Dunes, Debuts, & What’s Next
April 30th, 2026
April kept things interesting at Rebelle headquarters.
With less than six months to go until the rally, we’re not slowing down! This month, we hosted our first-ever Dunes Rebelle U Trials Presented by Pennzoil, bringing a brand new full-day mock rally in the Imperial Sand Dunes. We also welcomed our newest partner, Stryten Energy (keep reading for a closer look at the company and CEO Mike Judd).
We’re also looping back on a few moments from March, from Las Vegas Motor Speedway to auto shows across the country. It’s been a busy stretch beyond the course!
Let’s take a look at what’s been happening as April comes to a close.
From the Rebelle Community
A few highlights we’re loving:
- From the field:
Spotted at the Oregon International Auto Show, the winning 2025 SubaruForester Hybrid and the 3rd place ’26 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness. Thanks to everyone who’s been tagging us in your stories. It’s great to see the X-Cross® lineup getting attention off the trail. The 10th edition might be behind us, but these builds are still out there. Keep the tags coming! - From the track:
Rebelles took over at the Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. 2025 Pennzoil Challenge winners Team Raptor Rex, Carolina Carlson and Tobi Hlavnicka, were on site with their Ford Performance 2023 Bronco Raptor on display all weekend. From the pace car to pit access and the Pennzoil suite, it was a full race weekend experience and a reminder that Rebelle shows up far beyond the desert. Thanks to Pennzoil for making it happen. - From the ‘gram:
“First day in the dunes and so excited we found a checkpoint during Trials with Rebelle U. A day of fun, lots of learning, and just overall joy! We pretty much rocked our goals!” — 2026 Team #185 Amanda Garrity and Kelly Schwartz on the April’s first Rebelle U Dunes Trials
It’s Not All Dirt and Checkpoints
Rebelle Founder Emily Miller recently spoke at the SEMA Women’s Leadership Forum and joined a Lucid Motors-hosted fireside chat, connecting with leaders across the automotive and mobility space. Not only was it full of conversations and both new and familiar connections, it was also a chance to exchange ideas, spark future collaborations, and continue pushing the industry forward.
Where in the world will Emily and our crew be next? You can catch her at the 2nd annual The Big Thing at XOverland Ranch in Three Forks, Montana, for Rebelle U classes. Not only is the location stunning, it’s a fun event with a great community and plenty of good stories by the end.
The Start Line Is Closer Than You Think
Thinking about the Rebelle this year as a first-time team? Every year, we reserve a limited number of spots for rookies, and as of now, only a few remain. If it has been on your mind, now is the time to make the call.
Behind The Brand: Meet Mike Judd, CEO and President of Stryten Energy
In case you missed it, we announced our newest partner last week: Stryten Energy.
Now it’s time to go a bit behind the brand with someone who knows it inside and out, Stryten CEO Mike Judd.
Mike has been closely following the rally over the past few years, supporting Stryten teams in the competition and becoming a genuine advocate along the way. He’s also just as comfortable out there himself, having been off-roading since he was 16 and still taking any chance he can get to get into the dirt, whether that’s on a motorcycle or in a 4WD.
At Stryten, Mike leads a team focused on building energy storage solutions designed to perform in demanding, real-world conditions. That focus on reliability and problem-solving is part of what connects naturally to the Rebelle.
In our conversation with Mike, he shares what drew him in, what it’s like watching his teams take on the challenge, and why the experience keeps him coming back.
Same Spirit, Different Surface
We like to mix things up.
Next month, we’re kicking off something new: The Trinitē Road Rally, May 4 to 7. By the team behind the Rebelle Rally, this is a competition built around adventure motorsport, with the experience leading the way.
Roadbook navigation, incredible locations, a few twists, and time on track, plus the shared community moments that often end up being the best part.
Trinitē launches from San Francisco and winds through some of the most beautiful roads we’ve seen. And the vehicles? With both Classic and X-Cross classes, the range is part of the fun.
Be sure to follow along on Instagram and watch our inaugural edition unfold!
Rebelle U: Trials in the Dunes
Earlier this month, we hosted our first-ever Rebelle Trials out in the Imperial Sand Dunes, and it was one to remember.
Trials gave future competitors, seasoned competitors, and those looking to brush up on their skills a real taste of the Rebelle competition experience. Thank you to everyone who came out and took on the challenge with us! The dunes are one of our favorite places for a reason, and it was incredible to share that experience with both new and returning faces.
We’re already looking forward to the next one.
Curious when the next Rebelle U is? We’ve got more sessions lined up just in time to prep for October. More chances to shake out the nerves and get a little sand in your shoes.
April showers bring May hours.
Longer days mean more time to get out there, so use it. Add in an extra evening drive, practice navigation in different light, and spend time dialing in communication with your teammate. While you’re at it, pay attention to your vehicle. Check tire pressure before and after runs, get a feel for how it changes in different terrain, and keep an eye on your fluids.
A few focused hours here and there can make a bigger difference than you think. #LongMayWeDrive
Parting Shot
“It’s a challenging event that pushes you to the extreme while you’re surrounded by incredible women lifting you up.”
— Sedona Blinson, 10x competitor, via PureWow
Photo Credit: Richard Giordano of Desk to Glory