MINI Makes 2026 Rebelle Rally Debut with New Rugged Model Variant
MINI will make its first-ever Rebelle Rally appearance in 2026 with a new rugged model variant, driven by Felicia Killman and navigated by Erika Ferrer.
- 1,500 miles
- 3 (1964, 1965, 1967)
- 3
What Happened
MINI will compete in the 2026 Rebelle Rally for the first time, entering a new model variant that brings a rugged, adventure-oriented expression to the brand. The rally is the nation's premier all-women off-road navigation competition and the longest competitive off-road navigation rally in the United States. Held annually across the deserts of Nevada and California, and now for the first time in Utah, it challenges competitors to rely solely on maps, compass, road book, and teamwork across 1,500 miles of rugged terrain.
1,500miles
of rugged western U.S. terrain in Nevada, California, and Utah
The new model variant presents a more rugged and adventure-oriented interpretation of the MINI lineup, designed for those eager to venture beyond the pavement and confidently follow wherever the journey may lead. More details will be revealed this fall in conjunction with the vehicle's global reveal. MINI views the rally as the ideal proving ground to demonstrate the model's capability, durability, and adventurous spirit.
- Driver: Felicia Killman of Lacey, Washington — a dedicated rally competitor active in the American Rally Association, with experience as a navigator; she campaigns a specially prepared MINI in stage r
- Navigator: Erika Ferrer, a member of the BMW Group team in Mexico — a communications professional who began her motorsports career managing championship rally teams before becoming a co-driver. She ea
Original Mini Cooper S claims overall victory at the Monte Carlo Rally
Original Mini Cooper S repeats overall victory at the Monte Carlo Rally
Original Mini Cooper S wins the Monte Carlo Rally for a third time
MINI makes its first Rebelle Rally appearance with a new rugged model variant
MINI's participation in the Rebelle Rally builds upon one of motorsport's most celebrated rally legacies. The original Mini Cooper S used its compact dimensions, agile handling, and innovative engineering to outperform significantly more powerful competitors, and MINI more recently achieved international success in the Dakar Rally. With its first Rebelle Rally appearance and the global debut of a new model variant, MINI begins a new chapter that honors its rally heritage while embracing the next generation of adventurous driving.
Why this matters
MINI is using the Rebelle Rally — one of the premier all-women off-road competitions — to prove the capability, durability, and adventurous spirit of its new rugged model variant. The event highlights women in motorsport, with both driver and navigator roles held by accomplished female competitors. For MINI fans, it also signals a new chapter in the brand's rally heritage, which includes three Monte Carlo victories and Dakar Rally success.
Terms in This Story
- Road book
- A set of route instructions used by rally navigators to follow a course without GPS.
- Co-driver
- The rally crew member responsible for navigation, reading the road book, and keeping the driver on course.
- Stage rally
- A form of motor racing where participants compete against the clock on closed special stages, typically on gravel or dirt roads.
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