Imperial Dunes, CA
Imperial Dunes, CA
You never know what the dunes will bring and that is exactly what the final stage of the 2023 Rebelle Rally brought to the competition. Most teams know that their Day 7 will end with the Glamis sand dunes, but today’s final stage was a nail-biter for the top competitors vying for the podium. It was an extremely hot day with 100+ degree temperatures that softened the sand before the morning was even over. Many of the teams saw their vehicles getting stuck and, in a few cases, even overheating in the grueling heat.
Viewers watched the battle for the 4×4 title unfold throughout the day and in the end, the Rally saw its first ever electric vehicle at the top of the podium. Team #187 Limestone Legends (Lilly Macaruso/Alex Anderson) took their Rivian R1T to first place after a rollercoaster day of competition. Part of the Electrified Designation, this select group of competitors is powered by Renewable Innovations. They have worked with Rebelle Rally founder, Emily Miller to develop this unique program with the goal of rapid remote charging. Rounding out the podium was past champion Team #129 4xEventures (Nena Barlow/Teralin Peterit) who came in second with the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe and Team #188 Dirt Hustle (Laura Wanlass/Maria Guitar) who finished third with the Ford Bronco Raptor.
In the X-Cross™ class, the competition was just as heated when the first-place finisher Team #200 Built Wild (Melissa Fisher/Jessica Moore) won with their 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. This is a four-peat for the Bronco Sport, giving the marque a strong foothold in the crossover class. Rounding out the podium were two brand new vehicles that showed their prowess. The BMW X2 M35i piloted by veteran competitors on Team #205 Wild Grace 8.0 (Rebecca Donaghe/Sedona Blinson) finished second with Team #206 KiAloha(Verena Mei/Susie Saxten) in the 2024 Kia Telluride X-Pro not too far behind them in third.
Teams will now reflect on the journey they have just completed and already start their preparation for 2024. Competition. Registration for the 2024 Rebelle Rally is now open. A limited number of spots will be reserved for rookie teams. Follow the link below to register now.
Renewable Innovations
Competition at the Rebelle Rally is electric and not just among the teams. In 2020, Rebelle Rally founder Emily Miller created the Electrified designation for competitors, including electric, plug-in hybrid electric and hybrid vehicles. The designation has continued through to the 2023 rally which boasts twelve entries this year. There are four Rivian R1Ts, the all-new Mustang Mach-E® Rally. Toyota entered two Sequoia hybrids and a Tundra TRD Pro hybrid for 2023 and Jeep returned with its multi-year podium winner Wrangler Rubicon 4xe.
Powering the Electrified program is Renewable Innovations, which has partnered with the Rebelle Rally since the groundwork was first laid. The Rebelle Rally continues to be a progressive force in the electrified vehicle space with the Rebelle Rally Electrified program. This has only been possible with the strong partnership and expertise of the Renewable Innovations team. Renewable Innovations is the industry leader in the development and deployment of hydrogen-powered, zero-carbon sustainable energy solutions. In addition to powering the electric vehicles competing in the Rally, Renewable Innovations will once again be powering all of the Rebelle basecamps, essentially our “Cities in the Desert”. While many may think this sounds standard or simple to accomplish, it is not! “Many promised solutions but only one could deliver,” noted rally founder Miller.
PARTNER PROFILE – TOTAL CHAOS FABRICATION
A favorite among Rebelle Rally competitors and staff, TOTAL CHAOS Fabrication builds what is arguably the best aftermarket suspension components available. TC has been fabricating innovative products for over 25 years, is made in the USA, and is known for exceptional customer service from their Corona, California headquarters.
“We are excited to partner with the Rebelle and return for the 8th consecutive year. We love sharing the STOKE for our sport and for all things off-road. The competition course really allows the competitors to showcase their navigation skills and driving talents. The Rebelle puts the ladies and their 3rd teammate – their vehicle, to the ultimate test for 8 long days! There is nothing like it in our sport. We’ll see you at the finish line.” – Nicole Pitell, Director of Operations and Marketing for TOTAL CHAOS Fabrication
