Amid dunes, wind, and unique landscapes, Galinhos reveals one of the most challenging and stunning settings of the Rally RN 1500, combining preserved nature with excitement in every kilometer of the race. Photo: Doni Castilho/DFotos.
Galinhos will be one of the host cities of the 28th edition of the Rally RN 1500 and will welcome the caravan of one of Brazil’s most traditional rally raid events on April 14. After the start in Natal, the city on the northern coast of Rio Grande do Norte will be the destination of the first special stage of the competition and will play a prominent role by hosting the marathon stage, one of the major sporting highlights of the 2026 edition.
The rally schedule in Galinhos marks the arrival of competitors, teams, and organization after the first day of competition. In total, the event brings together around 200 competitors, including drivers and navigators, along with a large traveling structure made up of mechanics, team managers, technical staff, specialized media, and support crews, mobilizing approximately one thousand people along the route.
In the marathon format, competitors are not allowed external mechanical assistance between stages, requiring even greater strategy, endurance, autonomy, and equipment management. This concept reinforces the true spirit of rally raid and raises the technical level of the race right from the early stages.
With landscapes defined by dunes, preserved coastline, and iconic scenery from Rio Grande do Norte, Galinhos becomes part of a route that combines high-level sporting performance with strong territorial promotion potential. The rally’s passage through the city also represents an economic boost for the destination, involving accommodation, restaurants, commerce, and local services.
According to Rally RN 1500 general director Kleber Tinoco, bringing the race to Galinhos carries special meaning. “The landscapes of Galinhos are iconic and perfectly aligned with the spirit of the Rally RN 1500. For me, it is a dream to take the rally to a place like this, with such striking scenery and a strong identity. I am sure it will be a very special moment for all competitors and teams. I would also like to thank the Municipality of Galinhos for their support and partnership in making this possible,” he said.
The mayor of Galinhos, Hudson Matias, highlighted the importance of the event for the city’s visibility. “It is a pleasure to welcome the Rally RN 1500 to Galinhos. This is an important moment to showcase the city, welcoming drivers from across Brazil and even from abroad, along with major teams that will help promote our incredible landscapes to the world. Galinhos is open to hosting sporting events and beach sports, as the city has a natural vocation for this,” he stated.
After the program in Galinhos, the race heads to Acari, in the Seridó region of Rio Grande do Norte, 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 highlights the diversity of landscapes in northeastern Brazil.
Social Action
In addition to the sporting program, the Rally RN 1500’s visit to Galinhos will also include a dental care social initiative led by Instituto SOS Odonto. The project was created within the rally itself with the goal of expanding access to oral health care in remote and hard-to-reach areas.
The initiative is supported by OdontoJet, through the Odontologia Off Road project, which uses portable equipment to provide care outside conventional urban centers, as well as partnerships with Melo Odontologia Estética and Arena Alto. This initiative reinforces the event’s commitment to social impact in the communities it visits, combining sport, innovation, and care for people.
Institutional Support:
Government of Rio Grande do Norte, through Emprotur and the RN+ Sport and Leisure Incentive Program, via the Sub-Secretariat of Sport and Leisure; Municipality of Natal; Government of Pernambuco, through Empetur.
Special Partnerships:
Sebrae; Grupo Dão Silveira; Off Shox Shock Absorbers; Municipalities of Acari, Monteiro, Brejo da Madre de Deus, Maxaranguape, Galinhos, and Caruaru; Arena das Dunas; Detran; Government of Paraíba, through PBTur; Tribuna do Norte.
Support:
Escola e Escritório; Armação Propaganda; Sidy’s TV; DFotos; OdontoJet; Melo Saudental; Instituto SOS Odonto; Água Mineral Cristalina.
Source: Official press release
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.
