Melissa Clark is a three-time Rebelle Rally X-Cross champion who drives Ford Bronco Sports through deserts, rocks, and sand dunes like she was born to do it—because, frankly, at this point she might as well have been.

EARLY YEARS

Details about Melissa’s early life and upbringing remain largely unknown, but her journey into off-roading appears to have been fueled by a genuine, all-consuming passion for the sport. Before she became synonymous with Ford Performance and Bronco dominance, she cut her teeth building Jeeps and tackling some of the gnarliest trails the American West has to offer.[1]

OTHER INTERESTS

When she’s not navigating brutal off-road terrain, Melissa is married to her partner Brian Clark, and together they share their lives with two beloved dogs, Cocoa and Shelby.[2] She describes herself as someone who gives 100% to the things she loves—a trait that’s evident whether she’s competing, guiding trails, or simply living her life full-throttle.[3] Her world revolves around community, friends, family, and an ever-growing network of off-road enthusiasts who’ve come to respect her skills and infectious enthusiasm for the sport.[4]

EARLY SUCCESS

Clark’s Rebelle Rally career began in 2016, and she quickly proved she wasn’t just there to participate—she was there to win.[5] Her early years in the competition saw her racking up accolades, including the Team Spirit award in 2016 and a second-place finish in the 4×4 class in 2019.[6] By 2020, she had found her stride in the X-Cross class, a category designed for smaller, more nimble vehicles that still need serious chops to handle the demanding terrain. That year, driving a Ford Bronco Sport nicknamed “Cody” with navigator Cora Jokinen, she took her first X-Cross class victory.[7] It was the beginning of an unmatched winning streak.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

• 2016: Won Team Spirit award at the Rebelle Rally.[6]
• 2019: Finished second in the 4×4 class at the Rebelle Rally.[6]
• 2021: Won the X-Cross class at the Rebelle Rally, her first championship in the category.[8]
• 2022: Secured her second consecutive X-Cross class victory and earned the Bone Stock award at the Rebelle Rally.[6][9]
• 2023: Achieved a three-peat by winning the X-Cross class for the third straight year with co-driver Jessica Moore, also claiming the Bone Stock award again.[10][11]
• 2024: Competed in the Rebelle Rally with co-driver Kathryn Reinhardt in a 2025 Bronco Sport Badlands.[12]
• 2025: Returned to the Rebelle Rally driving a 2025 Ford Bronco Raptor with Kathryn Reinhardt under Team 199 – Built Wild.[13]

INSPIRATIONS

Melissa’s love for off-roading extends far beyond competition. She’s a seasoned trail guide for the Ford Bronco Off-Roadeo in Moab, where she leads groups through some of the most technical terrain in the country, including the infamous level 9-rated Pritchett Canyon during Easter Jeep Safari.[14] Her experience navigating places like Pritchett Canyon and the Glamis Sand Dunes has shaped her into one of the most respected drivers in the off-road community.[15] She’s also an active member of Bronco Nation, where she serves as a staff member and contributes her expertise to a passionate community of enthusiasts.[16]

REPUTATION

In the world of all-female off-road rallying, Melissa Clark is a household name. Her three consecutive X-Cross championships are unmatched, and her ability to pilot a Bronco Sport through punishing desert courses with precision and grit has earned her widespread admiration.[17] Fellow competitors respect the way she handles a vehicle, and her partnership with Ford Performance has solidified her status as one of the brand’s premier ambassadors.[18] Beyond her competitive success, she’s known for her generosity in sharing knowledge—whether guiding newbies through Moab’s rock gardens or mentoring other women in motorsports.

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

Clark continues to push boundaries in 2025, competing once again in the Rebelle Rally—this time behind the wheel of a 2025 Ford Bronco Raptor.[13] Ford has also launched a Grassroots Rally Team Program for the 2025 Rebelle Rally, with Melissa and Kathryn Reinhardt representing Team 199 – Built Wild as part of this new initiative.[19] As she enters her ninth Rebelle Rally, it’s clear she’s not slowing down anytime soon. If anything, she’s just getting warmed up.

REFERENCES

[1] The Rock-Crawling, Rebelle-Winning, Off-Roadeo Guiding, Sport Driving Life and Times of Melissa Clark
[2] Team 200 – Built Wild – Rebelle Rally 2022
[3] Team 199 – Built Wild – Rebelle Rally 2025
[4] Team 200 – Built Wild – Rebelle Rally 2024
[5] Ford Announces Its Five Teams Running in Rebelle
[6] Awards Achieved – Team 200 Built Wild
[7] Ford Sponsoring Five Teams at 2023 Rebelle Rally
[8] Bronco Earns Three-Peat at Rebelle Rally
[9] Final Rebelle Rally Field Update: Rebellation
[10] The Ford Bronco Conquers the Competition at All-Female Rebelle Rally
[11] Celebrating the 2023 Rebelle Rally at the Rebellation Awards
[12] Ford Returns to Rebelle Rally With Five-Truck Team for 2024
[13] Team 199 – Built Wild – Rebelle Rally 2025
[14] Melissa Clark – Moab Trail Guide
[15] Three-peat Champion Melissa Clark on Off-Roading, Rebelle Skills and Ford
[16] Staff Members – Bronco Nation
[17] Melissa Clark’s 2023 Rebelle Rally Retrospective
[18] Team Built Wild – Partnership with Ford Performance
[19] Ford Returns as Silver Partner and Launches Grassroots Rally Team Program