Source – media.ford.com
Ford Performance is gearing up for an exciting return to the 2024 Rebelle Rally, fielding a five-truck lineup in this all-women’s off-road competition. After a successful 2023 campaign, where the team celebrated a historic fourth consecutive X-CROSS class win, Ford continues its partnership as a second-year Silver Sponsor. The team is poised to build on last year’s performance, debuting the highly-anticipated Ford Ranger Raptor alongside vehicles from the iconic Bronco family.
The 2024 Rebelle Rally: A Test of Endurance and Capability
The Rebelle Rally is unlike any other off-road competition. Spanning more than 1,500 miles of Nevada and California desert terrain, it stands as the longest all-women’s off-road navigation rally in the United States. What makes the Rebelle unique is the emphasis on navigation rather than speed—teams rely solely on maps and compasses, leaving behind modern conveniences like GPS and smartphones. This navigation-only approach pushes competitors’ endurance, mental fortitude, and driving skills to the limit.
Not only is this rally a true test for the women behind the wheel, but it also puts their vehicles through the ultimate real-world challenge. Entries consist primarily of stock models—trucks and SUVs you can find at a local dealership—facing the same unforgiving desert landscapes encountered in day-to-day off-roading and adventure.
Ford’s Commitment to Women in Motorsports
Ford’s return to the Rebelle Rally reflects its ongoing support of women in motorsports and its confidence in the durability and capability of its stock vehicles. Mark Rushbrook, Ford Performance Motorsports’ global director, underscores the significance of the competition: “The Rebelle Rally embodies the spirit of exploration, endurance, and empowerment. Beyond that, these are the same off-road vehicles that people can buy, and they’re taking on some of the toughest challenges in the world, where the drivers and navigators rely on them to finish without the help of cell phones or GPS. This rally is a true test of our stock vehicles’ durability and capability, and we’re excited to be back with a talented team and five trucks that embody Ford’s off-road heritage.”
By participating in the Rebelle Rally, Ford continues to solidify its leadership in off-road performance while empowering women in motorsports. Their 2023 performance demonstrated that Ford trucks and SUVs, fresh from the factory, can handle some of the most challenging environments.
Meet the 2024 Ford Performance Team
For 2024, Ford has assembled a powerhouse team of drivers and navigators who will put their trucks to the test in the demanding desert rally. This year’s lineup features five vehicles, with the much-anticipated debut of the Ford Ranger Raptor.
- Bailey Campbell and Sedona Blinson – Ford Ranger Raptor
The Ranger Raptor enters the Rebelle Rally after its recent victory in the Baja 1,000 and back-to-back wins in the Finke Off-Road Race in Australia. Behind the wheel will be Bailey Campbell, joined by navigator Sedona Blinson. Known for its exceptional off-road performance, the Ranger Raptor is expected to make waves in its debut at Rebelle, further solidifying Ford’s reputation for engineering excellence. - Melissa Clark and Kathryn Reinhardt – Bronco Sport Sasquatch Package
Melissa Clark returns to the Rebelle Rally after securing her third consecutive X-CROSS class win in 2023. She’ll be competing in the Bronco Sport, equipped with the newly-released Sasquatch package. This upgraded version offers increased ground clearance, larger tires, and enhanced off-road features, making it an ideal companion for the rough terrain. Kathryn Reinhardt will serve as her navigator. - Shelby Hall and Rori Lewis – Ford Bronco Raptor
Off-road veteran Shelby Hall and five-time Rebelle participant Rori Lewis will team up again in the Ford Bronco Raptor. The Bronco Raptor’s high-performance capabilities, paired with the team’s experience, make them strong contenders. Their vehicle’s prowess was already proven with its Stock Mid-Size class victory at the Vegas to Reno off-road race. - Laura Wanlass and Penny Dale – Ford Bronco Raptor
Another Ford Bronco Raptor will be driven by Laura Wanlass, who returns to the rally after three consecutive podium finishes. Paired with navigator Penny Dale, the duo is looking to continue their streak of success with the unmatched off-road capability of the Bronco Raptor. - Karisa Haydon and Trista Smith – Ford Bronco Wildtrak
Karisa Haydon and Trista Smith, the 2022 Rebelle Rally Rookies of the Year, return to the rally in the Ford Bronco Wildtrak. With a combination of power and off-road precision, the Wildtrak showcases the production-ready off-road performance Ford customers can expect straight off the line.
The Road Ahead
Ford’s five-truck team will be tackling the desert once again when the 2024 Rebelle Rally kicks off on October 10. With an experienced team, powerful vehicles, and a proven track record, Ford Performance is set to make a bold statement in the world of off-road motorsports.
Through its ongoing participation, Ford continues to champion both the empowerment of women and the capabilities of its stock vehicles, reinforcing its leadership in the off-road space while fostering a new generation of trailblazers.
