This week marks the start of the 8th edition of the Rebelle Rally, with an impressive, sold-out lineup of 65 teams. The rally is the longest competitive off-road rally in the United States and is an all-women’s competition. Technical Inspection and welcome events take place in Mammoth Lakes, CA beginning Wednesday, October 11th with the conclusion on October 21st along the Mexico border. Teams will be treated to a unique Tech location atop one of America’s largest and most well-known ski resorts.
The rally takes place over ten days with eight competition days covering 2,120 kilometers (1,317 miles) of the most iconic off-road terrain in the American West. While it is not a race for speed, it is an extremely challenging endurance event based on precision driving and traditional navigation. Competitors utilize maps, compasses, and roadbooks, known as Rebelle format, with the use of GPS, cell phones, and electronics strictly prohibited.
This year, 130 women from 100 cities, 27 states and provinces, and three countries will be at the start line. Each team is composed of a driver, navigator, and their vehicle, with no outside personal support crews allowed. Participants’ ages span from 23 to 75 years old and a broad range of professions with a high number of women in STEM. Of the total, 27 are rookie teams, competing in the rally for the first time and automatically entered into the competition for the coveted Rookie of the Year award.
By design, the Rebelle Rally competition vehicles are stock manufacturer trucks, SUVs and Crossovers - not tube chassis race cars. It is considered a proving ground for everyday, capable vehicles. There are two classes - 4x4 and X-Cross™. This year brings 55 entries in the 4x4 class which are defined as four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case and 10 entries in the X-Cross™ class from the popular AWD segment. Among the 65 entries, 25 teams are fielded directly from ten automotive manufacturers, the largest to date. An exciting development with the OEMs showing authentic commitment to the women’s market.
4x4 Entries
Traditionally the most popular vehicle class in the Rebelle, the 55 4x4 entries range from returning favorites to newly released models. Jeep once again takes the lead in numbers with a total of 17 Jeep entries. Toyota is close with 16 entries including Tacomas, Tundras, Sequoias, 4Runners, an F.J. Cruiser and Land Cruiser. This year also sees the largest field of Ford Broncos with a total of nine. Notably, 2023 boasts the highest number of Lexus’ entered in the rally, with a count of four. The 4x4 class also features four Rivian R1Ts, four Land Rovers and a Chevy Colorado
X-Cross™ Entries
This year marks the largest X-Cross™ vehicle turnout with ten entries. Leading the charge are four Hondas: a Ridgeline, a Passport, a Pilot and a Pilot TrailSport. The Bronco Sport, having secured victory the past three years, is back to defend its title and adding the anticipated Ford Mach-E Rally to the field. Also rejoining the competition are the Hyundai Santa Cruz and the Subaru Outback. A specially modified Kia Telluride X-Pro and a BMW round out the roster. Exciting announcements will be revealed at the rally start.
Electrified Designation Expands
Celebrating its fourth year, the Electrified Program continues to evolve and grow.
The groundwork for the program began six years ago with a mission to rigorously test vehicles with electric and alternative power sources. The goal was not to place these vehicles in their own separate classes or cut stages short, but to compete head-to-head against the 4x4 and X-Cross™ vehicles. With the rally covering remote, long-distances, the Electrified Program is a rigorous test for the EVs, PHEVs, and hybrids competing. The program would not be possible without rapid, renewable power leader Renewable Innovations (RI), who not only powers the program across the remote eight day course, but also provides solar energy for basecamps. The rally and RI are leaders in these endeavors globally.
With the program’s introduction in 2020, commitment has only grown stronger and this year is no exception with the largest amount of Electrified entries thus far. EVs in this year’s Electrified Designation include four Rivian R1Ts and the all-new Mustang Mach-E® Rally. Toyota has entered two Sequoia hybrids and a Tundra TRD Pro hybrid. Jeep also returns with a strong presence fielding four Wrangler Rubicon 4xe vehicles. The Jeep 4xe has made a memorable mark in the previous two rallies securing first place in 2021 and 2022.
The rally will host Rebelle Forward on Saturday, October 21st showcasing the Electrified Program efforts.
The Course
The Rebelle Rally is known for its stunning course locations across California and Nevada. The route and stages are kept confidential to competitors and the public prior to the start, however this year’s rally will consist of three basecamps and two Marathon Legs where competitors camp away from basecamp amenities and mechanical assistance. The rally will conclude on Friday, October 20th with the final competition day set in the iconic Imperial Sand Dunes (Glamis) - the largest sand dune complex in the U.S. The stage is the most anticipated of the competition with the final ranking dependent upon the results of this challenging day and terrain.
Follow Live
The Rebelle Rally Live Webcast, brought to you by Toyota, kicks off on Friday, October 13th from Prologue Day and features multiple daily broadcasts available via rebellerally.com, YouTube, and Facebook. For live tracking, up-to-the-minute scores, daily recaps, team bios, news and more visit www.rebellerally.com. Join the conversation on social media at @X (formerly Twitter) @Instagram, @facebook and @Youtube.
Source: Rebelle Rally
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