The Broncos of the Rebelle: Teams Overview

More Teams are Choosing Broncos

The Rebelle Rally begins on October 10^th with technical inspection and transit to the first basecamp and it’s great to see that Ford Teams represent 15 of the 68 teams (22% of the field), with 13 of those teams competing in a Bronco, Bronco Raptor or Bronco Sport. 

Since their first appearance in the Rally in 2020, teams are discovering that the Bronco really is an ideal vehicle for the Rebelle, its off-road capability combined with a smooth, comfortable ride and plenty of cargo space, helps teams make it through 8 grueling days of competition. 

In this event, the teams that perform well are the ones that are rested, hydrated, and can think clearly. 

To Win, Rebelles Need to Be Clear Minded

The Rebelle is based on making the fewest mistakes. Although teams have finished with over 90% of the possible points, no teams have captured them all. 

Often once mistakes are made, they typically compound into further mistakes, and that prevents teams from reaching scoring checkpoints due to time. Having a vehicle that has reduced road noise, independent front suspension, good climate control, and easy to drive on and off-road, all help contribute to the team’s health, and decision making.

The Bronco Raptor Made the Podium in 2023

In 2023, the rule book was changed to allow 37” tires, allowing the stock Bronco Raptor to enter the event for the first time. In prior years, a 35” tire was the maximum. Also last year, for the first time, a Bronco made the 4x4 podium, driven by Laura Wanlass. In the X-Cross class, last year, Melissa Clark piloted the Bronco Sport to its 4^th consecutive win. So, the stage is set for Bronco dominance, let’s look at the Ford teams.

Ford Performance has entered Five Teams in the Rebelle

Ford Performance has entered 5 teams again, 4 of them in the 4x4 class, and the Sport as the lone entry in the X-Cross class. All of the Ford Performance Broncos are also competing with a Bone Stock designation, which means that other than lighting and tires, the vehicle is stock from the manufacturer.  Here is a breakdown of the Ford Performance teams and vehicles.

#188, Laura Wanlass and Penny Dale in a 2022 Bronco Raptor. Laura is no stranger to the podium and is gunning for her 4th time there. Her navigator is Penny Dale, who won the X-Cross class in 2020 with Shelby Hall.

 #150, Shelby Hall and Rori Lewis in a 2023 Bronco Raptor. Shelby won the X-Cross in the Bronco Sport in 2020 and is hunting for a podium spot in the 4x4 class, narrowly missing it with a 5^th place finish last year.

#131, Karisa Hayden and Trista Smith, competing in a 2023 Bronco Wildtrak. This team was in a Bronco Sport in 2022 as Rookies of the Year and finished 6^th in the 4x4 class in 2023.

#167, Bailey Campbell and Sedona Blinson are in a 2024 Ranger Raptor. Bailey & Sedona are 1^st time partners but no strangers to the Rebelle Rally. Bailey is competing in her 4^th Rebelle, while Sedona is a 100% Rebelle, meaning she’s competed in every Rebelle Rally to date.

#200, Melissa Clark and Kathryn Reinhardt are in the recently revealed 2025 Bronco Sport Badlands Sasquatch, hoping to score a 5^th win for the Bronco Sport in its class. Melissa is also a 100% Rebelle while Kathryn competed in the 4x4 class in 2021 & 2022.

The Ford and Bronco Teams in the 2024 Rebelle

There are several Bronco and Ford teams in the Rally for you to cheer for as more and more privateers and non-manufacturer sponsored teams are trusting the brand to reach the finish line. There are some well-known competitors to watch out for, all happen to be in the 4x4 class. Here is a listing of those teams:

Some highlights from the list include a return of Team 141, Melissa and Rochelle, in the classic 1969 Bronco that belonged to their late father. I love seeing this ’69 on course and this is a great team of sisters paying tribute to not only their dad, but to an amazing vintage vehicle.

Photo: Regine Trias

Although this is a rookie team, a team to watch is Bronco #154 with professional off-road racer Kristen Matlock and Fox engineer Ashleigh Ballas. They have a King of the Hammers edition Bronco and should be in the hunt for Rookies of the Year, which is roughly half the teams.

All the teams have great stories and if you’d like to learn more about them, you can read their bios on the Rebelle Rally website. As the Rally goes live on October 11^th, you’ll be able to follow our progress at the Rebelle Rally website.