April 2025 Newsletter
April 16th, 2025
We’re not sure how April snuck up on us so fast, but here we are—gearing up for training season, watching the desert wake up, and launching a few big things of our own.
This month, we’re kicking off our Top Ten series to celebrate ten years of the Rebelle. First up? Advice for rookies from none other than Chrissie Beavis. If you’re heading to your first rally (or just love soaking up solid strategy), you’ll want to read every word. And then sign up for “The Winning Mindset” live online.
We’re also sharing some exciting news about Rebelle U hitting the road to Montana (you’re gonna want to join us for this one), catching up with an OG competitor to see where the rally’s taken her, and going behind the lens with the creative force that captures our wildest moments—Daniel Mayfield.
Plus: spring tips, off-season stories, and maybe a Bronco named Rosie. Scroll on—we’ve got plenty to share this month.
See you out there,
The Rebelle Team
Top Ten Pieces of Advice
To kick off our Top Ten series, we figured—who better to start with than Chrissie Beavis?
Chrissie’s been with the Rebelle since the very beginning. She’s our Head Scoring Judge, but more than that, she’s seen it all: the wins, the wipeouts, the “what were we thinking?” moments. Her advice isn’t sugarcoated or overly complicated—it’s the kind of stuff you wish someone had told you before your first rally.
Want to know the #1 mistake rookies make—and the mindset shift that actually makes a difference when you’re deep in it? Chrissie lays it out straight.
Rebelle U Presented by Pennzoil Joins The Big Thing at XOVERLAND Ranch!
For the first time ever, Rebelle U Presented by Pennzoil is headed to Montana—and we’re bringing our signature hands-on training to The Big Thing at XOVERLAND Ranch, July 10–13!
This marks an exciting new chapter for Rebelle U as we expand our reach to the northern Rockies for a weekend focused on building real-world skills in overland navigation and driving. These aren’t surface-level sessions—they’re immersive, technique-driven classes led by seasoned instructors with deep field experience. Whether you’re new to the trail or refining advanced skills, Rebelle U delivers the tools and confidence to elevate your time off-road.
Add in wide-open skies, campfire conversations, and the chance to connect with a truly passionate community—and you’ve got a weekend that’s equal parts learning and inspiration! Passes are available now, from single-day options to full weekend experiences with camping included.
Don’t wait—grab yours through XOVERLAND Ranch and join us for an unforgettable few days in Montana!
Where are They Now: Rachel Micander
For OG Rebelle Rachel Micander, the 2016 Rebelle Rally wasn’t just about off-road competition—it was a turning point. Since finishing 9th in the inaugural event, she’s earned a Master’s in Geology, co-authored a book on Nevada’s landscapes, and fueled her passion for cars by restoring a ’95 BMW M3 and helping grow her local car community.
The rally pushed her beyond her comfort zone, teaching her to take on challenges with confidence—whether that meant navigating the desert, going back to school, or tackling life’s unexpected twists.
This month’s Where Are They Now feature catches up with OG Rebelle Rachel Micander—see where the rally has taken her.
What happens when a finance exec, a red Bronco named Rosie, and a stuffed owl named Oswald head into the desert? For first-time Rebelle Dana Benyo, the rally was more than a challenge—it was a reset. From 115-degree dunes to unexpected flat tires, Dana’s journey on the 2023 Rebelle is a powerful reminder of what happens when you step outside your comfort zone… and discover you’re stronger than you thought.
Since 2016, Daniel Mayfield has been behind some of the most striking and unforgettable visuals of the Rebelle Rally—often captured from hundreds of feet above. A creative powerhouse, Daniel wears a lot of hats: drone pilot, editor, production strategist, and the guy you definitely want around when gear gets complicated in the middle of nowhere.
With a filmmaking background that started at age 13 and a TOTAL CHAOS-equipped Toyota truck-turned-mobile-production-hub, Daniel brings equal parts artistry and problem-solving to the desert. For anyone into cinematography, drone tech, or off-road storytelling, his journey is one you’ll want to hear.
Ever wondered what it takes to capture the Rebelle from the sky, keep everything charged off-grid, and still make it look effortless?
Check out our full Q&A with Daniel and get a glimpse into life behind the lens at the Rebelle.
Plotting parties, garage sessions, navigation deep-dives—rally prep is officially underway. Whether you’re brushing up on compass skills or just cracked open your first topo map, we want to see how you’re getting rally-ready.
What’s your team working on right now?
Tag @rebellerally and use #RebellePrep—we’ll be sharing stories and highlights from the road to the rally all season long!
Sign up for Live with Legends
Join the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame’s new live web series. The upcoming session examines “The Winning Mindset.” Listen and learn from some of the most winning off-road competitors in history – from Ivan “Ironman” Stewart, Johnny Campbell, Johnny Greaves and Brad Lovell! Moderated by the Rebelle Founder Emily Miller. Sign up today.
Spring Clean, Under the Hood
Spring’s that in-between season—some warm days, some cold starts, maybe a muddy detour or two. It’s a good time to pop the hood. Check in on your oil. Winter driving, short trips, and long idle periods can take a toll. Your engine might be ready for fresh oil.
If you’re using Pennzoil Ultra Platinum® Full Synthetic, you’re already ahead of the game—it holds up longer and protects better, especially through weather swings. While you’re at it, take a look at your air filter and all your fluid levels.
Simple checks. Solid habits. That’s how we keep driving—long and well. #LongMayWeDrive
Parting Shot
“I let out an expletive-laden response as the sand flies in all directions around us, which is only drowned out by the roaring of the engine. I grab the sides of my seat and smile from ear to ear because I’m getting to experience just a glimpse of what the women in the Rebelle Rally get to do for eight days straight. And it’s freaking awesome.”
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure
Photo Credit: Heather Lewis
