By Valerie Caprigno
The BMW Car Club of America X Chapter enjoyed exclusive access to the dramatic conclusion of the 10th-edition of the Rebelle Rally, including the finish-line spectacle and the celebratory “Rebellation” gala. The privilege offered a front-row seat to one of the most distinctive and empowering motorsport events in North America.
Friday, Oct 17 saw the finish-line arrival of the competitors after eight grueling days of navigation-based off-road challenge. On Saturday, Oct 18, the formal “Rebellation” gala capped the weekend: awards, cocktails, camaraderie, and the electric energy of women who not only competed—but conquered.
For the BMW community, it was a moment to celebrate not only female-driven performance—but also the brand’s involvement and the momentum of women behind the wheel of capable BMW SAVs far away from their usual terrain.
Founded in 2016, the Rebelle Rally is the longest off-road rally in the United States. It also happens to be the first all-women’s off-road navigation rally raid: eight days, remote terrain, no GPS (only map, compass, road-book), and a pure test of strategy, navigation and teamwork. Its mission has always been about skill, not speed.
The 2025 edition marked the 10th anniversary of the event—an occasion celebrated by organizers and competitors alike. This year the field comprised 67 teams, 134 competitors from 32 states/provinces and four countries, ages ranging from 23 to 78. Covering more than 2500 kilometers of rugged terrain across Nevada and California deserts, the rally again reinforced its philosophy: it’s not about who’s fastest, but who navigates best and stays steady.
Representing BMW in the event was Team #205, #R2D2: driver Rebecca Donaghe and navigator Rebecca Dalski, piloting the 2024 BMW X5 40i xDrive Silver Anniversary Edition (sponsored by BMW USA) in the X-Cross class. Team #205 achieved:
- 2nd place overall in the X-Cross class.
- The Bone Stock Award for competing without any modifications, with the exception of updated Rotiform wheels. A late rule update even required competing with factory tires. Minor, non mechanical, updates were made such as the addition of Morimoto lights but otherwise the X5 remained 100 percent stock.
- On Days 7 and 8 the team posted the highest scores in their class—an impressive late-rally surge.
For the BMW community this is a standout: not only did a BMW X5 take a podium, but the performance affirmed BMW’s capability in a rally environment.
For the X Chapter, the team’s results provide reinforcement to what we already know: BMW X vehicles are not just commuter machines, but also capable of off-road and other adventures —when in the hands of skilled drivers.
Results Summary
X-Cross Class (Crossover / Light SAV)
- Team #200 – Carey Lando & Andrea Shaffer in a 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid Touring.
- Team #205 – Rebecca Donaghe / Rebecca Dalski in a 2024 BMW X5 40i xDrive.
- Team #210 – Emme Hall & Kendra Miller in a 2025 Subaru Crosstrek.
The X-Cross class is designed for crossover and SAV-type vehicles, with emphasis on navigation and map/compass skills rather than outright speed. The BMW X5’s podium finish highlights its crossover performance credentials in an extreme setting.
4×4 Class (Traditional 4-Wheel Drive Off-Road Vehicles)
- Team #129 – Nena Barlow & Teralin Petereit in a 2025 Jeep Gladiator.
- Team #131 – Karisa Haydon & Trista Smith in a 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor.
- Team #128 – Susan Pieper & Elise Young in a 2025 INEOS Grenadier.
The 4×4 class remains the “bread-and-butter” category of the Rebelle Rally—heavily modified off-road rigs, long days, demanding terrain and checkpoint navigation. Team #129’s win reflects both experience and consistency: they took four stage wins and held the top spot throughout.
Being on-site for the finish line on Friday and the gala on Saturday gave X Chapter attendees a chance to witness the final moments—teams arriving, embracing, and celebrating after eight days of navigation combat. It also reinforced what an amazing community founder Emily Miller has built and inspired in the 10 years of Rebelle.
The 10th edition of the Rebelle Rally may have been marketed as a milestone celebration—but for BMW CCA’s X Chapter, it was a moment to witness real-world relevance: BMW SAVs not just built for city or highway—but built for adventure, navigation, capability. With Team #205 on the podium, and the club’s presence at the finish and gala, it sets a powerful tone for what the BMW X family and its driver community can aspire to.
Invitation: “After the Dust Settles” Virtual Event
Want to learn more? We’re pleased to announce an Xclusive virtual event for BMW CCA members and friends: After the Dust Settles: BMW’s X5 at the 2025 Rebelle Rally on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.
Join us for an inside-look at the 2025 Rebelle Rally experience through the eyes of Team #205 in their BMW X5. You’ll hear from the entire passionate BMW USA team who brought this podium win to life, dive into rally navigation tactics, and see how BMW’s “X” family stands up to extreme adventure.
Register here: After the Dust Settles – BMW’s X5 at the 2025 Rebelle Rally
Whether you’re a BMW enthusiast, rally fan, or simply curious about how navigation-rally works, this event is for you. Don’t miss it!
Until then—keep your compass aligned, your tires aired, and your spirit adventurous.
The following partners helped make this year’s Rebelle Rally win possible: