeper when I took a welding elective in high school, which opened a new world of possibilities in car customization.

I wasn't the typical "Barbie girl." Instead, I played with Hot Wheels, Legos, and PlayMobil, nurturing my interest in all things automotive. By the time I entered high school, my passion had evolved. Welding taught me the potential of transforming a car, not just enjoying its aesthetic. As a true enthusiast, my toys got bigger and more expensive, with each build pushing me further into the world of cars.

My First Car and Early Builds

My first car was a 2008 Honda Fit Sport, and I will forever be grateful to my parents for that opportunity. The car had no major modifications, but it had a Pioneer navigation system, which was the coolest feature for me at the time. That little car taught me to appreciate every aspect of building and personalizing a vehicle. I have fond memories of that car and hope to one day buy another Honda Fit with the same specs, no modifications—just a pure appreciation for the car itself.

Leroy: The 2009 Jeep SRT8

In 2018, I acquired Leroy, my 2009 Jeep SRT8. At the time, I wasn’t paying much attention to the Jeep platform, but in 2017, I stumbled upon the WK1 SRT8. I was instantly captivated by its unique shape and body lines, and soon, I saw other modified Jeeps that inspired me to take a different approach with my build.

Leroy came to me with some essential modifications, including a Magnuson supercharger and an upgraded transmission, making it the perfect foundation for further enhancements. It wasn’t long before I began working on it, focusing on transforming Leroy into a one-of-a-kind ride that reflects my personality.

Why Leroy Is Special to Me

Leroy is unique because modified SRT8s are a rare sight in Colorado, particularly when it comes to SUVs. Every time I walk away from him in a parking lot, I can’t help but turn around to take one more look. It’s that sense of pride and joy that makes a car truly special. Many people know me for my Lexus, Larry, but Leroy has developed his own personality over the years. My goal with both of my cars has always been to inspire others—whether their builds are big or small, it’s about passion and enjoyment.

Building Leroy has been an incredible journey. It’s not just about the finished product but about the experiences and lessons learned along the way. My advice for anyone purchasing a car is to bring a second set of eyes, especially if you're not familiar with the make, model, or mods. Start by identifying the things you dislike about the car, since you’ve probably already noticed the features you love. When it comes to mods, be patient. Don’t rush to finish your build; take the time to find the right parts. The best builds are those that take time and care.

Building Leroy: Craftsmanship and Personal Touch

Leroy had a few modifications when I bought him, but I had bigger plans. I wanted to create something bigger and better. As of now, I’ve been doing much of the work myself, but I’ve also leaned on friends, local shops, and connections in the industry to help with specific tasks. Whether it’s carbon fiber work or reupholstering the interior, I’ve been hands-on with almost every part of the build. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see my vision come to life, especially when it involves unconventional materials and methods that make Leroy stand out.

While the build is far from complete, I’m proud of where Leroy is today. I still have a long list of modifications I want to make, including more carbon fiber details, a flex fuel sensor for E85 compatibility, and a custom-designed carbon fiber widebody kit. Innovation and personal touches are what make every car build unique. My goal is to make Leroy as one-of-a-kind as my Lexus, Larry, with as many first-in-the-world titles as possible.

Modifications -

Performance -

Magnuson Supercharger
Upper/lower pulley
1440cc injectors
Stage 3 master cam
Stage 3 stall
Upgraded transmission
ATAK exhaust
Billet catch can
Built cooling system
Methanol injection
Upgraded thermostat & cooling system
Aluminum radiator
Long-tube headers

Exterior -

Airlift bagged suspension
Custom hyper black metallic + brushed aluminum wrap (two-stage)
Custom blacked-out double halo headlights & fog lights
Carbon fiber red color-shift reflectors
Carbon fiber fenders
Carbon fiber interior lip
Carbon Fiber front splitter
Carbon Fiber Venom hood
Carbon fiber third brake light
Carbon Fiber trunk latch
Carbon Fiber door pillars
Carbon fiber door trim
Carbon fiber roof rails
Vulcan Red windshield tint
Custom-painted Candy cherry red calipers
Lexani R12 (3-piece) gloss barrels black/machine face (20x10)
Pirelli P ZERO 275/35/20

Interior -

Carbon Fiber red color-shift door switches
Carbon fiber red color-shift center console
Carbon fiber interior pieces
Red suede headliner, door panels, dashboard, pillars
Custom gauges

Shout Outs

My Car Family

The Importance of the Car Community

For me, the car scene is about much more than the cars themselves. It’s about the community—the friendships and connections that form through our shared passion. Car clubs like Simply Society, Slush, and others throughout Colorado and beyond have played a huge role in my journey. These clubs are more than just gatherings; they are support systems where we take care of each other. The sense of belonging within the car community is something truly special.

The car scene has brought so many new friends into my life, many of whom have become like family. The diversity of the community, with its varied backgrounds and interests, creates a beautiful bond that unites us through the universal language of cars. I’ve learned so much from people in the car scene, and my experiences have shaped my perspective in ways I never imagined. Every time I show up to a car meet, I bring my positive energy, celebrating not just my build but everyone else’s. Every build is an extension of the owner’s personality, and that uniqueness should be celebrated.

My Dream Car and Final Thoughts

Honestly, I already have my dream car: my Lexus RC 350 F Sport, which has been LS3 swapped. This car has not only changed my life but also inspired others to pursue their own builds. A dream car, for me, is not just about owning something incredible—it’s about creating joy, sparking imagination, and fostering connections within the car scene and beyond.

My advice to anyone building a car is simple: build it for yourself. Don’t let others dictate your choices. Your car is an extension of who you are, and when you pour your heart and soul into it, that passion will shine through. Don’t worry about pleasing others; focus on making yourself happy. If you love what you’ve built, others will see that, and your hard work will speak for itself.

Call to Action

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