Lisa Kelly, one of the few female drivers on “Ice Road Truckers,” made her mark on the show from seasons 3 to 11, starting in 2009. However, she took a brief hiatus during season 6 due to the overwhelming intrusion into her personal and professional life. This break served as a reset, allowing her to reorient herself before making a triumphant return in the subsequent season.
“Ice Road Truckers” provides viewers with a glimpse into the challenges faced by long-distance truckers as they navigate treacherous frozen lakes and passes in North America. The show captures high-stakes moments, such as trucks causing cracks in the ice or teetering on the edge of the road, poised to plunge down a cliff.
Following the conclusion of the show’s final season in 2017, the truckers, including Lisa Kelly, gradually faded into relative obscurity. Despite her departure from the TV spotlight, Kelly has remained a respected figure in the trucking community. In 2024, she continues to embrace the adventurous trucker lifestyle, living it to the fullest away from the glare of television fame.
What Is Lisa Kelly from ‘Ice Road Truckers’ up to Nowadays?
Lisa Kelly, known for her time on “Ice Road Truckers,” has shifted gears in her career. In an interview with Overdrive in May 2021, she shared that she now works for a different logistics supplier, focusing on routes from Kenai to Prudhoe Bay in Alaska. Covering a daunting 1,500 miles in approximately 32 hours, this journey remains a challenging solo drive for truckers, often involving overnight stays in their cabins.
While continuing to play a crucial role in servicing Alaska’s extensive oil and gas industries, Kelly’s work has evolved beyond the confines of reality TV. Despite the geographical distance, she maintains connections with fellow truckers, such as Todd Dewey, Jack Jesse, and Phil Kromm, who still work for Carlisle.
Reflecting on the evolving conditions of the ice roads, Kelly notes improvements, including sections now featuring tarmac and paving, enhancing safety. However, the prolonged winters in Alaska, extending into April, impact the duration and nature of her work. As the roads become bumpier in spring, driving becomes more challenging.
In terms of her online presence, Kelly maintains a modest following on Instagram, with around 18,700 followers. Additionally, she has become active on YouTube, regularly sharing video blogs that offer insights into her experiences on the road.
Unveiling Lisa Kelly’s Current Truck: Navigating the Roads Beyond ‘Ice Road Truckers’
Lisa Kelly, renowned for her daring feats on the icy roads as one of the few female drivers on “Ice Road Truckers,” currently maneuvers a Freightliner Coronado, a powerhouse she humorously claims to be adept at “blowing up.” Renamed the 122SD for Severe Duty on Ice Roads, this truck shares an engine with the Cascadia, but its streamlined bodywork makes it resilient against the challenges of uneven terrains.
While Kelly’s exact engine specifications remain undisclosed, the 112SD offers engine options with up to 600 horsepower and 2,050 lb-ft of torque. Although her television career featured a variety of trucks, she often captured attention driving Kenworths, especially the W900, a favored Class 8 truck among ice road drivers. Notably, Kenworth trucks, including a red W900, played starring roles in the Netflix movie “The Ice Road,” featuring Liam Neeson.
Expressing openness to a media return, Kelly describes “Ice Road Truckers” as on hiatus rather than canceled. However, the pandemic likely hindered any immediate comeback plans. A potential season documenting the challenges of the pandemic and its impact on the ice road trucking industry could have offered fans intriguing insights.
Active on Facebook, Kelly maintains a robust online presence. Over her career, she graced the covers of Overdrive magazine and participated in glamour photoshoots. Beyond her adventurous life on the road, she finds solace in horseback riding, motorcycle thrills, and showcasing her mechanical prowess by diagnosing her bike’s issues.
In a transitional phase of life following the conclusion of “Ice Road Truckers,” Kelly contemplates her future moves. Simplifying her life, she embraces a minimalist lifestyle, a significant shift for many but a practical choice given the confined space in a truck. While the uncertainties of future TV shows linger, Kelly, married since 2008, maintains a low profile regarding her private life.