Dirt, Gravel, and Glory: The Alcan 5000 Rally Adventure

Mercedes and Andy Lilienthal take us on an exhilarating journey through North America's longest road rally - the Alcan 5000. Covering a staggering 5,500 miles from Seattle to Alaska, this husband-wife team pushed their 2026 Honda Passport Trail Sport to its limits across punishing terrain and secured an impressive second-place overall finish.

The conversation reveals the fascinating format of this epic adventure: daily time-speed-distance rally segments connected by long-distance travel through some of the continent's most remote regions. While competitors in the "unlimited" class relied on sophisticated rally computers, the Lilienthals triumphed in their "seat of pants" class using nothing more than a $6 calculator, a kitchen timer, and raw mathematical calculations.

Their Honda Passport proved the perfect companion, conquering approximately 900 miles of dirt and gravel without a single flat tire. The couple details how they tackled optional "extreme control" routes that earned them the "Go Farther Award," including an expedition to the Arctic Circle through mud-drenched paths and treacherous conditions that left their vehicle "caked full of mud."

Beyond the mechanical challenges, the couple shares insights into the human element of rally competition - how they navigate the pressure-cooker environment as partners, their strategies for effective communication under stress, and the camaraderie formed with competitors from around the world. With good humor, Andy admits that Mercedes "sits on the right of the car because she's always right."

Having competed in both summer and winter Alcan rallies, the Lilienthals offer perspective on the additional challenges winter brings, from survival concerns in temperatures reaching -50°F to blizzard conditions and closed highways. Their experiences highlight the remarkable resilience required when facing nature's most extreme conditions.

Whether you're a rally enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or simply curious about extraordinary automotive challenges, this conversation captures the spirit of pushing boundaries and finding joy in the journey. Follow the Lilienthals' continuing adventures through their Crankshaft Culture platforms and perhaps consider registering for the 2026 summer Alcan 5000 R

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Chapters

• 0:00 Welcome to In Wheel Time
• 1:51 The Alcan 5000 Rally Explained
• 4:33 Honda Passport Trail Sport Performance
• 7:15 Rally Navigation and Scoring Classes
• 13:17 Winter vs Summer Rally Challenges
• 18:34 Staying Connected with Crankshaft Culture
• 21:09 Racing Calendar and Auto History
• 26:32 Closing Remarks and Show Information