What is the Rebelle Rally?

Rebelle Rally is not a speed-centric race. Rather, it's a navigational challenge.

Teams of two – a driver and navigator – relinquish their cell phones and all GPS and Internet-enabled devices and rely on old-world navigation to locate to checkpoints of varying degrees of difficulty using only a compass, maps, and roadbooks.

With precision driving in focus, teams drive through designated open off-highway vehicle areas across Nevada and California.

How long is the Rebelle Rally?

The Rebelle Rally is approximately 2,500 km, making it the longest off-road rally in the U.S.

"The fact is we designed the Rebelle Rally to specifically be a proving platform for manufacturer vehicles - the ones in your driveway. And it's meant for them to shine. That is the Rebelle by design. It's not a gimmick event - it's built for them and for the women who use their products, "said Emily Miller, founder, Rebelle Rally. "Their safety and performance depends on great products, and this is the place to showcase it."

What are the dates of the 2020 Rebelle Rally?

This year's contest runs October 8 through 17, 2020.

Who participates?

Rebelles, as the contestants call themselves, come from every walk of life. There's doctors, educators, mechanics, scientists, moms, writers, on-camera personalities, and more that come from nearly every walk of life to participate.

Teams have ranged in age from 22 to 72 years old, and hailed from 188 cities, 38 states and provinces, and eight countries since the rally's inception just five years ago.

The Rebelle Rally is a females-only event.

Are there different classes the vehicles compete in?

Yes. For the 2020 contest, there are two: 4x4 and crossover. The difference is simple. Crossovers are vehicle's built on architecture that is oftentimes shared with cars and focuses on daily driver capabilities, such as the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. Models that are part of the 4x4 class include trucks and true sport utility vehicles like the Nissan Frontier and Jeep Wrangler.

What is the Electric Designation?

Vehicles with the Electric Designation, minimal vehicle modifications are allowed. The organization worked diligently to launch the Electrified Designation as a "test program" for 2020, an authentic challenge for electric (EV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and hybrids. The EV and PHEV teams do not compete in a separate class, but directly in their intended class with allowances for on-course rapid charging.

"Since we first envisioned the Rebelle Rally, we knew it would be the ultimate true test of electrified vehicles available to consumers and we have worked tirelessly to make this happen," explained Miller. "Providing battery-based mobile rapid charging on course allows these vehicles to compete in the standard classes, an exciting and important component of the Electrified Designation."

The Rebelle Rally is partnered with Power Innovations, the industry leader in the development and deployment of consumer and corporate green power solutions, including challenging and rugged conditions like the Rally. The Utah-based company will provide all the power for the base camp, as well as on-course BEV 175 KW fast charging.

"We have a history of accepting challenges that have never been done before – things that a lot of people classify as unrealistic," said Robert Mount, President and CEO of Power Innovations.

Are the vehicles tracked?

For the safety of the participants and to ensure rules are being followed, teams receive two tracking devices and one satellite phone. These are distributed during Technical Inspection and allow course officials to track the vehicles and checkpoints. This equipment also allows teams to call safety officials in the event of an emergency, no matter how far off the beaten path they venture.

Are the vehicles specially equipped?

The rally encourages vehicles to include good off-road tires and underbody protection. Additionally, sturdy bumpers, removed lower air dams (if necessary), and additional lighting can be advantageous. Some vehicles are more heavily modified than others, based on their owner's needs.

What are the checkpoints?

Races are divided into Map & Compass Challenges and Rebelle Enduro Challenges.

Each day, teams navigate the terrain using maps, compass, and and roadbook to a series of 10 to 15 (or more) checkpoints. CP Guides, roadbooks, and score cards are distributed daily at the same time to each team.

Each checkpoint is worth a certain number of points. Those that are easy to find are worth the least amount while those harder to reach are worth more. There is no minimum number of checkpoints teams must reach each day.

To log their position as at a checkpoint, teams use a geo-locator that logs their coordinates. They must be as close as possible to the correct location position, which may be marked with a large flag, or simply just is a dot on a map.

Can Rebelles get help?

Teams are not allowed GPS or cell phones. Their phones are taken from them at the beginning of the race and returned to them at the end of the last stage. Often, teams spend their last evening of the event catching up on messages from friends and calling loved ones.

Competitors are responsible for general vehicle maintenance, which includes tire changes, tire pressure, and fluids. Mechanics are available during the competition and set up at the Rebelle Rally camp each night. Teams can utilize the mechanics but must pay for parts, etc. They are assessed a penalty for using the assist while on the course. Rebelles may receive mechanical assistance at the Base Camp (at the finish of a daily stage) without receiving a penalty.

Teams can help each other, however any outside assistance incurs penalties.

The close of the competition features an awards ceremony and gala in San Diego, California. Often, families will attend meet the Rebelles at the hotel in San Diego, arriving from across the country and, in a year other than 2020, the world. Rebelle Rally rules state that family and friends are invited to attend the tech inspection and finishing events, but are not allowed in the Base Camp, nor are they allowed to follow teams.

What if they crash?

Rebelles are responsible for their own health and safety, as well as that of the vehicle they are driving. Doing a rally, like the Rebelle, is inherently dangerous. Emergency personnel are close and trained vehicle rescue experts are on-hand should disaster strike.

What is the schedule like?

A typical day starts at 5:00 a.m. PT. That's when the Rebelles begin waking up and heading to eat breakfast. At 6 a.m. there's a competitor briefing and then it's off to the races starting at 7 a.m.

Rebelles typically start arriving back at Base Camp around 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Dinner is served at 7 p.m. and quiet hours are observed starting at 10 p.m.

How do I track the rally?

If you want to track the Rebelle Rally progress, including on a team-by-team basis, you can click here. Whereabouts are slightly delayed in being reported for teams' safety.

How has COVID-19 effected the Rebelle Rally?

The Rebelle is a remote, outdoor event with no spectators or outside assistance. Miller has hired a full-time COVID coordinator to monitor the health and safety of teams and staff; all will have to clear a COVID-19 test before the competition begins.

What are the prizes?

There are a variety of awards given out at the end of the Rebelle Rally.

• 1st Place - The prize for winning a specific class is free entry into the following Rebelle Rally, bragging rights, and a custom trophy. Winners of the 4×4 and the Crossover class receive $5,000 in credit for each competitor toward the following year's entry.
• 2nd Place - Custom trophy and non-cash prizes
• 3rd Place - Custom trophy and non-cash prizes
• Team Spirit Award - This special award is selected by the competitors and given to the team that displays the best attitude, helps others, and defines the Rebelle spirit. This team will have $5,000 donated to the charity of their choosing.
• Bone Stock Award - This is the team that gets the highest score in a completely "Bone Stock" vehicle, one without any modifications beyond off-road tires. One will be awarded for each class.
• International Cup - The highest scoring International team gets $2,500 donated in their name to the charity of their choice. An International team is defined as two teammates, non-US citizens or holding dual citizenship, and a valid non-US passport. A minimum one teammate must live full-time abroad.
• Rookie of the Year -The highest scoring team comprised of two first-time Rebelle Rally competitors will win trophies and Suunto winner's watches.