Motorbikes, UTVs and cars are set to unleash their power across the rugged landscapes of Tocantins next week. From September 23 to 27, the very first edition of the Sertões Series Tocantins will crown the 2025 Brazilian rally-raid champions. Carrying the DNA and world-class expertise of Sertões – one of the most prestigious rally-raid events on the planet – the race is organized by Instituto Sertões with the support of the Government of Tocantins, through its Tourism Department.
Much of the four-stage route will be completely new to the competitors. Some sections haven’t seen the Sertões caravan for more than 15 years, which means even veteran racers will face fresh challenges. The legendary Jalapão sand will of course be there, but that’s just the beginning: narrow, twisting trails, rocky mountain passes, trial-style technical sections, erosion gullies, gravel, loose stones, and treacherous dirt roads will all combine into a full test of man and machine.
The adventure kicks off on Monday, September 22, in Palmas with the opening of Vila Sertões at the Arnaud Rodrigues Convention Center, the hub of the rally in the city. The next day brings the Shakedown – a closed-course test run on rally-style terrain – followed by the all-important safety and race briefing. Then, at 8 PM, the spotlight shines on the Promotional Start Ceremony at Praia Graciosa, on the shores of Lake Palmas.
Stage 1, on September 24, launches the real action: a 312 km timed special en route to Ponte Alta do Tocantins, demanding extreme precision in navigation. Stage 2, a 257 km loop stage starting and finishing in Ponte Alta, promises even more pressure on crews. On Friday, September 26, the rally heads to Dianópolis, tackling a punishing mix of terrains. And on Saturday, September 27, champions will be crowned after a decisive 205 km special around Dianópolis – featuring an epic 40 km stretch of deep sand where patience, skill and grit will be tested to the absolute limit.
Beyond Racing: A Positive Legacy
The Sertões Series Tocantins is not just about speed – it’s about impact. The event includes a wide range of social and environmental initiatives designed to leave a lasting legacy in the communities it passes through.
Elementary school students from Palmas, Ponte Alta and Dianópolis are taking part in the Sertões Arts Contest, creating drawings and essays around themes of sustainability and environmental care. The best works will be awarded during Vila Sertões. Schools will also host workshops teaching children to craft musical instruments and toys from recycled materials.
Vila Sertões itself will feature waste sorting and recycling initiatives, including a cigarette butt recycling program with Poiato Recicla, which transforms waste into cellulose pulp later repurposed into crafts and gifts. Partnering with Lwart, all used engine oil from rally vehicles will be collected and re-refined for new commercial use.
Meanwhile, the Limpa Trilha (Trail Cleaning) team will ensure that punctured tires and discarded components are removed from the course, keeping the trails pristine. And in a bold step for sustainability, all carbon emissions from the event will be fully offset through eco-credits supporting forest conservation projects, in partnership with Pontos Ecoa and Greener Tokens.
Edgar Fabre, Technical Director – Sertões Series Tocantins: “We’ve designed four stages with a wide variety of terrains that will demand precision and endurance in navigation. Competitors can expect a rally that’s as challenging as it is fun. And the best is saved for last – a sandy stretch far tougher than anything normally found in the region.”
Source: Sertões Series
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