Rallying: The Ultimate Motorsport Challenge
Rallying (known as Ralley in Europe) combines speed, endurance, and skill into an intense motorsport that has gained global popularity and continues to rise in recognition in the United States. Drivers face the dual challenge of preparing their vehicle and navigating unpredictable off-road conditions. Navigators, meanwhile, follow a road book (think of it as an advanced version of MapQuest) or use a series of navigation points and a physical map to chart the course. Together, the driver and navigator work as a team, relying on cooperation and communication to reach the finish line.
With minimal outside assistance, teams must depend on each other to stay on track, as mechanical services are available only sparingly. Teams that perform best demonstrate harmony between driver, navigator, and machine, functioning seamlessly under the pressures of time and the natural elements. Rallying is truly the ultimate test of a vehicle and the skill of its crew in the cockpit.
The Rebelle Rally is the longest off-road navigational rally in the United States. Preparations began a year in advance, with building support as the critical first step. Driver and vehicle owner Angela Rickerson partnered with environmental scientist and navigator Adriana Stovall. As with most adventures, unpredictability and challenges became defining themes of the experience. But with the right support and partnerships, anything seemed possible.
Standing up to the challenge of the Rebelle Rally rewards the competitors with massive bragging rights and an experience of a lifetime. For Angela and Adriana, the primary goal was to cross the finish line with the vehicle intact—avoiding major mechanical issues, flat tires, or getting stuck. While winning was, of course, an aspiration, it was a lofty goal. Teams often spend years practicing to break into the top ten, and many aim just to make it into the top 20. For Angela and Adriana, finishing in the middle of the pack in their first year would mark a successful rally.
“Through the intense experience of the Rebelle Rally competition, a deep trust in your own capabilities and resiliency are developed. You find inner strength and skills you never knew you had. The endurance you need to survive this event translates to the real world in such a valuable way.”
-Adriana Stovall, Environmental Scientist & Navigator
The Rebelle Rally: A Test of Endurance
The 2024 Rebelle Rally covered 1,700 miles over eight consecutive days of intense competition. Starting in Mammoth Lakes, California, in the eastern Sierra Mountains, teams ventured north into Nevada’s rugged backcountry. The alien-like landscapes posed grueling challenges for the 65 rally rigs, featuring fast tracks across silty lake beds and steep ascents into mountainous terrain. From Nevada, the teams traveled through Death Valley to Dumont Dunes, where the next basecamp was located.
Navigating dunes is a wild and unpredictable challenge. The constantly shifting terrain and the difficulty of driving full-sized rigs truly tested each team. From Dumont Dunes, the rally continued to Johnson Valley, where basecamp was set up on the infamous Soggy Dry Lakebed. The next challenge involved technical driving and rock crawling through the steep and treacherous terrain famously home to the King of the Hammers. While dunes navigation seemed to have ended, teams faced three more days of it, culminating in a trek to the towering Imperial Sand Dunes in Glamis, California—the tallest sand dunes in North America. Johnson Valley would serve as the final basecamp before teams returned to the finish line and the closing ceremonies on the lakebed.
“At the beginning of my journey, I knew I was passionate about off-roading but didn't know what to do with that passion. My main focus was to get outside and spend time with my kid to show him that being a "mom" doesn't just mean taking care of his needs constantly. It's setting a good example and living your life to the fullest.”
-Angela Rickerson, Driver & Build Owner
The Ultimate Off-Road Endurance Challenge
Jeeps are an excellent choice for rally vehicles. While speed isn’t a traditional focus of Jeep designs, small enhancements to suspension and other key systems can elevate them to top-tier competitors. The Mojave Jeep Gladiator, fresh from the factory, exemplifies a perfect rally build. With its long, balanced wheelbase, reservoir shocks, and ample storage for tools and gear, it’s no surprise that a factory-sponsored Jeep was crowned the overall winner of the 2024 Rebelle Rally (closely followed by factory sponsored Ford Bronco and factory sponsored Toyota Tacoma).
Jeeps dominated the rankings this year, with 17 of the 65 teams competing in Jeep Wranglers, including Motobilt’s partnered build, Ronda Rhino. Owned by Angela Rickerson from Seattle, Ronda Rhino is a purpose-built rig named after professional boxer, Ronda Rousey. Based on a 2017 two-door JK platform from the Hard Rock Anniversary Edition, Angela focused on creating a vehicle that embodied speed, strength, and reliability. Motobilt was her first and only choice for the build, and with the help of Allied Motorsport in Snohomish, Washington, preparations for the rally began in earnest.
How do you build a vehicle capable of tackling unpredictable off-road terrain at speed while maintaining reliability? You choose a builder known for advanced engineering and quality craftsmanship. For the 2024 Rebelle Rally, Angela entrusted Motobilt with protecting Ronda Rhino for the challenges ahead. Under the expertise of Dana Swanson from Allied Motorsport, the build focused on key enhancements to ensure performance, strength, and dependability.
The essentials included an on-board dual air compressor, an aFe Power radiator, a PSC big bore kit, and a K&N Cold Air High Flow aluminum intake. The interior was outfitted with a Terra Trip rally computer, a 35L Dometic freezer/refrigerator, KC Cyclone lights above the passenger seat for nighttime navigation, and a Front Runner Slim Line 2 half roof rack for additional storage.
Ronda Rhino got the full Motobilt treatment. Jeep JK aluminum rocker armor, front inner fenders, and highline front and rear fenders were added to bolster strength (while being light weight) and allow for increased up-travel at all four corners. In addition, the steel stubby rear bumper and spare tire carrier increased clearance. The Tomahawk frame-chop front bumper with bull bar positioned the winch just below the grille, optimizing airflow and maintaining a sharp approach angle for steep climbs. Additional airflow considerations led to the installation of Motobilt's hood vent kit for the 10th Anniversary hood—a significant upgrade over the less effective factory plastic vents. Motobilt’s many choices for aesthetic preferences and performance needs are one of the reasons they are renowned among off-roaders and rock crawling enthusiasts.
Ronda Rhino exemplified how the right build, preparation, and teamwork can rise to meet the ultimate off-road endurance challenge. You can keep up with the offroad adventures of Ronda Rhino and Angela Rickerson on Instagram at @Ronda_Rhino or visit doublearally.com to learn more about this Rally Team.
