The countdown is on! The 10th edition of the Rebelle Rally kicks off on Friday, October 10th, and this year’s milestone event is already making history. A record 68 teams are signed up to take on the now eight-day, 1,500+ mile off-road navigation challenge that tests both driver and navigator to their limits.
And, for the first time ever, Ford has reached out to privateers, providing partial sponsorship for an additional seven teams beyond the five Ford Racing backed crews, in a program called the Rebelle Rally Ford Grassroots Program. This initiative underscores the brand’s recognition of the passion and commitment of the many competitors who put their trust in Ford by using their personal vehicles in the Rally. According to Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Racing, “The Rebelle Rally proves that the vehicles available to our customers can take on deserts, dunes, and mountains with the same confidence as our race-winning programs. For Ford, Rebelle represents both a celebration of women in motorsport and a validation of the durability, innovation, and spirit built into every Bronco and Raptor.”
For Bronco Nation fans, it’s going to be an exciting year to watch! An incredible13 teams will be flying the Blue Oval across deserts, mountains, and everything in between. We’ve already highlighted the Ford Performance teams, but that still leaves eight more teams for you to keep your eye on and cheer for. Here’s a look at who’s rolling into the desert with their Broncos and Ranger. If you want more information on these teams, a click on the Team number will take you to their bio page on the Rebelle Rally site.
4x4 Class
Team 122 – Raptor Rex (Returning)
Rig: 2023 Bronco Raptor
Team: Tobi Hlavnicka & Caralina Carlson – Great Falls, MT
Third time’s a charm? After a strong 6th place finish last year, Tobi and Caralina are hungry for the podium. Their Bronco Raptor has the chops, and they’ve got the experience.
Team 135 – Cletus and Cojones (Rookies)
Rig: 2023 Bronco Heritage (a.k.a. “Cletus”)
Team: Maria Card & Juls Carter – Seattle & Kent, WA
Maria and Juls are a rookie team that committed over a cocktail. With their retro-styled Heritage edition Bronco they call “Cletus,” this team will be one of the most fun to follow.
Team 147 – Dead Reckoning (Returning)
Rig: 2021 2-Door Black Diamond Bronco (“Hank”)
Team: Alana Trejo – Crockett, CA & Danielle Noonan – Oxford, MS
Hank the Bronco is back! Alana’s on her 3rd rally, Danielle’s on her 2nd, and they’ve built solid experience that could push them deep into the standings. It’s their first rally as a team so we’ll see how they work together as new partners.
Team 151 – Silver Lining (Returning)
Rig: 2024 2-Door Black Diamond Bronco
Team: Shannon Adams – Billings, MT & Janette Cordoza – Murietta, CA
Two veterans back for their 3rd Rebelle. These ladies know what it takes to survive the grind of the rally and are looking to climb even higher this year.
Team 159 – Desert Belles (Returning)
Rig: 2022 Bronco Badlands (“Betty”)
Team: Kristen Harbert – Joshua Tree, CA & Allison Sloat – 29 Palms, CA
A true desert duo. Kristen (3rd rally) and Allison (2nd) are practically in their backyard when the rally hits those key areas like Johnson Valley, and Betty the Badlands is built for the terrain.
Team 173 – Thor’s Trailblazers (Returning)
Rig: 2022 Ford Bronco
Team: Gloria Reico – Georgetown, TX & Julia Bigwood – Los Angeles, CA
With Gloria entering her 2nd Rebelle and Julia on her 4th, this team has the kind of combined experience that makes them one to watch. This team is also coming together on the Rebelle as partners for the first time, and we expect to see a solid placing.
Team 189 – Fortune and Glory (Returning)
Rig: 2025 Ranger Raptor
Team: Amanda Walden – Giddings, TX & Kirstin Backes – Moscow, TN
Both on their 3rd rally, Amanda and Kirstin are bringing Amanda’s new vehicle to the event: a 2025 Ranger Raptor. I’ve spent some time training with this team and expect them to finish well.
X-Cross Class
Team 203 – Lil Dipper (Rookies)
Rig: 2023 Bronco Sport Badlands
Team: Kimberly Carte – Bluemont, VA & Eva De Los Santos – Scottsdale, AZ
Kimberly and Eva are taking their first swing at the Rebelle in the Bronco Sport Badlands. Don’t underestimate the “baby Bronco” — it’s already proven itself in the X-Cross class with wins in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, & 2024. I had the chance to train with Kimberly, and they are the odds-on Rookies of the Year.
With rookies, veterans, and even a brand-new Ranger Raptor in the mix, Ford’s Rebelle lineup is stacked. The rally always delivers surprises, challenges, and those big moments that test teamwork way more than horsepower. This event is all about endurance and resilience so expect to see your teams move up and down the standings and don’t give up on them. I’ve seen teams gain several spots on the final day, it all depends on their mental strength and keeping their vehicle in good order.
If you’re a huge fan of the Rally or find yourself in California with some extra time, tech inspection is happening in Mammoth Lakes on Wednesday October 8th and is open to the public at Mammoth Village. So, if you want to meet these competitors, check out their rigs, and get the vibe of the event, it’ll be a fun time. And, be sure to follow along starting October 10th on the Rebelle Rally Live site. Whether you’re cheering for rookies like Lil Dipper or hoping Raptor Rex finally cracks the podium, there’s no shortage of Ford teams to root for this year.
Who do you think is going to win the Rebelle this year and which team is your favorite? Tell us in the comments.
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