Drive Toward a Cure Celebrates 10th Anniversary of the Rebelle Rally
The nonprofit foundation is supporting two returning teams, each honoring loved ones lost to Parkinson’s…
Drive Toward a Cure, a national nonprofit foundation uniting the automotive community in the race to end Parkinson’s disease, is sponsoring two teams of women competing in the milestone 10th annual Rebelle Rally, North America’s longest off-road navigation event.
Founded in 2015, the Rebelle Rally highlights the determination of women in motorsports, challenging participants to master driving, navigation and endurance skills across 1,500-plus miles of Nevada and California desert—all without GPS, using only maps, compasses, strategy and grit, event officials stated in a press release.
This year, two teams already associated with Drive Toward a Cure—each having had family members who lost their lives to complications from Parkinson’s—are extending their passion for adventure while continuing to raise awareness for the cause, noted the release.
Team 150, Desert Roots
The Desert Roots team is led by professional off-road racer Shelby Hall, granddaughter of legendary Hall of Fame inductee Rod Hall, with teammate Rori Lewis. Hall, a six-time Rebelle competitor and former X-Cross Champion, carries forward her grandfather’s legacy. After his 50th and final Baja 1000 race, Shelby raced with her grandfather together in the NORRA Mexican 1000, which was the final race in which he was able to drive.
As a Drive Toward a Cure ambassador, Hall has also launched annual one-day trail adventures in her grandfather’s honor, raising funds and awareness while inspiring new generations of off-roaders. Desert Roots also hosts public navigation workshops, encouraging more women to explore and compete.
Team 201, Sol Seekers
Automotive journalist Jill Ciminillo, who lost both her uncles to Parkinson’s disease and her father to Lewy Body Dementia (which is closely related to Parkinson’s), returns to the Rebelle Rally this year in the X-Cross Class alongside teammate Lola Wolford. Driving Wolford’s specially prepared 2007 Honda Ridgeline, the duo unites across state lines—Ciminillo from Chicago and Wolford from Phoenix—in their determination to take on the grueling eight-day event for the first time as a team.
Rebelle Rally Celebrates the Spirit of Adventure, Community, Endurance & Resilience
“The Rebelle Rally is not just a test of skill, but of resilience and purpose,” said Deb Pollack, founder of Drive Toward a Cure. “Shelby, Jill and their teammates embody the spirit of adventure while carrying forward a mission that’s deeply personal—honoring loved ones lost to Parkinson’s and helping us fuel awareness through passion and performance.”
This 10th anniversary Rebelle Rally brings together competitors from across the globe to celebrate the spirit of adventure, community and endurance—values that resonate strongly with Drive Toward a Cure’s mission to accelerate hope for those facing Parkinson’s, noted the release.
To follow teams throughout the rally, go to rebellerally.com/live-tracking, and to learn about a few other teams competing in the rally, click here.
