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Entry · № 31

Caprigno / Hake

Boston, MA & Bishop, CA, US

The Team

Valerie Caprigno & Stephanie Hake

Valerie Caprigno, based on the East Coast, serves as President of the BMW Car Club of America X Chapter—a role that first connected her to the world of the Rebelle Rally. After attending the finish line in October 2025, she was drawn in by the people, the mission, and the sense of community.

On the West Coast, Stephanie Hake had a similar experience after seeing the 2025 Rebelle Rally start in her home town of Mammoth Lakes, she had to sign up for a Rebelle U driving and navigation course with her niece. What started as casual intrigue quickly evolved into a deep appreciation for the culture and the challenge.

Inspired by those experiences, both Valerie and Stephanie set their sights on the Trinitē Road Rally. Matched as rookie teammates, they quickly found alignment in their approach—focused, adaptable, and ready to learn and have fun. “Backroad Belles” reflects that mindset: capable, confident, and built for the road ahead.

MA
Home State
1+
Prior Rally Runs
Vehicle TBD
X-Cross
Class
The Drivers
Switching roles

Valerie Caprigno

I am a globally curious, people-centered leader who seeks balance, fairness, and connection in everything I do—true to traditional Libra traits. I’m passionate about travel, cars, community, family, and the relationships that make experiences meaningful, whether I’m exploring new countries, leading transformation at work, or building community through my love of BMWs.

Switching roles

Stephanie Hake

The glass is always half full! I enjoy a challenge and am not afraid of a curve ball or sidetracking.

Driver 1

Valerie Caprigno

Residence
Boston, MA, USA
Role
Switching roles
Occupation
I’m a Transformation Director at KPMG, leading organizations through complex change by turning strategy into action. I focus on aligning people, processes, and priorities to deliver lasting impact—bringing clarity to ambiguity and helping teams move forward with confidence. Much of my work is in the LATAM region, where strong communication and situational awareness are essential. Outside of work, I serve as President of the BMW Car Club of America’s X Chapter, leading a national community built around connection, shared experiences, and a passion for BMW’s X vehicles. Together, these roles reflect how I lead: driving transformation with purpose and building meaningful connections along the way.
Car Memory
My three-month road trip during the COVID pandemic was a pivotal reset in my life. After selling my condo and while in the process of building a new home, I found myself in a rare in-between chapter—one that created space for movement, reflection, and connection at a time when the world felt still. On the road, my BMW X2 became more than a vehicle—it became a constant companion and a sense of stability through uncertainty. It carried me across places and moments that redefined what “home” meant, proving that home could also be found in experiences, people, and perspective. What made the journey especially meaningful was the opportunity to reconnect with friends across the country. Each stop wasn’t just a visit—it was a reminder of the importance of relationships and shared time, something the pandemic had made feel even more precious. That stretch of time ultimately reshaped how I think about life transitions. It taught me to embrace uncertainty, stay open to spontaneity, and value the connections and experiences that anchor us, no matter where the road leads.
Self Described As
I am a globally curious, people-centered leader who seeks balance, fairness, and connection in everything I do—true to traditional Libra traits. I’m passionate about travel, cars, community, family, and the relationships that make experiences meaningful, whether I’m exploring new countries, leading transformation at work, or building community through my love of BMWs.
Fun Fact
I have circumnavigated the world aboard a ship in 100 days as an alumna of the Semester at Sea program.
Dream Car
I'm currently driving my dream car. My BMW X2 is my dream car because it’s truly one of a kind—defined by its bold, custom purple spec that reflects my personality and stands out anywhere it goes. That unique color isn’t just aesthetic—it represents individuality, confidence, and the freedom to build something that feels entirely personal. Paired with the X2’s versatility, it’s the perfect balance of style and everyday capability. More than just a car, it’s been a companion through road trips, meaningful connections, and defining life moments—made even more special because it looks and feels unmistakably mine.
Objectives
As a rookie, my primary objective is to fully immerse myself in the experience—learning the discipline of rally competition while embracing the teamwork, strategy, and precision it demands. I want to challenge myself in a new motorsport environment, grow my skills as both a driver and navigator, and connect with a community that shares a passion for performance and adventure. Above all, I aim to compete with focus, have fun, and represent my team with enthusiasm and respect for the sport.
Greatest Adventure
My visit to Antarctica was my greatest adventure to date because it took me to the most remote, untouched, and humbling place on Earth. Standing on the seventh continent, surrounded by vast silence, ice, and raw natural beauty, I felt a sense of awe and perspective unlike anywhere else I’ve been. It was more than a destination—it was a reminder of how small we are in the world, and how powerful it is to step completely outside of everyday life and experience something truly extraordinary.
Driver 2

