PressClub Global · Article.
MINI makes 2026 Rebelle Rally Debut with New Rugged Model Variant.
Wed Aug 05 00:01:00 CEST 2026 Press Release
Championed by an all-women field of drivers and navigators, the rigorous competition covers 1,500 miles of demanding western U.S. terrain. Competitive rallyist and MINI enthusiast Felicia Killman to pilot the MINI with rallyist and BMW Group Mexico member, Erika Ferrer as navigator.
Press Contact.
Julian Kisch
BMW Group
Tel: +49-151-601-38072
send an e-mail
Author.
Julian Kisch
BMW Group
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Munich. MINI announced to make the brand's first-ever appearance in the 2026 Rebelle Rally, marking a new chapter in the brand´s storied motorsport history. Competing in the longest competitive off-road navigation rally in the United States, MINI will take part in the event with a new model variant that introduces an exciting adventure-oriented expression of the MINI brand during one of the world's premier off-road competitions for women.
Held annually across the deserts of Nevada and California, and for the first time in Utah, the Rebelle Rally is the nation's premier all-women off-road navigation competition, challenging competitors to rely solely on maps, compass, road book, and teamwork as they traverse 1,500 miles of rugged terrain. For MINI, the rally provides the ideal proving ground to demonstrate the capability, durability, and adventurous spirit of its newest model variant.
The new model variant will present 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.
An Accomplished All-Women Team
Campaigning MINI's newest model variant in the rally will be
an accomplished two-woman team whose combined experience in
motorsports, navigation, and storytelling reflects the adventurous
spirit of both the vehicle and the rally.
Erika Ferrer: A member of the BMW Group team in Mexico, Erika will serve as navigator. Ferrer brings both professional communications expertise and an impressive competitive rally résumé. After beginning her motorsports career managing championship rally teams, she transitioned into the co-driver's seat, earning three consecutive regional rally co-driver championships while competing throughout Mexico. Ferrer has also co-driven renowned rally champion Benito Guerra during La Carrera Panamericana. Representing MINI at the Rebelle Rally combines her passion for motorsport with her role in communicating the brand's latest innovations, making her uniquely positioned to share the story of MINI's inaugural Rebelle Rally campaign.
Felicia Killman
: Driving the MINI entry will be Felicia Killman of
Lacey, Washington. A a dedicated rally competitor, Killman has built a
reputation for embracing challenges both on and off the course. An
active competitor in the American Rally Association, she has
experience as a navigator and campaigns a specially prepared MINI in
stage rally competition. A passionate advocate for the MINI community,
Killman views motorsport as an opportunity to inspire others to pursue
ambitious goals through preparation, perseverance, and teamwork.
MINI Carries on its Rally Heritage
MINI's participation in the Rebelle Rally builds upon one of
motorsport's most celebrated rally legacies. The original Mini Cooper
S earned legendary status by claiming overall victories at the Monte
Carlo Rally in 1964, 1965, and 1967, using its compact dimensions,
agile handling, and innovative engineering to outperform significantly
more powerful competitors. More recently, MINI achieved international
success in the Dakar Rally, reinforcing the brand's reputation for
capability in the world's toughest off-road competitions.
With its first appearance in the Rebelle Rally and the global debut of an exciting new model variant, MINI begins a new chapter that honors its rally heritage while embracing the next generation of adventurous driving.
In case of queries, please contact:
Corporate Communications
Julian Kisch, Press Spokesperson, Product Communications
MINI
Phone: +49-151-601-38072
E-mail: julian.kisch@mini.com
Micaela Sandstede, Head of Communications MINI
Phone:
+49-176-601-61611
E-mail: micaela.sandstede@bmw.de