A true Dakar-style adventure, the Yokohama Sonora Rally has emerged as the premier cross-country rally venue in North America. This multi-day event provides the ultimate challenge between competitor, machine, and terrain, testing navigation and off-road racing skills while being immersed into the unique Sonoran landscape and culture. It is also North America’s only “Road to Dakar” event (the winner of the class receives a free entry into the world-famous Dakar Rally) giving it global prestige and coverage.
While the rally is a full-on competition (motorcycles, UTVs, and four-wheel vehicles), the Adventure Raid Class is crafted for those that want to experience rally raid and navigation without the stresses of racing. This guided tour, which traces many of the competition routes, provides participants a sampling of the vast landscapes and natural beauty of Sonora.
For 2020, organizers have added new and strikingly stunning locations, where participants can expect outstanding camping locales and culinary emersion. Each night, Adventure Raid participants will head to the nightly bivouac where they will mix with race teams and experience the camaraderie of international competition. They will also enjoy local chef driven food, samplings of regional wines, and craft beers. Celebrity chef Eloy Aluri will be traveling with the rally. He has spent years in the state of Sonora, working hand-in-hand with farmers, ranchers, indigenous communities, businessmen, and media to help promote a sustainable and socially responsible culinary environment.
The adventure begins in Hermosillo, which is ranked as one of the five best cities to live in Mexico. After the rally orientation workshop and welcome gathering, the group will travel to the 17th century mountain settlement of Banamichi, across Rio Sonora, and explore the local region. After a visiting the historic Spanish iglesias (churches) of Carborcah, they will delve into the mystical sand dunes of the Gran Desierto de Altar. There they will be met by the San Luis Dunes Club for an exquisite dinner of carne asada and camp under the stars amongst one of North America’s most expansive dune fields.
Threading a path along the Sea of Cortez, they will pass through the fishing village of Puerto Penasco before reaching the finish line in San Luis Rio Colorado. The annual awards banquet and gala this night is not to be missed.
Chris Collard, an internationally recognized journalist and adventurer, will again lead the Adventure Raid. He began traveling in Mexico in his youth, has crossed all seven continents by four-wheel drive, and is an inductee in the Off Road Motorsports Hall of Fame. You will be traveling in great company. The trip is open to street-legal four-wheel drive vehicles such as Jeeps, Raptors, and Tacomas, and includes most meals, four hotel nights, and access to all rally activities. This year’s Yokohama Sonora Rally takes place March 15-20th and Adventure Raid registration is limited to 12 vehicles.
For more information go to www.sonorarally.com
