RallyVenture in Reno: A Return to Chasing Lines on Maps

In this Article

• A Head-to-Head Off-Road Challenge
• Beta Testing to Build a Foundation
• Battle-Tested at King of the Hammers

Characterized as a 4WD navigational challenge that will require a team effort, the inaugural RallyVenture™ is slated to happen in Reno during the upcoming Silver State Jamboree stretching from July 14-19. The invite-only event, presented by Carrera del Diablo, is the creation of seasoned off-road event promoter Jeff Knoll. “RallyVenture™ takes us back to our roots of chasing a line on the map and the adventure of the back country,” says Knoll.

A Head-to-Head Off-Road Challenge

Part social media, part navigational know-how, RallyVenture™ pits teams in a head-to-head off-road challenge. Knoll is confident Northern Nevada is a great testing ground for the competition that will kick off July 16 at the Nugget Casino. One of the prerequisites of invitees selected is that they’re in tune with social media and use it regularly. Teams will be required to navigate and perform tasks, then load the images onto social media. As the event progresses, the use of a live tracker will be employed and fans can follow along on the RallyVenture™ Facebook page and participants’ Facebook pages.

Beta Testing to Build a Foundation 

Following the success of the OG (Original Group) 13 for the first King of the Hammers race, Knoll thought that beta testing with a control group made sense. “Controlled growth is a great method to build a solid event foundation,” he says. He points out that at his regular job beta testing is used for all new products and allows needed adjustments to be made. “This event is very similar in that we potentially will need to adjust the format before we launch to the general public.” 

RallyVenture™ is highly anticipated and the feedback before it starts has been amazing. “We actually had to take most of the information off of the website because we couldn’t process all the requests to participate,” says Knoll. Some of the teams have created YouTube videos in anticipation of the event. “I’m excited to be in the first RallyVenture™ and if my buggy’s intact I’m going to run the Hellsgate Grand Prix,” says Brent Goegebuer, Transamerican Auto Parts Marketing Director.

Battle-Tested at King of the Hammers 

Knoll has over 25 years of experience in event promotion, and was the former chairman of the Save The Hammers subcommittee at CMRC (California Motorized Recreation Council). The committee successfully championed the cause to save the Johnson Valley OHV area by lobbying legislators in Washington, DC.

“The whole range of Silver State Jamboree weeklong events were created from lessons learned during the years I was involved in King of the Hammers,” says Knoll. His team has worked hard to make the jamboree a family friendly event and activities like floating the Truckee River and mild trail rides are ideal for kids. Of course, there will still be plenty of grownup fare. The Silver State Jamboree will also have parties at night after the kids are in bed, RallyVenture™, and the Hellsgate Grand Prix wrapping up the event.