Karisa Haydon

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  Karisa Haydon is a trailblazing off-road rally driver who honed her skills in the rugged Alaskan landscape before making her mark in the competitive world of the Rebelle Rally, where she quickly earned recognition as a formidable competitor alongside her navigator Trista Smith.

  EARLY YEARS

  Born and raised in a small town in south central Alaska, Karisa’s childhood was defined by adventure and resilience. Summers were spent commercial salmon fishing on a remote set net site on Kodiak Island, experiences that instilled in her a deep appreciation for the outdoors and the ability to thrive in challenging environments. Her passion for driving blossomed during family road trips around Alaska, planting the seeds for her future in motorsports. Beyond the driver’s seat, she developed an adventurous athletic side through participation in triathlons and mountain biking with her close friend Trista, activities that built the endurance and competitive spirit that would later define her racing career.

  EARLY SUCCESS

  Karisa’s journey into motorsports began around 2009 when she tackled the notoriously difficult Wildflower triathlon, widely considered the toughest half-iron distance race in America. Despite initial hesitation, her rigorous training and determination led to successful completion, showcasing the grit that would later serve her well in rally competitions. Her adventurous spirit continued to flourish as she impulsively entered a 24-hour mountain bike race with no prior experience, completing it through sheer willpower. The pivotal shift toward rallying came after attending the 2018 Northwest Overland Rally, where she discovered the Rebelle Rally. Her first official competition in 2022 proved that she was a natural talent – partnered with Trista as Team Velocity, they immediately claimed the X-Cross Rookies of the Year award and even secured a stage win on Stage 7, announcing her arrival as a serious contender in the off-road rally world.

  NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

  • 2022: X-Cross Rookies of the Year at the Rebelle Rally[3].
  • 2022: Stage 7 win at the Rebelle Rally with Team Velocity[3].
  • 2023: Contributed to Ford Bronco’s continued dominance in the Rebelle Rally[4].
  • 2024: Secured factory backing from Ford Performance for the Rebelle Rally season[4][5].

  REPUTATION

  In the motorsports community, Karisa has quickly established herself as a competitor who combines raw talent with unmatched work ethic. Her reputation isn’t built merely on results but on her distinctive approach to racing – blending endurance, adaptability, and sheer determination whether navigating punishing off-road terrain or piloting her vintage Porsche on cross-country adventures. Fellow competitors respect her unfiltered energy and commitment to improvement, qualities that have helped her ascend rapidly from newcomer to respected rally driver. As one of the women fighting for recognition in a traditionally male-dominated sport, she doesn’t simply participate – she excels, consistently achieving top-ten finishes in brain-taxing terrain while driving her Ford Bronco Wildtrak. Karisa’s approach to competition – combining technical skill with infectious enthusiasm – has made her a compelling ambassador for women in motorsports, showcasing both the challenges they face and the excellence they bring to the track.

  FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

  Looking beyond the 2024 season, Karisa aims to build on her partnership with Ford Performance to further establish herself as an elite competitor in off-road rallying. While specific future team changes or sponsorships remain undisclosed, her consistent participation in the Rebelle Rally indicates a long-term commitment to cementing her reputation in endurance off-road events. She intends to continue pushing the boundaries of off-road navigation while maintaining her presence in high-profile motorsports challenges, potentially expanding her racing portfolio to include additional rally formats and competitions that showcase her unique combination of driving skill and navigational prowess.

  References:

  Karisa Haydon Background Information
  Karisa Haydon Early Life and Athletic Pursuits
  2022 Rebelle Rally Results and Awards
  Ford Performance Racing Team Announcement
  Rebelle Rally Team Profiles and Competition History