City in the Seridó region of Rio Grande do Norte plays a strategic role in one of the most demanding phases of the 28th edition
Amid the highly technical and demanding stages of the Rio Grande do Norte backlands, Acari stands out as one of the most challenging points of the Rally RN 1500, with sections that test competitors’ skill, strategy, and endurance. Credit: Doni Castilho/DFotos.
Acari will welcome the caravan of the 28th edition of the Rally RN 1500 on April 15 and 16, once again taking a prominent place on the route of one of Brazil’s most traditional rally raid events. Located in the Seridó region, the city will serve as the competition base for two nights, during a key phase of the race marked by technical demands, endurance, and high-level navigation.
In the Seridó region, the Rally RN 1500 encounters unique conditions, defined by intense heat, rocky terrain, demanding navigation, and highly technical sections. It is in this environment that drivers and navigators must extract maximum endurance, focus, and strategy, facing one of the toughest parts of the 2026 edition. The combination of heat, harsh surfaces, and mechanical strain turns this section into a true test of resilience within the race.
According to the 2026 race director, Bruno Vilela, the Acari stage represents one of the most challenging moments of the route. “The Seridó region always demands a lot from competitors. It is a technical and tough section, with high temperatures, many rocks, and navigation that requires constant attention. It is the kind of stage that pushes drivers, navigators, and equipment to their limits. Acari plays a key role in this edition precisely because it brings together all these defining rally raid characteristics,” he highlighted.
The passage through Acari takes place after the stage in Galinhos and precedes the move into Paraíba. In total, the rally brings together around 200 competitors, including drivers and navigators, along with a large traveling structure composed of mechanics, team managers, technical staff, specialized media, and support crews, mobilizing approximately one thousand people along the route.
Beyond its sporting importance, the rally’s presence in Acari also boosts the local economy, involving accommodation, restaurants, commerce, and services. The two-night stay strengthens this impact and deepens the connection between the event and the municipality, which traditionally welcomes the competition with enthusiasm and hospitality.
For Rally RN 1500 general director Kleber Tinoco, returning to Acari carries special meaning. “Acari is a city that lives in the heart of the rally—and in mine as well. I have a very special connection with this place, where I was welcomed so warmly that I was even granted honorary citizenship. Returning to Acari is always emotional, because there is a unique energy here, a genuine affection for the event, and a very strong bond with the local community. I am certain it will once again be an unforgettable stage for all of us,” he said.
The mayor of Acari also highlighted the importance of hosting the event. “Acari welcomes the Rally RN 1500 with great enthusiasm. It is a pleasure to see our city included in the route of such an important competition, which boosts the local economy, brings visibility to our municipality, and creates connections with people from all over Brazil. The rally has become part of our recent history, and it is always a pleasure to open our doors to such a major event,” he stated.
After the program in Acari, the race heads to Monteiro, in the state of Paraíba, continuing the route of the 28th edition of the Rally RN 1500 through the states of Rio Grande do Norte, Paraíba, and Pernambuco.
With nearly three decades of history, the Rally RN 1500 has established itself as one of the most technical and iconic events in South America, combining sport, endurance, strategy, and a route that showcases the diversity of landscapes in northeastern Brazil.
Source: Official press release
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