Bronco Crushes It: 3 Wins in a Row at the All-Female Rebelle Rally's X-Cross Class
The Bronco Sport SUV has gone and done it again, earning its third win in the Rebelle Rally’s X-Cross™ class! It's another feat in a long list that proves that Bronco, Ford’s outdoor brand of only-4x4 vehicles is out there to bring adventure to the people who love to live on the wild side.
Melissa Clark, a Bronco Off-Roadeo Moab Trail Guide, and 2021 X-Cross winner, together with partner Chris Benzie, a veteran Rebelle Rally navigator and semi-retired aerospace engineering executive, took home the victory after leading 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.”
The Rebelle Rally is no ordinary event; it's designed to challenge the navigation skills of the participants while showcasing the off-road ability of the vehicles. This year’s rally started in Incline Village, Nevada, on Oct. 6, and ended on Oct. 15 in the Imperial Sand Dunes in southern California, covering more than 1,500 miles of rugged terrain in Nevada and California. Each team consists of a driver, navigator, and their vehicle, with no personal support crews allowed, and they spend their nights camping along the way.
Bronco brand also saw both of its Bronco SUVs finish the Rebelle Rally in the 4x4 class, which features four-wheel drive vehicles. Professional driver and Bronco Brand Ambassador Shelby Hall and Penny Hall, an experienced navigator took sixth place while driving a Bronco two-door Wildtrak™ with a HOSS 3.0 System Package upgrade.
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.
In addition to these Bronco brand sponsored teams, five other Broncos, including a first-generation 1969 Bronco, as well as a 2021 Bronco Sport First Edition took part and finished this year’s Rebelle Rally.
Image Credit: Ford