Stephanie Hake

Residence
Bishop, CA, US
Role
Switching roles
Occupation
I've been a desk jockey at Mammoth Community Water District for 20 years. I love my job and the people I get to work with. Many people will say we are the employer of choice in Mammoth and one of the top 5 in the Eastern Sierra. I feel blessed to be part of such a talented team of individuals and a well-respected public agency. We proudly serve up Quality on Tap!
Car Memory
I have two very fond memories which really set the tone for my passion for driving... First, is my dad teaching me to drive when I was 8 or 9 years old. We'd go to the Los Alamitos Race Track (for horses) parking lot and he'd set out a bunch of cones. Then I would sit in his lap to see over the steering wheel; I would steer and he would work the pedals. This was a regular Sunday thing for me and my sisters. Next, when I was 13 (I was a seasoned driver by now), I was with my mom and sisters on a dirt road near June Lake, CA in our Ford Pinto wagon. Mom stopped in the middle of the road, got out of the car and told me to get in the driver's seat. She then attempted to verbally coach me on how to deal with a manual transmission (she was not mechanically inclined). She noted that we weren't going anywhere until I figured it out. I finally mastered the coordination of the clutch/gas pedals and we made it back to camp.
Self Described As
The glass is always half full! I enjoy a challenge and am not afraid of a curve ball or sidetracking.
Fun Fact
I am "Mom" to my favorite goofy pup, Bentley. And "Pup" to my favorite people; nieces and nephews, and grand niece and nephew!!
Dream Car
Only one dream car?? That answer depends on the day and the adventure, but currently, I'd have to say a Lexus GX 550.
Objectives
I'm a rookie looking forward to embracing the experience from start to finish! There isn't one component of this week that isn't new for me. Except that I've traveled in the region a handful of times over the years. I'm excited about meeting new people, learning about rally competition, and driving on the Sonoma track. And bonding with my copilot! I'd be really happy if we finish above the bottom of the pack.
Greatest Adventure
I’ve had many treasured adventures, but the most meaningful began with a wildfire in 2015 that incinerated our home and nearly everything we owned. It was a life-altering event, but not for the reasons people might expect. We found so many rainbows during and in the aftermath of the storm. What stays with me isn’t the loss—it’s what followed. We were surrounded by an extraordinary wave of generosity, as family, friends, acquaintances, and even strangers showed up with steady, quiet support. During that time, we experienced the very best of people and the strength of a community coming together. We rebuilt and eventually created our dream home, but the real takeaway will be with us forever. The experience left us with a deep sense of gratitude and a lasting belief in the goodness of others—something that continues to shape how I move through the world.
The Rig

2026/BMW/X3

We’re competing in a BMW X vehicle—an intentional choice that reflects our connection to the BMW Car Club of America’s X Chapter and our appreciation for the versatility and capability of BMW’s SAV lineup. The platform offers the comfort, performance, and adaptability needed to navigate the demands of the rally. We’re incredibly grateful to Enterprise Exotics for sponsoring our entry and providing a BMW X3. Their support makes this experience possible and embodies the spirit of adventure behind the rally.

Follow the team:
  • Model 2026/BMW/X3
  • Class X-Cross™
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