Eight stages, three states, forty-five teams, two teammates per vehicle, 1,500-plus miles, and zero GPS allowed — these are the conditions for the 2026 edition of the Rebelle Rally that begins Thursday, October 8, 2026, at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, concluding on Friday October 16, 2026, at the Imperial Sand Dunes in California. Rebelle Rally’s mission is to “elevate women across the globe and at home, and to make a positive impact in our communities – from empowering girls and women to caring for our environment.”
The Competition
The organizers built the format to test the wits of its competitors instead of how well they utilize technology. Each team is given a compass and a paper map — that’s it. Drivers and navigators will be put through Checkpoint Challenges and Rebelle Enduro Challenges (REC). The REC are a combination of timing, precision navigation, and rally roadbook reading. Points are earned by how accurately each team follows the roadbook instructions.
For the Checkpoint Challenges, teams plan their routes by utilizing longitudes and latitudes, or a heading and distance, given by the organizers to arrive at each of the green checkpoints throughout the day.
The rally features three types of checkpoints:
- Green – These are clearly marked on the map and are easily spotted on the course thanks to large green flags. Each team’s day must revolve around hitting every single green checkpoint marked on their map. Each checkpoint is worth 20 points and is staffed by a checkpoint worker.
- Blue – Not marked on the map, these checkpoints are moderately difficult to locate and are worth 10 points.
- Black – These ones are extremely difficult to find due to the fact they are completely invisible. They are scored on a proximity system: the closer you get, the more points you can receive (with a maximum of five).
According to the competition handbook, “points are accrued at checkpoints or by following a roadbook accurately, depending on the stage. The team to accrue the most points during all stages combined, minus any penalties, is the winner.”
The Competitors
This female-exclusive event has two different vehicle classes. Any vehicle entered in the competition must be street-legal with minimal modifications.
The classes are as follows:
- 4×4 – For vehicles that have four-wheel drive with low range. Common vehicles in this class include Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco, and Toyota Tacoma.
- X-Cross – For all-wheel drive vehicles with no low range. Examples of vehicles in this class include Subaru Outback, Porsche Cayenne, and Toyota RAV4.
Some manufacturers are getting in on the action as well. Last week, we told you Mini has entered its latest iteration of the Countryman, and Honda has just announced that its Honda of America Racing Team will be participating with a 2027 Honda Passport TrailSport (both in the X-Cross class).
The Awards
There are several trophies, medals, and prizes to be won. Trophies will be awarded to the first-, second, and third-place teams in each class. The winning teams will also get a guaranteed spot and a $5,000 per-competitor credit for 2027’s event.
A “Rookie of the Year” will also be selected in each class. The winner of this award will receive a trophy for the top team of two first-time competitors.
The lead team at the end of each stage will also win a medal and “bragging rights.”
Lastly is the Team Spirit Award, which will be chosen by competitors and event staff to be given to the team that “best shows the Rebelle spirit by helping others and staying positive.” Winners of this award also receive $5,000 toward a non-profit of their choice.
How to Watch
To follow this event, you can pick a team and track them on the Rebelle Rally website. Due to the large geographical nature of this event, there will be no in-person spectating.
