10TH RALLY EDITION: OCTOBER 8 – 18, 2025

#157

The Nor'easters

From mother and daughter to teammates, Laura and Sydnee are the heart and soul behind the rookie team The Nor’easters. Their bond has been strengthened through grit, growth, and gratitude. Laura’s passion for off-road driving was further sparked at Rebelle U in March 2024. Laura’s goal was to compete in the 2025 10th Anniversary Rebelle Rally after leaving training. So, after a few twists in the road and no navigator by Spring of 2025, she realized the perfect navigator had been beside her all along—her daughter Sydnee. What began as a leap into the unknown quickly became a shared journey of trust, teamwork, and discovery. Training together challenged them to set aside the familiar rhythms of family life and embrace a new dynamic—one built on communication, respect, and mutual support. Along the way, they uncovered strengths in each other they never knew existed. For Laura and Sydnee, this isn’t just a rally. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, a celebration of courage and connection, and a memory they’ll carry with them forever.

Sponsored By:

Roverbones, Mainline Overland, Engineering Tax Services, Krazy Beaver Tools, Pull Pal

Laura Stacey

Driver

I am a bold, resilient woman whose love for family and friends fuels a relentless pursuit of growth, adventure, and purpose. I strive to be an example of living boldly to others—proving that a life fully lived can be a beacon for inspiring others to embrace life with passion, resilience, and purpose.

What is your occupation and what does that mean to you?

Marketing consultant and proud mom of four incredible grown kids, I thrive on showing clients that change isn’t scary—it’s powerful. Whether it’s rebranding a business or reshaping a mindset, I believe transformation leads to growth. It’s the same philosophy I’ve passed on to my children: live boldly, challenge yourself, and chase fulfillment like it’s your job. I believe growth comes from daring to do the unexpected.

Residence:

Edgmont, PA

If you attended college or University where did you go and what was your major?

ASU - Marketing

Favorite Quote:

“There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.”― Ernest Hemingway “Look not mournfully into the past, it comes not back again. Wisely improve the present, it is thine. Go forth to meet the shadowy future without fear and with a manly heart.”― Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Fun Fact:

I have never seen a Star Wars, DC Comics or Marvel Heroes movie.

Why the Rebelle? Why now?

Taking on the Rebelle Rally as I approach my sixtieth birthday is my way of proving to myself that I am still capable of anything I set my mind to. This isn’t just a competition—it’s a celebration of everything I’ve overcome, from major medical challenges to personal struggles, and a reminder that I’ve never let obstacles define me or stop me from growing. I’ve chosen to keep pushing, keep evolving, and keep challenging myself, because I believe that strength comes from within and that growth has no age limit. This journey is a reflection of my resilience, my courage, and my refusal to settle. I’m still writing my story—taking on the Rebelle is one of boldness, grit, and continuing to find unstoppable spirit.

Who, or what, inspires you most?

I find deep inspiration in the moments when people rise above adversity. A few years ago, as I was having a medical setback that made me question my direction, but during that time, I met someone who had faced similar challenges and emerged stronger. Their resilience taught me the power of perseverance and reminded me that growth often comes through struggle. What truly moves me is the belief that every person has the ability to make a difference, no matter how small. I believe in the quiet strength of kindness—how a simple, thoughtful act can ripple outward and touch lives in ways we may never see. The potential we all carry to create positive change is what fuels me. If each of us takes small steps toward understanding and supporting one another, we can build a more compassionate and connected world. Those are the things that inspire me no matter how modest.

Top three favorite podcasts / books / shows

Sex and the City (Series)
Make Your Bed – Adm. William H. McRaven (Book)
The Garden of Eden – Ernest Hemingway (Book)

Greatest adventure to date?

Raising four amazing children and living life to the fullest.

What are your competition objectives and why?

As a rookie entering the Rebelle Rally, I’m driven by a deep desire to challenge myself and my daughter beyond what we think we’re capable of. We’ve trained hard, learned new skills, and now we’re ready to put them to the test—not just to compete, but to grow. Our goal is to perform at a level that reflects our commitment and makes us proud, knowing we gave it everything we had. But this journey is also about creating unforgettable memories, building a stronger bond, and discovering new layers of who we are—both individually and as a team. I want us to support each other through every challenge, to learn things we never knew, and to come out of this experience not just as better competitors, but as better versions of ourselves. Few mothers and daughters get to share something like this, and I’m determined to make every moment count.

