Team Record The Journey #207
Four-time returning Rebelle Rachael Ridenour partnered up with rookie Karah Behrend, a wheelchair-bound adaptive athlete, to run the Rebelle in a 2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse
Cross. Ridenour, a 30-year Army veteran and founder/CEO of Record The Journey paired up with Behrend after chatting via Instagram. Behrend, an Air Force retiree, plays wheelchair rugby and basketball and travels the country mentoring other veterans. Although Behrend is very active, she has a rare and progressive neurological disease called reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD). She’s a quadriplegic (not a paraplegic) but that doesn’t stop her. Ridenour’s organization helps military veterans and their families get into the great outdoors and into the present moment via outdoor photography and adaptive recreation programing— making Ridenour’s team with Behrend ideal.
Mitsubishi USA partnered with Road Race Engineering and others to make the crossover accessible for Behrend to pilot it. These items included hand controls from The Ability Center for her to drive, a grab bar on the Mitsu’s A-pillar so she can transfer in and out of her seat, along with custom brackets and mounting points for Ridenour to secure Behrend’s two wheelchairs. One chair was her daily driver, while the other was an off-roader by Grit Freedom Chair so Behrend could successfully traverse through dirt and sand. The dedication and communication between Ridenour and Behrend garnered them Second Place in the crossover class—with Behrend making history as the first adaptive athlete to compete in the Rebelle Rally.
What vehicle did you drive and what was your team name?
Rachael Ridenour: Customized Mitsubishi corporate-backed Eclipse Cross as Team Record The Journey #207.
Why did you decide to compete in the Rebelle Rally?
RR: To try something I was a novice at. I had zero experience going into the first year. After seeing how the experience shaped others, I decided to sponsor a veteran each year to share the experience.
Karah Behrend: When Rachael asked me to be her partner, I googled if somebody in a wheelchair had ever done this before. I couldn’t find any information so I wanted to make sure the information is out there for the next person.
What's your racing or rally background?
RR: As my own coping mechanism trying to reconcile my experiences in Afghanistan, I started driving further off the beaten path in a quest for solitude and great nature photography opportunities. This led to more off-roading and to the Rebelle Rally. It may not seem photography and off-roading have a lot in common but there’s a ton of overlap. Both require being present to be successful, a combination of art and science, and start with preparation to end up in beautiful and delightful places.
KB: I was given the opportunity; I will never turn down a chance for a good story to tell my grandkids one day. What are your greatest achievements in the motorsports/automotive field?
RR: Starting an organization that’s trying to make a difference in the lives of military veterans and their families.
KB: Regaining my independence.
What’s your biggest takeaway from the Rebelle that you can use for your future endeavors?
RR: Never underestimate your success pack and #tribe Rebelle!
KB: Nothing is impossible with a good team of critical thinkers!
Being a Rebelle means different things to different women. Getting to the start is a huge accomplishment for some, whereas a podium finish is important for others. Everyone starts somewhere; these women followed their passion to pursue personal greatness in the rally world.