How It Began

The journey of Pop-up Rally began with a love for model building. In 2012, after the birth of my son, I sought an activity we could both enjoy. Over time, our shelves filled with completed models, but in 2018, everything changed when we discovered an RC car indoor racetrack. We instantly fell in love and invested in a truck. Driving an RC truck was challenging but fun, and it led to interactive model building that included building jumps, tracks, and performing maintenance.
During the COVID pandemic, my model-building passion deepened alongside a newfound fascination with Dakar rally racing found in Europe. This led to creating and expanding rally models. As outdoor socializing with neighbors resumed, my RC models became a safe and exciting way to connect. However, the fun often escalated into chaos, with races quickly turning into demolition derbies. This inspired the rally-style format: staggered starts every 10 seconds, promoting skill and creativity while maintaining distance and order.
I enjoyed involving neighbors in mini-projects like building bridges and timing booths, inspired by the Paris-to-Dakar races. Watching kids use tools and learn basic construction skills through RC cars mirrored my career as a residential remodeling contractor. Understanding that hands-on experience with tools, measuring, and assembling builds valuable life skills, I realized the potential of Pop-up Rally as a platform. It offers young people the opportunity to develop practical skills while fostering creativity and teamwork, aiming to inspire and equip a broader community.