Team Feature: Dead Reckoning - Alana & Lisa
August 20th, 2024
Team #147, Dead Reckoning, is charging full steam ahead into the 2024 Rebelle Rally. The duo of Alana Trejo (who goes by Lani!) and Lisa DeLuca, both returning competitors, are joining forces for the first time to conquer the course in their trusty 2021 Black Diamond two-door Ford Bronco, affectionately known as “Hank.”
Lani Trejo, a video producer from Northern California, got her first taste of the rally in 2023 with Hank by her side. Despite a setback on Day 7 due to a mechanical failure, Lani found herself hooked on the competition. “After competing and learning the intricacies of the competition and experiencing an unfortunate mechanical failure on Day 7 in 2023, I feel the need to go back. I know I can do better,” Lani reflected. For her 2024 return, she knew she needed a partner who shared her drive—and found her match in Lisa.
Lisa DeLuca made her rally debut in 2022, navigating the desert in an FJ Cruiser alongside teammate Anna Lewis. Though she took a break in 2023 to mentor local rookie teams, Lisa couldn’t resist the pull of the Rebelle. “Watching the competition at home was difficult for me as I wanted to be back in the dirt and sand with the amazing women I had made friendships with. I became determined to come back to the competition and was aiming to save up for 2025. I am happy to be returning a year earlier than I had expected, partnering with Lani on Team Dead Reckoning, whom I had gotten to know well from our meet-ups the year prior,” Lisa shares.
Understanding that success in the rally involves meticulous preparation, Lani and Lisa have focused on optimizing every inch of space in their compact two-door Bronco. Their vehicle’s interior has been carefully modified to ensure that everything they need is easily accessible, a crucial factor when every second and every decision counts.
Drawing on their collective experience, Lani and Lisa have valuable advice to offer to first-time competitors. Lani fondly recalls the calming wisdom of veteran Rebelle Nena Barlow, which helped her steady her nerves. And it all boiled down to the fact that everyone in the competition is probably struggling with something: “Do your best, don’t be too hard on yourself, and have fun.” Lisa, meanwhile, emphasizes the importance of flexibility: “Every rookie team I have talked to, and myself included, has encountered a challenge they didn’t expect. From a new aspect of the competition to a mechanical issue to a realization about the emotional endurance needed to get to the finish line—go into the rally with an open mind and don’t be afraid to pivot when necessary.” And, with the vast landscapes of the rally in mind, Lisa urges rookies to look up and soak in the scenery—because you’ll miss it when you’re back home.
Keep an eye out for Lani and Lisa, along with their trusty Bronco, Hank, as they line up at the start of the 2024 Rebelle Rally. With just a few short months until Tech Inspection, Team Dead Reckoning is ready to leave their mark on the desert.
