PressClub United Kingdom · 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.
Samuel Buckingham
BMW Group
Tel: +447815362262
send an e-mail
Author.
Julian Kisch
BMW Group
Note: This press release is a 1:1 copy of the original issued
by BMW Group headquarters in Germany. No adaptions have been made to
cater to the UK market.
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.
Ends
The BMW Group
With its four brands, BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW
Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of
automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial
services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30
production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in
more than 140 countries.
In 2025, the BMW Group sold 2.46 million passenger vehicles and
more than 202,500 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the
financial year 2025 was € 10.2 billion on revenues amounting to €
133,5 billion. As of 31 December 2025, the BMW Group had a workforce
of 154,540 employees.
The economic success of the BMW Group has always been based on
long-term thinking and responsible action. Sustainability is a key
element of the BMW Group’s corporate strategy and covers all products
– from the supply chain through production to the end of their useful life.
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MINI Press Office Contacts:
Sam Buckingham
MINI Press Officer
Tel: 07815
362262
Email: Samuel.Buckingham@mini.co.uk
James Morrison
Head of Product Communications
Tel: 07815
372 646
Email: James.Morrison@bmw.co.uk
Christina Burnham-Hepe
Corporate Communications
Director
Tel: 07815 371206
Email: Christina.Burnham-Hepe@bmw.co.uk
Media website:
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