The winds of change are upon us, and they are blowing warm and strong, reconfiguring the sands into something bigger, sharper and more defined. An era of the Sonora Rally (SR) is being swept away to make space for the humble event’s next chapter at the height of their eighth year, following a rather successful – albeit brutal – race. There are those rare moments in life when everything you’ve been working for comes to fruition. When an intimate competition tucked into the local landscapes of Sonora officially joins the global effort to discover talent and seek glory one hieroglyphic note at a time. And now, the Amaury Sport Organization (ASO), Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) and Federation Internationale de L’Autombile (FIA) have unanimously agreed that the North America’s only true Dakar-style rally is to be added to the schedule. Giving the international pool of athletes an inside look at the training field which shaped elite American riders like HRC’s Ricky Brabec, Husqvarna’s Skyler Howes, former Yamaha rider, Andrew Short, and budding star Mason Klein. It’s an opportunity to level the playing field a bit. Giving others a taste of the milk which made our best and brightest. And to bring fresh blood to virgin wastelands in the Mexican State’s most remote regions, virtually untouched by foreigners, even from neighboring countries.
With the announcement made just as tires were warming up last week, participants, fans and staff alike were (maybe) a bit stunned but a lot pleased to see Sonora selected as the third round of the World Rally Raid Championship (W2RC) for 2023. Kicking off from its usual Spring spot, the tournament will take place April 22nd – 28th along a yet-to-be released route. No doubt, the organization has amped up their efforts behind the scenes to craft the perfect roadbook cocktail, but there is still little time left to really shake things up. Knowing Race Director Darren Skilton, that sort of pressure is just what he needs to make gems. But just because the perceived “value” of the Sonora Rally has shot up significantly, doesn’t mean the race will become inaccessible. In fact, it’s the mission of the organization, ASO, FIM/FIA, W2RC and even Dakar to maintain the heart and soul of the competition: the grassroots entrants – a condition set from the start, perhaps even part of the reason they were included in the new schedule. Believe it or not, the Orga at Dakar, headed by David Castera, values (there’s that word again) the down-to-earth, personal nature of SR. A foundation sharing the same no-fuss, full grit attitude as the legendary Euro-African race held in its origin. With a similar appreciation of fine culinary and insightful cultural experiences, thanks to ¡Aventura!, the Mexican stage of the series will continue to offer everything you look for in a first-rate international affair.
"We are beyond excited and honored to be a part of the 2023 Rally Raid World Championship. This is a seminal moment not only for the North American racing community but also the state of Sonora in Mexico. It's what we have worked for from the start and to see it happening is a dream come true. Now it's time to get to work!" – Darren Skilton, Sonora Rally Organizer and Director
While all the associations involved are known far and wide in the motorsports community, they don’t have as much of a presence in America and Canada as they do worldwide. Which is exactly why Skilton, along with founding partner Scott Whitney, produces this competition – to not only introduce those markets to the sport, but to inspire, enchant and encourage others here as the Dakar, and such off-road rallies, had to everyone else. The World Rally-Raid Championship was a product of the Amaury Sport Organization (ASO) to combine the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies and FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship into one cohesive series. For those who don’t know, the ASO – part of the French media group Éditions Philippe Amaury – organizes everything from the Dakar Rally (of course) to the Tour de France and other cycling races, as well as golf, running and sailing. They are, in so many words, the tastemakers of motorsports. And they tend to choose their events wisely. The FIA is an association dating back to 1904 which was formed to represent motor car users and organizations. It's best known, now, as the governing body of Formula One. While the FIM is the global sanctioning body of motorcycle racing. And they have come together, culminating in a single set of international titles for the four-wheeled and two-wheeled categories, while the ASO serves as the series promoter, on contract for the next five years.
As a multi-time Dakar Champion, former US liaison and a Factory Team Manager, Darren knows what it takes to run a contest such as this from all perspectives. He understands how to balance safety, diversity, daring, chance and opportunity. And this shows in the careful selection of towns, topography, seasons and sponsors each year. One partnership in particular, which has been crucial to their achievement, has just signed on to support the coming event in April and many more to come due to the keen sense of Secretary of Tourism, Celida López. She has been a beacon of light for the organization to follow throughout each annual process, which requires a lot of dialogue, negotiation and trust between the Sonora Rally and the Sonoran State government, municipal officials and all tourism offices. It’s the continued support from local government, city tourism and Sonoran businesses which can ensure the continued prosperity of the rally in April.
The goal of Sonora Rally, along with the SR rally schools, has been to create a pathway for racers in North America to experience and learn about the rally raid discipline using their own vehicles and bikes. This approach has helped fuel the increase in North American racers arriving on the world stage. It is Sonora Rally's plan to continue with this by offering a place for all racers to be a part of the Sonora Rally caravan. In previous years we have travelled through the mountains of the Sierra Madre to the remote coastlines of the Sea of Cortez. But the highlight every year has been the vast spaces of the Altar desert, which has the only Erg in North America. The dunes will surely challenge even the most experienced rally raid pilots. A five-day off-road navigation race through the enchanting terrain in Sonora, the event will start in the capital city, Hermosillo, where it will offer two days for Registration and a Prologue, so enthusiasts can see the cars and bikes in action. After, they’ll be able to follow the next five stages online and stay abreast on North America’s premiere roadbook raid: the Sonora Ral
Final Thoughts…
Darren Skilton, Sonora Rally Race Director: “It’s been my dream, ever since I started racing, to bring the World Rally Championship, or a Dakar-Style event, to North America. It’s something I’ve been discussing with David Castera for four years now, and I’ve pushed to make it happen. I want to stress to the racers, the volunteers and everyone who’s helped us along this journey that despite the big changes ahead of us, there’s still going to be a place for you. You’re the heart of this event. This is a big year for North America, a big year for the World Championship. The reason we created the Sonora Rally was to give people a low-stress environment to learn about what a real roadbook rally is like. And we want those people, who are the spirit of this rally, to be part of this future.
Part of the discussions have been about that, which the governing organizations are one hundred percent behind that. Yes, it’s going to be a transition. Yes, it’s going to another event; the officials will be coming over from Europe, but at its c
To learn more, visit: https://sonorarally.com/ Or, follow the fun on Instagram @sonorarally & @aventura.eventos.
Source Sonora Rally
Photo WESTx1000
