The MINI USA Rebelle Rally team has kicked its preparation into high gear ahead of the brand’s first-ever appearance in the competition, combining rigorous field training with in-depth engineering sessions as the debut of MINI’s new adventure-oriented model variant draws closer.
For competitors Felicia Killman and Erika Ferrer, the countdown recently became real: the pair got their first look at the fully prepared vehicle they will pilot across 1,500 miles of rugged western terrain. The model itself remains under wraps—its final reveal reserved for a global debut just before the Oct. 7-17 rally begins in Las Vegas.
Training and preparation have thus far consisted of intensive field sessions across varied terrain. Killman and Ferrer have spent time learning to pilot the vehicle through dunes and rocky environments, as well as on loose terrain where precision and feel matter most.
Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of BMW Group engineers including James Wallace, Dennis Heaphy and Eran Garma has led the vehicle’s preparation, working to ensure the model is built to withstand the demands of one of the country’s most grueling off-road navigation competitions. Balancing their regular engineering responsibilities with this passion project, the trio has invested time in the build, problem-solving the unique demands of off-road durability while bringing their motorsport expertise to anticipate the team’s needs.
“Seeing the finished vehicle was definitely one of those, ‘Oh boy, we’re actually doing this’ moments,” said Killman, MINI team driver. “James, Dennis, and Eran have put so much time and thought into getting this MINI ready for the Rebelle, and seeing everything finally come together made me even more excited to get out there. We’ve had an opportunity to complete various trainings in the dunes, on rocks, and with the maps and compass, but pretty soon it’s just Erika and me, the MINI and 1,500 miles to figure it out. I cannot wait to test this car and myself at the Rebelle Rally.”
Old-School Navigation
Beyond the driving itself, the pair has also trained in the fundamentals of map and compass navigation—the only tools allowed once the rally starts. GPS is banned entirely, so the event comes down to old-school orienteering.
Each session has been designed to build not just confidence in the vehicle, but muscle memory and decision-making under pressure.
“This rugged looking SUV is impressive—I won’t pretend otherwise—but the training that kept me up at night was mastering navigation,” said Ferrer, team navigator. “Reading terrain, trusting the compass over instinct when they disagree, knowing when to slow down and recheck a bearing—that’s the real rally.”
MINI’s Rebelle Rally effort came together with the support of a group of outfitting and technical sponsors including Thule, DealerTire, Pelican Cases, Morimoto Lighting, Heinlein Racing Development (HRD), Peak Design, GoPro and MINI Motoring.