Entry · № 27

Card / Eckert

Seattle, Washington & Port Orchard, Washington

The Team

Maria Card & Alyssa Eckert

Some teams are formed over coffee; the Glow Getters were formed at 35 mph with a wave from two passing Broncos. What started as a mutual respect for the vehicle in a local club, turned into a partnership built on the rocky terrain of Moab. To us, being a Glow Getter means chasing the perfect sunrise over a ridge and finding that glow in supporting those around us.

While we have our dedicated roles, we have both invested time in learning both driving and navigation. We believe that understanding the unique pressures of the other seat is our greatest strength. It allows us to communicate with empathy and precision when we aren't quite sure where we are or the terrain gets tough. As HR professionals, we know that a team is only as strong as its foundation, and we rely on our safety word, FLAG, to keep our communication clear and our spirits high.

Our mission is simple: Have fun and finish every single day. We’re here for the challenge, the laughter, and the sparkle that comes from pushing our limits and crossing the finish line together.

SEA

Home State

Prior Rally Runs

1967

Model Year

Classic

Class

The Drivers

Driver

Maria Card

Every day I make the choice to try to find beauty, kindness, laughter, and joy -- all the things embodied by our son. Some days that feels impossible, but I keep trying.

Navigator

Alyssa Eckert

I’m an adventure seeker fueled by great views, better snacks, and any challenge that involves wheels. Whether I’m on a mountain bike or behind the wheel, I’m just here for the experiences and the laughs along the way.

Driver 1

Maria Card

Residence

Seattle, Washington

Prior Rallies

Rebelle Rally

Role

Driver

Occupation

Director, Human Resources of the Applied Physics Laboratory - University of Washington. I work with high-performing and brilliant individuals who conduct research that is important and impactful for the state, the country, and the world. Their work is intended to be way out of the box -- there is no box! Yet the work I do has a foundation in policy and law. The challenge of my job is finding a way to honor both our researchers' blue-sky thinking and the university's firm structure. It is incredibly difficult work at times, and also incredibly rewarding.

Car Memory

Vehicles, primarily road cars, have always been a huge part of my life. For my husband, son, and I, most of our milestone events have been around cars. My husband and I met at the International Mustang Meet - he's from British Columbia, and I'm from Seattle. We were married in Carroll Shelby's Museum in Las Vegas. Our son was christened on the 45th anniversary of the Ford Mustang. We have traveled thousands of miles, first as a couple, and then as a family, in Ford-powered vehicles.

Self Described As

Every day I make the choice to try to find beauty, kindness, laughter, and joy -- all the things embodied by our son. Some days that feels impossible, but I keep trying.

Fun Fact

I've traveled to Buenos Aires to dance Argentine Tango in the city's many many milongas (social clubs centered around tango). It's not the stage stuff with the rose clenched in the teeth -- it's the social dance that has brought people together for decades.

Dream Car

We are a hardcore Ford family. We only have Blue Ovals in the garage. I am fortunate in that I really enjoy the vehicles I have now -- the '67 Mustang I'm running in the Trinite, and the '23 Heritage Edition Bronco I run in the Rebelle. They check a lot of the boxes for the types of driving I love. If I had to make a choice, I think I'd go early Shelby, whether a Mustang or a Cobra. Although an early Bronco would be a ton of fun too. So many great choices!

Objectives

I want to start and finish each day. I want to have a blast driving my early car again. I want to experience beautiful roads with my teammate (who will also be my navigator in the '26 Rebelle). I want us to continue building our friendship and our partnership as a team. I want us to build our confidence in interpreting and executing roadbooks. And finally, I want us to continue finding joy and humor as we share these experiences!

Greatest Adventure

I think I'm writing that story now... I can't tell yet where the plotline will go, but I am hoping that in the end things work out for the main character after all.

Driver 2

Alyssa Eckert

Residence

Port Orchard, Washington

Role

Navigator

Occupation

I’ve spent 15 years in HR, but my recent move into leadership development is where I truly found my place. Having experienced both ends of the leadership spectrum, I know exactly how it feels to be truly valued by a leader. Those experiences drive my passion for giving leaders the actual tools and support they need to succeed, because that is what ultimately makes work better for every employee they lead.

Car Memory

I’ll never forget being called to the office in middle school. As a total rule-follower, I was terrified I was in trouble, but it was just my dad surprising me for a lunch date in a Chevy Corvette. We zoomed around town and I felt like the coolest kid in school. More recently, I spent all last summer learning to drive a manual with my husband, and I’ve been obsessed with perfecting that craft ever since.

Self Described As

Fun Fact

I had a dream in high school to restore a 1960's mustang. This rally is a full circle moment getting to participate in Maria's fully restored '67 gold mustang!

Dream Car

I love a lot of cars, but our ’96 Alpine White E36 M3 (which I call Pearl) is definitely my favorite. It’s my track car, and there is just something special about the way her engine growls and suspension handles.

Objectives

For this rally, my goals are to learn the ropes, have a blast with my teammate, and make sure we actually stop to enjoy the ride.

Greatest Adventure

My greatest adventure has to be riding sketchy trails in the Alps with my gal pals, especially in Crans-Montana. One day involved a hike-a-bike section where we were clinging to a rope next to a cliff, followed by a descent down a glacier into these lush, green valleys. It was classic type 2 fun, exhausting and a little terrifying at the time, but I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

The Rig

1967 Ford Mustang

Factory V-8 289, automatic transmission, power steering The car is a Sports Sprint edition, which distinguishes itself with the turn signal hood, chrome air cleaner cover, and Comfort Weave upholstery. It has generally been restored to stock, using many original and NOS parts. Small upgrades, such as front disc brakes, gas shocks, and LED taillights, improve safety and drivability.

Year 1967
Make Ford
Model Mustang
Class Classic

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