Where Are They Now: Rachel Micander, OG Rebelle
April 16th, 2025
- Years Competed: 2016
- Team: Team ZuM Rally
- Teammate: Julianne Zotter
- Vehicle: 2012 stock Toyota Tacoma
For Rachel Micander, competing in the inaugural Rebelle Rally in 2016 wasn’t just an off-road adventure—it was a launchpad for growth, discovery, and unexpected opportunities. As one of only 72 women to take part in the very first Rebelle, Rachel’s experience on the course has shaped her journey in ways she never imagined.
Life Since the Rebelle Rally
“Wow – how things have changed since competing in the inaugural Rebelle Rally!” Rachel reflects. “Since finishing 9th in our stock Toyota Tacoma, graciously sponsored by our driver’s engineering firm, I’ve gone on to have a daughter, change jobs (same agency, different focus), have a couple of art shows, buy one of my dream cars, and become a founding member of a vintage European car club.”
On top of that, Rachel is currently wrapping up her Master’s Degree in Geology and is set to graduate this spring. She’s also co-authoring a book about Nevada’s geology—melding her academic expertise with her love of adventure.
Reigniting a Passion for Cars
While Rachel has always been drawn to the automotive world, the Rebelle solidified her love for cars, racing, and rallying. “I started watching Formula 1 again and rediscovered my love of most things automotive,” she shares. “Six months after finishing the Rebelle, I purchased a 1995 BMW M3. While it’s certainly no off-road rally vehicle, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed fixing it up, driving the windy-twisty bits of the Sierra Nevada, and taking it to car meets.”
Beyond the M3, Rachel has become more involved in the local car scene. “I’ve met several people who want to grow our car community and bring together folks who aren’t your stereotypical car lovers. During this time, I’ve seen car culture evolve and have met many other women who, like me, love a well-engineered car.”
A New Approach to Challenges
The lessons learned on the Rebelle course didn’t just apply to driving and navigation. Competing in the rally gave Rachel the confidence to take on challenges she might have shied away from in the past.
“The rally taught me that I am more capable than I think,” she says. “Since then, I’ve allowed myself to take more chances, travel more, step out of my comfort zone, and keep exploring. I even went back to school to get my Master’s degree, despite knowing how hard it would be while working full-time and raising a toddler.”
Advice to Her Pre-Rebelle Self
“If I could go back, I’d tell myself to try not to be so scared and anxious all the time,” Rachel shares. “I am a smart, capable, and creative woman who deserves to feel valued, accepted, and confident. I’m still incredibly scared and anxious in many situations, but I’ve started to learn how to work through those challenges and even use them to my advantage.”
The Unforgettable Blueberry Moment
Certain moments stick with you for life, and for Rachel, it’s blueberries.
“The first competition day of the Rebelle, I was so anxious I couldn’t eat anything. I forced myself to eat some blueberries, but by the time we were lined up at the starting line near Rawhide on the edge of Gabbs Valley, my nerves got the best of me. The blueberries came right back up onto the desert pavement.”
As tough as that moment was, it became a defining one. When Rachel returned home and shared the story with her dad, he reassured her that even Formula 1 drivers get sick before races. “At that moment, I felt like I had fulfilled my childhood dream of being a race car driver—except I did it as a navigator in the first all-women’s off-road rally in the U.S., and if you ask me, that’s even better.”
What the Rebelle Means to Her
Looking back, Rachel sees the Rebelle as a pivotal experience in her life. “It was a huge accomplishment—from the day I first saw the article on Jalopnik to the evening my friend and I decided to go for it. It was so far out of my comfort zone, I’m still surprised we did it.”
Whenever she faces a challenge today, she reminds herself: “I competed in an off-road rally and actually did pretty well!”
From geology to car culture, Rachel Micander is proof that taking a leap—even when it scares you—can lead to incredible adventures. And for her, the Rebelle Rally will always be a part of the road that got her there.
