2023 Kia Sportage X-Pro Beats the Odds at Rebelle Rally

This year’s Rebelle Rally saw its fair share of competition, and two members of Team Kia managed to overcome several obstacles to finish in fifth place. Find out how members of the team persevered to finish the race near the top of the pack.

What is the Rebelle Rally?

Rebelle Rally was created as the first all-women’s off-road rally, combining navigation with driving skills. Drivers undertake the grueling eight-day race that’s far from typical. Teams work together to find beat the clock, using maps and navigation tools to find hidden checkpoints along the way. Both 4×4 and X-Cross vehicles are allowed to compete, although there’s no professional driving experience required. All it takes is determination, preparation, and a strong will to take on the task. Competitors must pass a tech inspection with their street-legal vehicles before tackling the dunes to become the ultimate off-road champion.

Facing Obstacles Head-On

Two members of this year’s Kia team, driver Verena Mei and navigator Tana White, were fully prepared to take on the task in their 2023 Kia Sportage X-Pro. However, disaster struck early on in the competition as the external odometer stopped working. Without this key tool in the competition, the team was forced to rely on their math and compass skills. Luckily, they rose to the task, working over several days with nothing more than paper maps and complicated calculations. Navigator White did these calculations in her head and on paper to determine factors like speed and distance without the helpful odometer.

Despite the setbacks, they were able to navigate the tough terrain and finally get the odometer back on its feet on the last day of the competition. Professional rally racer Mei took the challenge head-on in the meantime, making her way through hilly dunes and rocky terrain with assistance from Mei. By the time the odometer was up and running again, they found that they’d lost little ground and were able to enjoy the last day in fifth place overall. Even though things didn’t go as planned, the determination and positive attitudes of Mei and White got them past the finish line proud of their accomplishments, even remarking that the experience gave them new skills for the future.

Want to experience a taste of the race for yourself? You can drive away in your own Kia Sportage today from Cowboy Kia! Contact us today to schedule a test drive and see why the Sportage excels on the road and off.