Team: Cowbell Rally (@cowbellrally)
Ed Flaisig first became involved in rally in 2016 as a road marshal on the Dalles Mountain Up stage, an experience that marked the beginning of his deep connection to the sport.
Following Oregon Trail Rally that year, he helped form Cowbell Rally, a team consisting of his son Matt Flaisig, Jacob Literal, Dipstick the plastic flamingo,

and himself, with the goal of experiencing every side of rally.

Since then, Cowbell Rally has been involved in road marshaling, organizing, competing, media, stage captain roles, and spectating, with Ed currently serving as Chief of Spectator at Olympus Rally. In addition, as co-driver, Phil Clarke and I/ Wide Open Cowbell won the L4WD class regional in 2023.

Based in the Northwest, Ed also frequently participates in Rallycross such as Northwest Rally Association events working and competing, continuing to stay actively involved across multiple facets of the rally community.
"This was my first rally in 2016 and is the reason for my love of rally."
"Mostly it’s because I am able to spend time with my son either working or competing in the rally. It was the first rally that I competed in and completed. It was also my first win as a competitor."
Here is the defining moment for Ed to get hooked in rally:
"The first time I was at a rally. I was supposed to just hang out with my son Matt. Then the stage captain John Nispel needed a road marshal. So he sent me to the just passed the top of the mountain to a field full of flowers and beautiful views.
"I heard a noise in the distance and then over the rise came David Higgins and a storm of dust coming from the back of his car. I had to call my son to see if this was legal. Then Travis Pastrana went by and I was hooked."

Ed has been a press operator for 26 years for the state of Washington.
"As the self proclaimed Rally Prophet I try to promote the sport of rally and be a good example to others to follow." - Ed

For more stories in Face of OTR 2025: https://www.apexiel.com/user/thread/7JF4Cwpb6jm7reUlVbH0