What makes you tick, outside of work?

A lifelong challenger of the status quo. From distance running and trap shooting to competing in Hunter/Jumpers, I’ve embraced the thrill of challenging my limits. I’ve even taken on the unusual challenges side—trying to learn riding bulls as a young adult, be involved carriage driving, and many years foxhunting through open fields.

What is your background in motorsports, and how does that shape how you're approaching the Rebelle?

I’ve been a motorhead since my teenage years, on the trails in Colorado during high school. Off-roading was a way to connect with the land and push my limits. Life eventually pulled me away from the dirt, dust and mud, but about seven years ago, I found my way back through Land Rovers and the vibrant Overlanding community on the East Coast. That rediscovery sparked something deep—and quickly grew into a full-blown obsession. Since then, I’ve been on a relentless journey of growth. I’ve immersed myself in the off-road world, sought out mentors, and pursued every opportunity to refine my skills—whether through formal training or hands-on experience. What began as a teenage thrill has evolved into a lifelong passion for adventure, precision, and connection. That passion is what led me to the Rebelle Rally—a challenge that celebrates grit, strategy, and sisterhood. The Rebelle Rally embodies everything I love about this world: challenge, camaraderie, and the unshakable drive to go further.

What kind of cool experiences do you have outside of the Rebelle?

I have climbed 15 14ers in Colorado and I ran my first Tough Mudder at altitude at the age of 48.

Do you have any memorable moments with cars?

One of my fondest memories of my father... I’ve always had a soft spot for English cars, and when I got my hands on a TR7 at nineteen, I was thrilled. My dad, however, was quick to warn me that it would be a fun but costly adventure—advice I didn’t want to hear at the time. Six months later, the car had more leaks and issues than I could count, and the repair costs were piling up faster than I could pay them. I remember begging him to help me fix it, and when he did, I thought he walked on water. For the next two years, that car ran like a dream, and my admiration and love for him only grew, while I have come to realize that he was supporting a dream. These memories aren’t just about cars—they’re about the kind of father who taught through action, who laughed through the lessons, and who always showed up when it mattered most.ss I’ve always had a soft spot for English cars, and when I got my hands on a TR7 at nineteen, I was thrilled. My dad, however, was quick to warn me that it would be a fun but costly adventure—advice I didn’t want to hear at the time. Six months later, the car had more leaks and issues than I could count, and the repair costs were piling up faster than I could pay them. I remember begging him to help me fix it, and when he did, I thought he walked on water. For the next two years, that car ran like a dream, and my admiration for him only grew.

Sydnee Ewers

Navigator

I’m someone who sees the world with curious eyes and a thoughtful heart, always searching for meaning beneath the surface. I love a good laugh, a deep conversation, and the kind of connection that makes even ordinary moments feel extraordinary.

What is your occupation and what does that mean to you?

I attend University of Delaware as , I am have decided to return for a biochemistry degree. I tend to be a student with a passion for science. By day, I’m immersed in the rigorous world of biochem, exploring the building blocks of life and sharpening my analytical skills. By night, I bartend, where creativity and human connection come together in a different kind of chemistry. Balancing these two worlds keeps me grounded and inspired. I thrive on the challenge, and I’m driven by curiosity, resilience, and a love for learning in every form it takes.

Residence:

Newark, DE

If you attended college or University where did you go and what was your major?

University of Delaware - Chemistry with a Concentration in Math and now attending for BioChemistry

Favorite Quote:

Our doubts are traitors, And make us lose the good we oft might win, By fearing to attempt. - Shakespeare (Measure for Measure)

Fun Fact:

I was born with a brown spot in one of my eyes

Why the Rebelle? Why now?

The Rebelle Rally came into my life at exactly the right moment—when I was standing at a crossroads, unsure of my next step. It wasn’t just a challenge; it was a chance to connect on another level with my mother, to create unforgettable memories, and to prove to myself that I am strong enough to do something bold and demanding. The opportunity at this experience forced me to look inward, to ask hard questions, and ultimately gave me the clarity and confidence to do the Rebelle. It was more than a rally, it was a journey I didn’t know I was waiting for.

