TEAM WARNER CONQUERS THE REBELLE RALLY
Salt Lake City, UT (October 20, 2024).
Warner INEOS Grenadier, Utah’s premier INEOS Grenadier dealership, entered a 2024 Trialmaster Grenadier 4×4 team into the 2024 Rebelle Rally. 2024 marks the 9th edition of this endurance off-road competition that will test drivers’ wits, endurance and being in control of how far they can push their vehicles over the span of eight grueling days. In fact, The Rebelle Rally is the longest off-road endurance event in North America. The course covers 2,681 kilometers across two states, eight counties, two National Parks, and one National Monument. So clearly, it’s not for the faint of heart, which is why the Rebelle Rally happens to be only for women.
Participating in the Rebelle Rally tests precision driving and navigation skills, not speed. The rules are that these competitors rely solely on a map, compass, rulers, and a calculator; so they face a difficult challenge and must showcase their off-road capability and adventurous spirit. The rally includes a variety of challenges such as navigation to checkpoints, checkpoint accuracy and also reading roadbooks. The judges then score each of these challenges and the competitors with the highest score win.
Team Warner “Grins and Grit”
Team Warner Grenadier, also known as Team Warner “Grins and Grit” consists of first time team members, but experienced Rebelle Rally competitors: Susan Pieper of Park City, UT (a four time Rebelle competitor) and co-driver/navigator, Elise Young from Livingston, MT (a three time Rebelle competitor).
How did Team Warner feel about this years Rally:
The co-driver/navigator, Ms. Young summed up the race:
“While I am pleased with our performance this year as a new team, we know we are capable of being on the podium and it remains to be seen whether we’ll put in another year of training to return to reclaim our glory!”
Driver Susan Pieper was proud of their efforts, but lamented that just one setback held them back from the podium:
“We had a great rally but lost a lot of points and momentum on Day 4 with a flat tire in Sperry Wash. While we were able to change it and get back on the road quickly, the flat disrupted our rhythm and took a lot of energy when we had none to spare and set us back that day.”
The Warner INEOS Grenadier Team
Sponsor, Tony Warner, General Manager of Warner INEOS Grenadier, said “I am really pleased with both Susan and Elise and especially with our truck nicknamed, “Helga”. The Grenadier proved its off-road prowess in the challenging terrain of the Rebelle Rally, oh, and by the way, did very well in the legendary rough OHV area of Johnson Valley.”
Service Manager, Todd Kunkel who oversaw the build talked about Helga’s performance “The truck exceeded my expectations in terms of not requiring any maintenance whatsoever to complete the course. I heard the team only had to blow out the air filter due to a massive amount of dust they went through on the course and they added a half-liter of oil. To anyone who asks whether the Grenadier is tough, trail-ready, and low maintenance, I’d say this rally proved how capable these trucks are and how they make my life easy in the service department as they really are built for more.”
Meet “Helga” the “Grins and Grit” Grenadier
The 2024 Grenadier Trialmaster, is fitted with aftermarket parts by Warner’s sponsor partners including:
- Agile Offroad (differential covers)
- Evictus (suspension)
- 4×4 Proyect (suspension)
- Lennartz-Technik (light bar, rock sliders and rear ladder)
- Goose Gear (interior drawer system)
- Overland Gear Guy (interior storage and organization bags and MOLLE panels)
- Pro Eagle (race-quality jack)
- BF Goodrich (new KO3 off-road tires)
- Blue Ribbon Coalition (our off-road trail advocacy not-for-profit organization).
Overall, the Rebelle Rally was a very successful event for Team Warner and the Grenadier. Team Warner will definitely be back next year for the 10th edition of the Rebelle Rally.
Here’s more of HELGA!
Overland Gear Guy (interior storage and organization bags and MOLLE panels)
