10TH RALLY EDITION: OCTOBER 8 – 18, 2025

#110

SDHQ

Back in 2019, Serena and Kirstin met in passing at a professional event for the offroad industry at King of the Hammers.

Based on that chance meeting, Kirstin wandered into SDHQ on a Friday afternoon and said, “Hey – not sure if you remember me, but….do you want to do the Rebelle Rally in 2023?” Serena wasn’t immediately in, and went with a firm, “I’ll think about it and let you know.”

A few short weeks later, Serena called Kirstin with a schedule in mind and was ready to commit, but a problem was on the horizon. She kept talking about all the work that would need to be done to “get the truck shipped out.”
Finally Kirstin asked, “shipped where? Aren’t you planning to drive to the start?” Serena, clearly convinced that Kirstin was clearly not qualified for her new role as navigator, said, “You can’t drive to Morocco.”

“Morocco?! It’s in California!” said Kirstin.

They’ve since worked on their communication skills, and are looking forward to their first Rebelle.

Sponsored By:

SDHQ Motorsports
COBB Tuning
FK Rod Ends
BuiltRight Industries
MAXTRAX
BOOSTane
ProEagle
ServPro Boise

Serena Pruett

Driver

Serena is a self-driven professional and passionate off-roader. She throws unbridled, redheaded intensity into every challenge she takes on, and she's looking forward to bringing the energy to the Rebelle Rally!

Occupation:

Operations Manager, SDHQ

Residence:

Gilbert, AZ

Favorite Quote:

"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving." - Albert Einstein

Fun Fact:

The first thing I learned how to drive was a D9 Dozer

Why the Rebelle? Why now?

I've been interested in the event since year one. but one day the opportunity and a willing teammate showed up on my doorstep. The rest is history!

Who, or what, inspires you most?

I'm most inspired by kids, they truly have hearts of gold and become a product of their surroundings. If they witness love and kindness, they put love and kindness back out into the world.

Top three favorite podcasts / books / shows

Podcast : Business Wars
Book: Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink
Show: The Agents Of Shield

Greatest adventure to date?

My greatest adventure so far has been pre-running the Baja 1000 - one of the most fun and challenging trips I've been a part of.

Prior Years Competed:
Awards Achieved:

Kirstin Backes

Navigator

Kirstin is a dyed-in-the wool automotive aftermarket professional, and a big time data nerd. She loves wheeling, camping, and a great cup of coffee in a perfect campsite at sunrise.

Occupation:

Sales and Marketing, COBB Tuning

Residence:

Memphis, TN

Favorite Quote:

"Life is a daring adventure, or it is nothing at all." - Helen Keller

Fun Fact:

My first "overland" trip was the Mojave Road...on horseback, for a week.

Why the Rebelle? Why now?

I've been watching friends compete for years now, and I finally tracked down the right teammate!

Who, or what, inspires you most?

My Grandma Joan, she's smart, well-travelled, and has the kind of stories I can only aspire to in my life.

Top three favorite podcasts / books / shows

Podcast: This American Life
Book: Daring Greatly by Brene Brown
Show: The West Wing

Greatest adventure to date?

Moving to Tennessee alone, and then tricking my husband Josh into marrying me and moving here, too.

Prior Years Competed:
Awards Achieved:

Vehicle

2023 Ford Bronco Raptor