Newly Renamed Sonora Rally Set For April 2016

Josh Burns / October 7, 2015

LONG BEACH, CALIF. –– Last April, Dakar Rally veterans Darren Skilton and Scott Whitney brought their vast knowledge and unique experience to a brand new off-road rally held in the intoxicating and massive sand dunes of Mexico’s Sonora desert — dunes that rival those in Africa and surpass those found in South America. Set to run under its new “Sonora Rally” name (it was formally known as the Cortez Rally), they have announced the 2016 event will run from April 4-7th, with registration and the rally school scheduled for April 3rd.

Limited to an exclusive field of just 40 entries, the veteran racing duo have also announced that 2016 Sonora Rally registration opens today (October 1, 2015) and includes categories for cars, trucks, motorcycles, UTV and quads. In addition, next year’s event will also feature several new ways to participate (see “New For 2016” below).

For their first rally, Skilton and Whitney worked with the National Off Road Racing Association (NORRA) to give racers the opportunity to experience a true North American cross-country navigation rally through varied desert terrain never previously used for competition.

Next year, with a new name and an all-new course, the 2016 Sonora Rally will again lead competitors through spectacular scenery and challenging navigation. The only rally of its kind in North America, Sonora Rally competitors must use true, Dakar-style “HP Navigation” (coming from the French phrase “Hors Piste” meaning “off-track”). Participants will be able to follow existing trails until arriving in the sand dune areas at which point they will have to navigate and finish via compass and expert Scott Whitney’s road books.

The four-day event will include a new version of last year’s popular bivouac which will give competitors and crew a central location to gather and camp in the stunningly beautiful dunes. Created by AdventuraTravel.com, the bivouac will be complete with The Sonora Cantina, new camp-style showers and bathroom facilities as well as 24-hour food availability.

Paul and Laura Fournier earned a class victory in their 1997 Subaru Outback turned rally car. "The Cortez Rally dunes made those in Oregon look like speed bumps. The beauty of the course and terrain cannot be overstated. This was not your typical whooped-out Baja desert race." — Paul and Laura Fournier earned a class victory in their 1997 Subaru Outback turned rally car. “The Cortez Rally dunes made those in Oregon look like speed bumps. The beauty of the course and terrain cannot be overstated. This was not your typical whooped-out Baja desert race.”

Each entry will include a half-day rally school, making this world-class adventure accessible to all levels. “The overwhelmingly positive response we received from last year’s competitors was all we needed to bring this rally back in 2016,” said Skilton, “We are looking forward to giving this year’s competitors an even better adventure and race experience, with new trails and terrain undiscovered by the off-road motorsports world!”

NEW FOR 2016!
4 -WHEEL SAFARI CLASS – For enthusiasts wanting to participate without a fully-prepped race vehicle, join the SAFARI CLASS (must be street legal but no roll cage required), and run on selected sections of the course without being timed or scored. Learn how to navigate during the rally school and with road book and compass in hand, get a strong taste of the rally experience and great off-road adventure without the expense of an purpose-buitl race car or truck!

MALLE MOTO – For those moto competitors without crew vehicle support, the race organization will transport a supply box, camping gear and spare wheels to each bivouac location — as well as will provide transport of race moto back to the “day one” start location at the end of the rally.

COMPLIMENTARY HOTEL ROOM – The first 20 entries will receive one complementary room (double) at the host hotel the night before the first rally stage.

QUOTES FROM OUR 2015 RACERS:

Daniele Bartolucci: “Thanks for one of the funnest events of all time!”

Dave Peckham: “This was by far in my top five of favorite events EVER. Check it out! ”

Mark Vanscourt: “This rally was fantastic. Those that missed it really missed a special occasion.”

For more information, contact Darren Skilton at (562) 682-2226, bajaautomotive@yahoo.com, or visit www.SonoraRally.com.