The event will be based at Expominas Araxá from May 12 to 17, bringing together the top drivers and navigators of the Brazilian rally raid scene. Public access will be open.
The state of Minas Gerais offers far more than its renowned coffee, cheeses, and traditional sweets—it also provides the perfect setting for thrilling off-road motorsport action. From May 12 to 17, the city of Araxá, in the Triângulo Mineiro region, will host another round of the Sport Bay Brazilian Rally Raid Championship (CBM) and the Brazilian Rally Raid Championship (CBA).
Drivers and navigators from across Brazil will tackle more than 820 kilometres over four days of competition, with different routes each day. “The mountains of Minas Gerais offer trails and roads of excellent technical quality for our sport. In addition to Araxá, the rally will pass through the regions of Argenita, Ibiá, Pratinha, Tapira, Vila do Desemboque and Sacramento,” explains Rallymakers’ General Director, Fernando Bentivoglio.
According to Bentivoglio, the event features a wide variety of off-road challenges that will demand attention and precision from competitors. If drivers fail to preserve their vehicles and manage their pace in certain sections, they simply won’t finish the rally. “That’s the nature of it… It’s not just about speed—you need consistency and experience to identify the right moments to attack. The challenge of Rally Minas Brasil lies in overcoming these obstacles while preserving the equipment,” he adds.
Given the mountainous terrain, the course will include climbs and descents (some with large crests), rocks, loose gravel, trial sections, cattle grids, winding stretches, narrow trails and wide open tracks. There will also be high-speed sections, including runs along mountain ridgelines.
Bentivoglio highlights that each stage will present changing characteristics throughout its distance. “Rally Minas Brasil 2026 is highly dynamic, with variations that require constant terrain reading. Navigators will be under pressure, with frequent changes of direction and numerous references to guide drivers. Strong teamwork between driver and navigator will make the difference. In short: a rally that leaves no room for error.”
The official programme begins on Tuesday, May 12, with the opening of the race office, scrutineering and briefings. Engines will fire up on Wednesday, May 13, with the shakedown (free practice), followed by the prologue, which will determine the starting order for the first stage beginning Thursday, May 14, at 08:00. After four days of competition, the winners will be crowned on Sunday, May 17, with the prize-giving ceremony scheduled for 15:00.
The 8th Rally Minas Brasil is supported by the Municipality of Araxá, Jeep Clube de Araxá, QI Racing and Sport Bay.
Supervision: CBM / FMEMG, CBA / FMA
Organisation: Rallymakers
Disclaimer:
As a service to the sport we all love and follow, Rally-Raid Network posts numerous media releases from a wide variety of sources on our website. Due to the large number, and some times short time available, it is nearly impossible to review each public release. These articles are written by reporters or press officers who work for various organizers, teams, drivers, riders, and other parties, and they do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Rally-Raid Network.
