Antarctica up next for Renée Brinkerhoff and her Porsche 356A

Renée Brinkerhoff and her Porsche 356 are at it again, and for a great cause. The 64-year-old racer and philanthropist has traveled the world with one goal in mind—to rescue children around the globe from human trafficking—and the final 356 miles of her personal 20,000-mile challenge will be exactly that: challenging.

Brinkerhoff’s Project 356 World Rally Tour, a 20,000-mile journey in her 1956 Porsche 356A, will be completed this winter in Antarctica. To reach her goal of raising $1 million, through Valkyrie Racing/Valkyrie Gives, Brinkerhoff needs approximately 2250 more donors of $356 each.

“We’re on a million-dollar mission to support anti-human trafficking efforts,” Brinkerhoff said in a press release, “… and every mile we drive spreads the word for our cause.”

Brinkerhoff’s quest to race on every continent began in 2013, and she has competed in a number of world-renowned endurance rallies, including La Carrera Panamericana, Peking-to-Paris, and the recent East African Safari Classic Rally. As one of the few female endurance-rally drivers during that time, Brinkerhoff considers herself a bit of an anomaly.

“We quickly realized how much we stood out from the typical racing teams. And we’ve used our own diversity to our advantage by speaking out on global platforms to initiate the conversation and raise funds that can support grassroots efforts.”

Brinkerhoff’s Antarctica trek will include legendary expeditioner Jason de Carteret, a British adventurer who holds a world record for polar exploration. De Carteret and engineering companion Kieron Bradley will come together again, having partnered on expeditions in Mongolia and the South Pole. Under their guidance, Brinkerhoff will attempt to set a land speed record on a blue ice landing strip, immediately following the 356-mile ice trek.

Brinkerhoff considers the Antarctica trek her most challenging.

“Antarctica will be the most beautiful, yet dangerous terrain we’ve yet to encounter with ourselves and our vintage car. We need to do things that are truly out of the norm to not only get noticed, but to show just how serious we are in gaining ground for a cause that is reaching its own pandemic levels.”

De Carteret says the car will be lightened to not only help it stay on track in the harsh conditions but also to be as environmentally responsible as possible.

To make a donation to Brinkerhoff’s cause or for more information, visit www.valkyrieracing.com or contact the team by email at info@racevalkyrie.com.