It comes as no surprise to our team at Planet Ford 635 in Garland, Texas, the Bronco Sport earns a three-peat in the Rebelle Rally’s X-Cross™ class. The mighty suv once again proves that Bronco, Ford’s outdoor brand of only-4×4 vehicles is furthering adventure for novice and off-road pros through its Built Wild innovative design, capability and durability.
Earning the three-peat win across the seven-day rally was Melissa Clark, a Bronco Off-Roadeo Moab Trail Guide and 2021 X-Cross winner, and partner Chris Benzie, a veteran Rebelle Rally navigator and semi-retired aerospace engineering executive. The Bronco Sport Badlands duo lead five out of seven rally days in the X-Cross class, which features two-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicles.
“We’re proud of all the Bronco teams competing in this year’s Rebelle Rally as these ladies exemplify how each Bronco SUV is designed from the factory to elevate all skill levels of off-roader confidently through the most extreme environments,” said Dave Bozeman, vice president, Ford Customer Service Division, and vice president, Enthusiast Vehicles, Ford Blue. “We congratulate all of the Bronco teams, including Melissa Clark and Chris Benzie who gave Bronco Sport a never-been-done three-peat win in the X-Cross Class.”
In addition to showcasing the off-road ability of the vehicle entries, the Rebelle Rally is designed to challenge the navigation skills of the participants. The event started in Incline Village, Nevada, on Oct. 6, and wound its way across rugged terrain in Nevada and California, finishing Oct. 15 in the Imperial Sand Dunes in southern California. Each team consists of a driver, navigator, and their vehicle, with no personal support crews allowed. Participants spend their nights camping along the way.
Bronco brand also saw both of its Bronco SUVs finish the Rebelle Rally in the 4×4 class, which features four-wheel drive vehicles.
Navigating the 1,500-plus mile terrain in a Bronco two-door Wildtrak™ with a HOSS 3.0 System Package upgrade, professional driver and Bronco Brand Ambassador Shelby Hall and Penny Hall, an experienced navigator took sixth place.
The HOSS 3.0 System Package includes FOX™ 2.5-inch Internal Bypass Dampers, Ford Performance severe-duty steering rack and tie rod ends, a front steel bumper and front steel bash plate. Hall and Dale previously won the X-Cross class in 2020 with Bronco Sport and finished fourth in the 4×4 class last year.
In 15th place, Kathryn Reinhardt (driver), director of marketing at off-road accessory supplier 4 Wheel Parts, and Victoria Bundrant (navigator), marketing coordinator at 4 Wheel Parts, took on their second appearance at the Rebelle Rally in their customized Bronco four-door Badlands upfitted by 4 Wheel Parts. The duo improved six spots from their rookie year.
Outside of the Bronco brand sponsored teams, five other Broncos, including a first-generation 1969 Bronco, as well as a 2021 Bronco Sport First Edition took-on and finished this year’s Rebelle Rally.