Photo by Regine Trias
Ford Racing is expanding its support for this year’s privateer Rebelle Rally teams through the newly branded Ford Raptor Route program. Open to teams competing in Ford vehicles in the 4×4 Class (with X-Cross® entries considered on a case-by-case basis), Ford Raptor Route provides financial assistance and exclusive team gear to help competitors take on the 2,500+ kilometer off-road rally competition this October.
Eligible teams will receive:
- $1,500 in support to be applied toward entry fees or other rally-related costs
- Ford Racing team kit and vehicle livery elements
- Additional awards for top-performing participants
New for 2026, the highest-finishing non-factory team in the program will receive an entry ticket to the Bronco Off-Roadeo event for the driver and a guest (travel not included). Second and third-place program participants will also receive special prizes.
Interested teams will need to complete the Ford Raptor Route application by August 15, 2026.
The Ford Raptor Route was created to provide additional competitors with a pathway into off-road competition while showcasing the capability of production vehicles in the nation’s longest competitive off-pavement rally. Formerly known as the Ford Grassroots Program, the Ford Raptor Route initiative builds on last year’s successful debut, which supported seven privateer teams competing in Ford vehicles.
“The Ford Grassroots Program meant a great deal to our team last year,” says Kristen Harbert, three-time Rebelle competitor and 2022 Ford Bronco Badlands driver. “As a self-funded team, the support helped make another year of competition possible, while also reminding us that Ford values the privateers out there putting their vehicles to the test and competing for the love of the sport.”
Ford has built a strong legacy at the Rebelle Rally, earning multiple podium finishes and class victories while showcasing the real-world capability of its production vehicles.
The 2026 Rebelle Rally takes place from October 7–17 across the Desert Southwest and features eight days of competition across diverse terrain, elevations, and temperatures, putting stock-production vehicles to the ultimate test.
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