TX Elite Rally: Ozark 5th Anniversary Odyssey 2026 — Post Rally Recap

The engines have cooled, the miles are behind us, and the stories from the Ozarks are already becoming legend.

The TX Elite Rally: Ozark 5th Anniversary Odyssey marked five years of driving together. From October 9–11, 2026, the Rally Family ran from the Dallas area through Oklahoma and Arkansas into the Ozark Mountains of Missouri. Three days of roads, regroups, and the kind of company that turns a long drive into something you remember.

Pre-Rally Build-Up

The rally started before the official departure. Sunday, October 4th brought the Install Day at WaterWerkz DFW in Keller. Participants rolled in for meet-and-greets, swag bags, decal installs, Windshield Skin, and radio setup. Thursday night, October 8th, the Title Sponsor Signature Auto Salon hosted Install Night in Carrollton. More stickers, more radios, and more time to catch up before the weekend began.

Day 1: Richardson to Fort Smith

Friday, October 9th started at The Mad Hatter Neighborhood Pub in Richardson. Breakfast was provided, the drivers meeting happened, and the group rolled out with full tanks. The route ran 279 miles through East Texas and into Oklahoma.

Mandatory fuel stops in Paris, Texas and at the Choctaw Nation Travel Plaza in Antlers kept the convoy together. Lunch was provided at High Street Pizza in Antlers, where the costume contest was judged. Wayne and Kiara Washington took home the Windshield Skin prize for best costume. From there the group made a short memorial stop at Potato Hill on Sardis Lake for Rally Family member James Hughes. A final fuel stop in Poteau led into Fort Smith and the Courtyard by Marriott Downtown.

Friday night was open in downtown Fort Smith. Groups walked to Prima Italia, Rolando’s, AJ’s Oyster House, and later to 906 Cocktail and Cigar Lounge or Prohibition. The first day of driving was done, and the anniversary weekend was underway.

Day 2: Two Roads into the Ozarks

Saturday, October 10th offered a choice. One group left early for Silver Dollar City — roller coasters, shows, and a full park day, with Richard and Chase along for media. The other group took the Ozark Mountain Scenic Drive: twists, views, and the Arkansas Mini Tail of the Dragon feel, with a lunch stop at Ozark Cafe in Jasper. Chris, Daniel, Sarah, Franco, and Brandon captured that route.

Both groups finished at Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa in Branson. Saturday evening brought the 5th anniversary catered awards dinner and cash bar. Afterward, some stayed at the Library Lounge overlooking the lake, others wandered to the Atrium Café, and a few headed into town. It was the right close to five years of TX Elite Rally.

5th Anniversary Awards

At the catered awards dinner at Chateau on the Lake, we recognized a few members of the Rally Family:

Road Warrior — Daniel Pentikis. A special shout-out to Cody, Chris, and the others who consistently stop to help fellow participants get back on the road.
Zen Master — KJ
Ear Candy — Jeffrey Kampinga
Fast Lane — Wilfrido (pulled over multiple times and still smiling)
Life of the Rally — Coach D

Day 3: The Road Home

Sunday, October 11th was flexible. Some stayed in Branson. Others joined the organized return through Alma, Arkansas and a lunch stop at Reba’s Place in Atoka, Oklahoma. After the final fuel stop, GPS units were set for home.

What Made This Rally Stand Out

The Ozark 5th Anniversary Odyssey stood out for the roads, the execution, and the people. Key elements included:

Two distinct Saturday routes so drivers could choose park day or pure scenic driving
Well-timed fuel and regroup stops that kept the convoy together
A memorial stop that honored one of our own
Premium hotels and a proper 5th anniversary dinner
The same Rally Family energy that has defined TX Elite Rally for five years

Thank You to Our Sponsors

This anniversary rally would not have happened without the support of our sponsors. We appreciate your partnership.

Signature Auto Salon (Title Sponsor) – signatureautosalon.com
ParkUpFront – parkupfront.com
WaterWerkz DFW – waterwerkzdfw.com
TadByd – tadbyd.com
Windshield Skin – windshieldskin.com
The Refinery – refineryds.com
Titan77 – titan77llc.com
TX Ticket Dr – txticketdr.com
Hilltop Commercial Real Estate – hilltopcre.com
Planning Services – planningservices.com

Thank You to Our Participants

To every driver and co-pilot who joined us for the 5th Anniversary Ozarks Odyssey — thank you. Five years of TX Elite Rally only works because of the people who show up, look out for each other, and keep coming back. You made this one worth remembering.

Looking Ahead

The Ozark 5th Anniversary Odyssey is complete, but the Rally Family keeps moving. We are already thinking about the next roads, the next hotels, and the next chance to put a group of cars on a good route together.

Until then, the miles, the photos, and the stories from the Ozarks will stand as the latest chapter of TX Elite Rally.

We will see you at the next start line.