Who, or what, inspires you most?

I’m inspired by people who live with open hearts—those who put others before themselves, not out of obligation, but because it’s simply who they are. I admire the ones who show up when it matters, who offer help without being asked, and who challenge others to grow through kindness, honesty, and example.

Top three favorite podcasts / books / shows

Charmed (the ORIGINAL VERSION!)
Harry Potter Books
Chronicles of Narnia

Greatest adventure to date?

When I was thirteen, my parents sent me to Brazil for the summer, and it turned out to be one of the most eye-opening experiences of my life. Immersed in a different culture, I gained a deeper appreciation for the comforts and freedoms we often take for granted in America. The trip was educational in ways I hadn’t expected—I got to see firsthand how our friends managed their coffee and sugar operations, from processing to international shipping. Witnessing the hard work and resourcefulness involved in their daily lives gave me a new perspective on global trade and the value of opportunity. That summer didn’t just broaden my horizons—it reshaped how I see the world and my place in it.

What are your competition objectives and why?

As a rookie navigator, I’m stepping into the Rebelle Rally with a hunger to grow, not just to test the skills I’ve been building, but to uncover the gaps I haven’t yet seen. I know this experience will challenge me, but I’m ready to learn, adapt, and lay the foundation to become a confident, capable competitor in the future.

What makes you tick, outside of work?

I've recently discovered a deep passion for blending my chemistry background with mixology, and it's opened up a whole new creative world for me. I love experimenting with flavor compounds, reactions, and presentation techniques to craft drinks that surprise and delight people—not just in taste, but in concept. My dream is to convert a truck or trailer into a mobile events bar where I can showcase these unique creations.

What is your background in motorsports, and how does that shape how you're approaching the Rebelle?

Growing up, I was surrounded by a love for cars and motorsports. My grandfather had a true passion for it, and that energy was contagious. Even though I never pursued anything serious in the automotive world, I always felt that pull. Many of my friends in high school and early adulthood shared that same passion, and it became part of life—even if quietly through them. Then, in recent years, my mom took me off-roading. I didn’t expect it to awaken something so deep, but it did. That day, something clicked. I was hooked. It felt like I had finally come back to a part of myself I’d been ignoring for too long. Now, preparing for the Rebelle Rally, I feel like I’m finally stepping into something that I always wanted, but hid away for to long.

What kind of cool experiences do you have outside of the Rebelle?

I’ve had so many incredible experiences that have shaped who I am. Joining my high school and college crew teams introduced me to a sport I didn’t even know existed until we moved East—and it taught me the power of rhythm, endurance, and early mornings on the water. In high school, I also dove into theater, and my senior year I played Milky White the cow in Into the Woods, complete with hand stilts to mimic front legs while bent over. Let’s just say I quickly understood why everyone warns you to protect your back.

Do you have any memorable moments with cars?

One of the fondest memories I hold close is the day my mother passed down my grandfather’s Jeep Wrangler to me. He absolutely loved that Jeep, and when he was diagnosed with cancer and could no longer drive, he gave it to my mom. I used to beg her to let me borrow it, always promising I’d be careful. Then one day, out of nowhere, she walked up and casually tossed me the keys. I was stunned, until she smiled and said, “Well, you can’t own it and not drive it.” From that moment on, every time I got behind the wheel, memories of my grandfather would flood back. It felt like he was riding with me, just out of sight, reminding me of the bond we shared.

Vehicle

2000 Land Rover Discovery 2
Team Nor’easter’s journey in the Rebelle Rally is anchored by Salty, a 2000 Land Rover Discovery II that’s more than just a vehicle—it’s Laura’s trusted adventure partner and second love. With a legacy of off-road grit and countless memories forged across the East Coast terrain, Salty embodies the spirit of resilience and loyalty that defines their team. Choosing Salty for the rally wasn’t just practical—it was personal. This classic Land Rover, known for its durability and character, carries not only gear and grit but also the emotional horsepower of countless shared stories. In a competition that values navigation, endurance, and heart over horsepower alone, Salty and The Nor'easters are a perfect match, proving that true adventure is driven by connection as much as capability.