2019 Rebelle Rally: The Notable, Strong, and Experienced

TEXT AND IMAGES BY MERCEDES LILIENTHAL

Rebelles are tough. They’re strong, dedicated, and can withstand many challenges. Rebelle women are also supportive, have empathy, and can stare defeat or adversity straight in the face while trying to conquer it. These women come in many ages, ethnicities, religions, and backgrounds. But they have a common goal: to finish the rugged and strenuous off-road race known as the Rebelle Rally.

This year, 38 teams of women fought their way across the California and Nevada deserts, including the mighty Glamis sand dunes, to end the rally at the Mexican border. They journeyed through remote country; 1,500 miles of dirt, rock, mud, and sand. Ten days of dirty, dusty, and determined rallying-without using any navigational technology. No cell phones, laptops, or GPS devices, only topographic maps, a compass, and wits are allowed.

Team Jeeves #200

Seasoned ralliers Emme Hall and Rebecca Donaghe know a thing or two about the Rebelle Rally. They’ve done it every year since its inception in 2016 and have won both 4x4 and crossover classes. Hall, an experienced racer, paired up with Donaghe right before the first rally started. Both women lost their partners right before the competition and the rally suggested they compete together. The rest is a decorated history.

A fi rst, Rolls-Royce corporate backed a Cullinan for the 2019 rally for Team Jeeves.

”IT’S OK TO TAKE THE LONG WAY AROUND IF IT MEANS HAVING A BETTER CHANCE AT A TROUBLE-FREE FUTURE.” -EMME HALL

What vehicle did you drive and what was your team name?

Emme Hall: ‘19 Rolls-Royce corporate- backed Cullinan as Team Jeeves #200.

What are your greatest achievements in the motorsports/automotive fi eld?

EH: Winning the Rebelle Rally in both 4x4 and crossover certainly is a huge accomplishment, but honestly I think it’s just showing up. You can’t win if you don’t race and sometimes it’s hard. When I race, I race to fi nish. So often just crossing the fi nish line with the car intact and a record of consistent lap times makes me pretty happy.

Rebecca Donaghe: My rally background started with Emily Miller [Rebelle Rally’s founder] training me to navigate and drive off-road. I’ve only competed in fi ve rallies, but I’ve podiumed in three of them (two of which were wins). I guess my record is pretty good considering I’m a relative neophyte.

Why did you start racing, rallying, or getting involved in the motorsports/ automotive industry?

EH: Because it’s fun! And I needed a way to spend all my money.

RD: I like the idea of long-distance endurance styles of racing/rallying-for me it’s more about the adventure, the problem solving, and the survival than the racing or speed. Motorsports just means I don’t have to physically run.