In December 2024, at the annual meeting of the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame (ORMHOF), former Overland Journal Editor-in-Chief Chris Collard was unanimously voted to join the ORMHOF Board of Directors. This position comes with a three-year term, during which Collard will work alongside 16 other board members who volunteer their time and expertise to guide and expand the Hall of Fame’s efforts. The Hall of Fame honors pioneers in the industry and endeavors to educate and inspire future generations about the rich legacy of off-road motorsports.
Expeditions 7, Antarctica 2013
Chris Collard, who is also an ORMHOF inductee, has a long history of involvement in off-road exploration, journalism, and event coverage. We can think of no one better to represent the overlanding community at ORMHOF as Chris has proven over the years to be a cornerstone of the community—passionate about vehicle-dependent travel and always willing to share his abundant wealth of experience across a broad range of related subjects. Chris is a humble, generous, and well-traveled maverick with an Australian bush hat forever tilted across his brow. He founded Adventure Architects LLC, which specializes in global expeditions and adventure reporting; over several decades, Chris has traveled across all seven continents by four-wheel drive, documenting events such as the Outback Challenge Morocco, the Dakar Rally, the Australasian Safari, and the Rainforest Challenge Malaysia. His dedication to exploring remote regions has taken him to Africa, Australia, Mexico, and Central America, where he has led expeditions and covered motorsports in hostile and challenging environments.
Morocco 2008
Botswana 2002, Zambia 2008, Lesotho 2008
Chris Collard stated,
“I’m excited to be working with the talented group of industry leaders that makes up ORMHOF’s Board of Directors. I consider it an honor to serve and to help guide the organization’s trajectory in the coming decade.”
His photography and written work have appeared in publications that span several niches and continents. National Geographic Adventure, the New York Times, and Overland Journal, among many other prestigious publications, have featured his reporting or images. He also serves as a North American correspondent for various international outlets in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Commercial imaging clients have included original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and aftermarket companies, underscoring his capacity to adapt his talents to different aspects of the automotive and motorsports industries. Chris has frequently offered his skills to nonprofit organizations, including Free Wheelchair Mission and Disabled Sports USA, donating time to capture events and raise awareness.
Malaysia 2018
Mark McMillin, ORMHOF Chairman of the Board, spoke about Chris’ appointment and expressed confidence in his future contributions to the Hall of Fame. In explaining the broader mission of the organization, McMillin said,
“As the Hall of Fame of the Off-Road Industry, ORMHOF is dedicated to educating and inspiring present and future generations of the off-road community by celebrating the achievements of those who came before. Chris shares the passion our current board members have to fulfill ORMHOF’s mission, and we are excited to welcome him to the Board of Directors.”
McMillin’s words reflect the core philosophy behind the institution, which seeks to preserve the history of off-road motorsports while ensuring that it remains vibrant and accessible for those who are newly discovering the sport.
Chris Collard and Rod Hall
Chris’ first direct involvement with ORMHOF dates back to 2005, when Rod Hall, one of the luminaries of the off-road world, requested Collard’s assistance with photography. Chris recalled being told, “Chris, Rod Hall needs a good photographer, and he has no money. Can you help?”
Chris Collard with Mark Smith
Chris’s involvement with the Hall of Fame deepened in the years that followed. A decade later, he served as Hall’s team manager and co-driver in the NORRA Mexican 1000. Another individual who encouraged Chris’ journey within off-road motorsports was Mark A. Smith, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979. Smith nominated Chris for his induction, citing his role as a pioneering journalist, and by 2015, Chris had officially joined the distinguished list of inductees.
Australia 2019
Chris’ commitment to the Hall of Fame did not end with his induction. Over the years, he has volunteered his time with various ORMHOF committees, assisting with events and supporting organizational growth. Reflecting on how far the institution has come, Chris said,
“It has been exciting to watch ORMHOF grow from a box of papers on Rod’s desk into the professional organization it is today. I am humbled to serve on its Board of Directors and looking forward to helping this highly accomplished team craft the Hall of Fame’s next chapter.”
Antarctica 2013
Read More: Gerber Overland Bundle :: Field Tested
Our No Compromise Clause: We do not accept advertorial content or allow advertising to influence our coverage, and our contributors are guaranteed editorial independence. Overland International may earn a small commission from affiliate links included in this article. We appreciate your support.
