Scorpion™ Tire Challenge Returns for Its Fourth Year on the Rebelle
Following record participation and the debut of the Scorpion™ XTM, the challenge continues to grow as teams and officials rely on Pirelli tires across 2,500+ kilometers of competition.
February 13th, 2026
On the Rebelle Rally, every component matters. Tires are the only part of the vehicle in constant contact with the terrain for more than 2,500 kilometers, making the rally a true proving ground for durability and performance. That is one of the reasons Pirelli North America officially became a partner in 2021, building on early involvement that dates back to pre-runs of the inaugural 2016 edition. Since then, the partnership has grown into a multi-year collaboration supporting both competitors and rally operations.
One element of that collaboration is the Pirelli Scorpion™ Tire Challenge, a competition within the rally that recognizes teams running designated Scorpion tires with separate rankings, contingency awards, prize money, and charitable contributions tied to performance.
Now in its fourth consecutive year, the challenge has grown steadily, with last year’s field marking the largest to date. 2025 also marked the introduction of the Scorpion™ XTM All-Terrain, with many teams running the new tire across sand dunes, rocks, mud, and changing elevations.
Two-time Scorpion™ Tire Challenge 4×4 winners Mandy Brezina and Alex Gilman of Team #139 competed on the Pirelli Scorpion™ XTM in last year’s Rebelle Rally and have been part of the program since its inception.
“We’ve been part of the Pirelli Scorpion™ Challenge all three years and Pirelli’s support has been amazing! From the amazing XTM tires, team highlights and support, to entry fee assistance, working with them and their enthusiastic team has been an incredible asset to the Rebelle Rally and an even greater experience for our team,” Brezina and Gilman said.
For 2026, competitors will again choose between the Scorpion™ XTM All-Terrain and the Scorpion™ All-Terrain Plus as they navigate through California and Nevada. The All-Terrain Plus carries multiple years of Rebelle experience, while the XTM continues to build on its debut season.
Through initiatives like the Scorpion™ Tire Challenge, Pirelli continues to invest in the competitors and community that define the Rebelle Rally. Pirelli tires are used not only by competitors, but also across course and official vehicles, supporting pre-runs, course setting, and event operations.
Through initiatives like the Scorpion™ Tire Challenge, Pirelli continues to invest in the competitors and community that define the Rebelle Rally. Pirelli tires are used not only by competitors, but also across course and official vehicles, supporting pre-runs, course setting, and event operations.
“We’re proud to continue the Scorpion™ Tire Challenge and expand our support of the Rebelle Rally community,” said Andre Oosthuizen, VP of Marketing, Pirelli North America. “Over the past two years, the program has evolved into a direct sponsorship initiative, where we contribute $1,000 toward team registration and provide a set of Pirelli Scorpion™ tires. Last year, we supported 24 teams, and we’re looking forward to equipping even more competitors with the Scorpion™ XTM this season.
The Scorpion™ XTM was developed with direct input and real-world testing from Rebelle Rally representatives, using the rally’s demanding natural terrain as a proving ground. Our involvement with the Rebelle Rally began in 2021 as part of our commitment to supporting women in off-road motorsport and engaging deeply with the overlanding community. The rally continues to serve as both a competitive platform and a product development environment for Pirelli. Through the Challenge and our broader presence at the event, we’re proud to empower teams with performance, durability, and confidence, on the rally course and year-round.”
Founded in 1872 and headquartered in Milan, Italy, Pirelli celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2022.
The 11th annual Rebelle Rally takes place October 7-17, 2026 across California and Nevada. Daily Scorpion™ Tire Challenge standings will be available at rebellerally.com/live.