LONG BEACH, CALIF. — In three weeks two-time Dakar class winner Darren Skilton and his partner Scott Whitney will fulfill a dream of organizing a rally that gives racers a chance to experience racing stages with real dunes and true navigation. Skilton has been working for several years with Whitney, a former Dakar competitor and road book expert, to organize the first event and offer Meixco’s largely unknown terrain to North American racers.

“I don’t think that many realize just how unique this event is for North America. The first time I visited Sonora I knew this place was special. We will provide world-class rally routes with terrain that will rival what I’ve raced on in Africa and South America. The Cortez Rally is truly something that all true off-road fans should experience,” said Skilton.

“Until now racers had to travel to other continents to enjoy a rally in open expanses like Sonora’s Altar Desert,” Skilton added. “Anyone in North America serious about Dakar, either as a racer or just a fan, needs to be at the Cortez Rally. Scott Whitney’s roadbooks are used by every top US-based team and are recognized as the standard for rally raid training.”

Key components to the inaugural Cortez Rally are routes that will take participants into areas not associated with traditional Mexico-based off-road racing.

“It took months to make the route and navigation passable to any first time rally racer with a two-wheel drive buggy, truck, pre-runner, as well as motorcycles,” explained Whitney. “We also spent two years finding routes that will challenge but also inspire racers of all levels.”

Another highlight of the 2015 Cortez Rally will be the participation of multiple time Baja winner, Dakar Rally competitor and new American Dakar ambassador Quinn Cody. Cody will be working with tracking company Volocore to test out some of their latest technology.

“For us, having a top level Dakar competitor and racer like Quinn racing the Cortez Rally is the reward for spending so much time getting this event off the ground,” concluded Skilton. “His commitment to safety and Volocore’s cutting edge technology will make all desert racing better in the future.”

NORRA teams racing both Cortez Rally and the General Tire NORRA Mexican 1000 will be able to tech and register for both eventa on April 21 in Mexicali, Baja, Mexico. Cortez racers will need a their own GPS and rally odometer, and there will be a rally school put on by Dave Peckham of Rally Management Services at registration. Competitors must also provide their own activated SPOT tracker or Delorme “inReach” unit. These units will be tracked in coordination with Volocore.

Competitors will be hosted in San Luis Rio Colorado for two nights at a bivouac brought to you by Tecate and www.aventuratravel.com. It will be located near the services of town but still deep enough in the desert to provide views of the dunes on the horizon. Dinners and breakfasts will be available from an association of San Luis off road clubs, including Club RPM. Competitors will be ask for donation to enjoy local specialties, like steak arrachera, with proceeds going to support the local Red Cross and San Luis Fire Department.

Although the fun will be in the bivouac, for those seeking a “cushier experience” the Cortez Rally has set up a special room rate at the San Angel Hotel just 30 minutes away.

Also, RPM Club member Daniel Gonzalez, who has been instrumental in bringing the Cortez rally to life, will be competing in a Ford Bronco. “While I have explored the San Luis desert all my life, this Rally will be a new challenge. It’s the first time we have used a roadbook and we are excited to compete!”

The final stage of the Cortez Rally will end at Ensenada’s iconic Horsepower Ranch. The ranch staff will welcome competitors where racers will have their awards and celebration dinner. Special room rates for competitors are available. VIP early registration, a vintage vehicle display and motorcycle tech for the NORRA Mexican 1000 will also be taking place at Horsepower Ranch on the same day — allowing racers to share stories and a cold beer or margarita.