The MINI Cooper and Countryman Are Going Rally Racing in the U.S.

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MINI is heading back where it belongs, to the gravel, the mud, and the fast-flowing stages of rally racing. LAP Motorsport, the longtime partner behind MINI USA’s race and off-road programs, will be competing with the MINI Cooper and Countryman at the ARA regionals Show-Me Rally this weekend. But it’s what might come after that has us excited.

The team is looking to see how the mostly stock MINIs will fair in the American Rally Association (ARA) ahead of potentially running a full season in 2026 likely backed officially by MINI USA.

Based out of Brownsburg, Indiana, the team will field a Limited Two-Wheel-Drive (L2WD) MINI Cooper Hardtop and a Limited Four-Wheel-Drive (L4WD) John Cooper Works Countryman. Both cars are making their first public appearance this weekend, marking MINI’s first official return to American rally competition in decades.

MINI testing the U25 Off-road during it’s development

From Circuit to Stages

Team owner and driver Luis Perocarpi has spent years developing and racing MINIs in both circuit and off-road environments, from IMSA and SRO championships to class wins at the Sonora Rally in 2018 and 2023. Now he’s bringing that experience to the gravel, piloting the all-wheel-drive Countryman in the L4WD class.

His son, Cristian Perocarpi, will drive the L2WD MINI Cooper Hardtop. Already familiar with the brand’s performance DNA from years of road and desert racing, Cristian will make his ARA debut this season with co-driver Mark Wells alongside. Luis will be joined by co-driver David Quillen in the Countryman.

LAP and MINI USA racing at America Road America in 2023

Rallying with MINI DNA Intact

The team’s early builds are staying close to stock, with initial modifications focused on safety and reliability for the ARA’s Show-Me Rally. Because the L2WD and L4WD classes limit extensive upgrades, both cars will rely heavily on MINI’s inherent balance, torque delivery, and nimble chassis tuning, all of which helped define the brand’s rally heritage.

Technicians from MINI of St. Louis are lending support at the events, joined by dealership employees and local MINI owners eager to see the brand return to its motorsport roots.

MINI testing the U25 Off-road during it’s development

A Hint of What’s Next for MINI Motorsport

While MINI USA isn’t ready to announce an official rally program, this collaboration with LAP Motorsport appears to be more than a one-off experiment. With other automakers like Honda unveiling ARA-ready factory cars such as the Civic Type R HRC Rally XP and more manufacturers testing the waters, 2026 could mark the beginning of a renewed era of manufacturer-backed rally competition in the United States.

For MINI fans, this marks a return to the form that defined the brand. From Monte Carlo to Missouri, the stages may have changed, but the spirit remains the same. MINI is back in the dirt.

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