MINI USA is making a bold return to rally racing, announcing its factory-backed entry into the full 2026 American Rally Association (ARA) season in partnership with LAP Motorsports. This marks MINI’s most ambitious rally program in North America, featuring two rally-prepped vehicles: the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4 and the signature MINI Cooper S 2-Door.
Launching at the season opener, the Sno*Drift Rally in Atlanta, Michigan, on February 6-7, 2026, the John Cooper Works Race Team will debut the cars. With rally experience gained at the 2025 Nemadji Trail Winter Rally, drivers Luis Perocarpi and Cristian Perocarpi will race the Countryman and Cooper S respectively, in their most competitive efforts yet.
Building on past regional successes, MINI’s foray into the national rally scene revisits its legendary rally roots — from the iconic Mini Cooper S victories in the 1960s to MINI’s dominance in the Dakar Rally. The 2026 season includes eight events across the U.S., from snowy Michigan to the forests of Colorado and Tennessee, culminating in intense stage rally battles on snow, ice, and forest roads.
The rally lineup features classes designed for limited modifications, emphasizing stock performance, agility, and endurance. The larger 2026 MINI Countryman enhances versatility and all-road capability, while the MINI Cooper S continues its rally heritage with compact, “go-kart” handling on tight, icy tracks.
Adding a unique twist, qualified MINI dealer technicians will join the pit crews at select races, integrating MINI’s retail network directly into the excitement and showcasing the brand’s commitment to performance and community engagement.
MINI’s rally history is steeped in performance and innovation, originating from a small city car that became a rally legend. The brand’s return to full-season competition aims to reconnect with its heritage and demonstrate the durability, agility, and spirit that made MINI an icon.
For more information about the 2026 ARA schedule and MINI’s rally ambitions, visit www.AmericanRallyAssociation.org. MINI USA continues to drive its legacy of performance, adventure, and innovative design, now on the demanding stages of American rally racing.
To learn more about the ARA and its partners, go to www.AmericanRallyAssociation.org