The final day of the Sertões Series Tocantins this Saturday (27) also marked the closing round of the Brazilian Rally Raid Championship, sealing Rodrigo Varela as the overall UTV champion and Gabriel Varela as the champion in the UTV1 class. They now join their father, Reinaldo Varela, who earlier secured the Challenger title.
In the last special stage of the season, competitors faced 205 km against the clock in the region of Divinópolis (TO), on a course that mixed narrow roads, erosion-filled stretches, and sand even heavier than Jalapão’s. The stage win went to another member of the Varela Can-Am Monster Energy squad, Bruno Varela, alongside co-driver Ari Fiúza, finishing in 2h58m30s. Just 1m12s behind came Denis do Nascimento / Gunnar Dums (Bompack Racing), with the top 3 of the day rounded out by Rodrigo Varela / Matheus Mazzei in 3h00m00s.
Beyond the daily result, Rodrigo’s performance secured him both the rally victory overall, in 10h33m16s, and the national title, while Bruno finished third overall with 10h33m40s, enough to earn him the runner-up spot in the Brazilian Championship.
"We’re champions! It was an incredible season, with wins here, in other rounds, and that near miss at Sertões… Every second was worth it. This victory belongs to me, to Matheus, to the team, our sponsors, and everyone who makes rally happen. And congratulations to Bruno, who pushed me all the way in this title fight!” said Rodrigo.
In the UTV1 class, Gabriel Varela, with co-driver Michael Masson, also finished the Tocantins challenge inside the top 10 overall, with the sixth fastest time of 10h40m43s. He celebrated his Brazilian title with enthusiasm: “In this last stage, the focus was pure fun. I believe rally is also about enjoying every second. Fortunately, one more title for our collection! I’m very happy and grateful to everyone who supported me this season.”
The “Dust Family” had already clinched the Brazilian Rally Raid Championship in Challenger (CBA regulations) with Reinaldo’s triumph. With three national titles in total, the Varela clan once again reaffirmed their dominance on the Brazilian rally raid scene.
By Ana Oliveira - Best PR
Translation: Rally-Raid Network
Photo: Wagner Araújo
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