The Final Ascent | Special Stage 5 at Sonora Rally 2025

The penultimate tests of Stage 4 might have seemed victorious for some of the four-wheeled teams, like Bill Conger and Angelo Vlcek [#203], who managed a second-place finish despite a rollover and spending several minutes stuck halfway up a dune. They pushed on, battling persistent electrical gremlins in their silver race buggy. They continued to push as long as the car would drive, which as it stands was to the bivouac. Even when the YXZ, piloted by Brock Harper and Steven Geist [#201], overtook them during their extended break buried in a hill, Bill and Angelo still secured their middle step on the stage. But, alas, fate had other plans, forcing the duo from North Carolina to withdraw before Stage 5 even began due to critical damage to the car.

Brock and Steven, however, sat comfortably in the rankings, with the Winner's Circle well in sight, hoping fate wouldn't have any cheeky surprises for them in SS5. In the end, the pair triumphed, maintaining a steady pace and avoiding major setbacks to cross the finish line first. The rookies in the Bronco, who first touched dunes and scrolled roadbooks in October at the Sonora Rally School, put up a formidable fray in their rally raid debut, securing a respectable second, stealing #203’s standing on the scoreboard, and proving their potential in this demanding event. It wasn’t without missteps, but Nathan Hayashi and Shane Hairsine [#210] must have used their quintessential Canadian pastime of snowmobiling to inform their strategy in the Gran Desierto de Altar.

The remaining competitors who made it onto the course faced a grueling day, with mechanical failures and tricky navigation testing the limits of the Datsun, the Isuzus, and others still in the fight. Coming out of the woodwork, Bruce Myrehn and co-driver Dan Fargo [#209] gave a fantastic performance on SS5, proving that with the right spare parts, enough perseverance, and a good head, even a (technically) vintage Isuzu VehiCROSS can conquer the Sonoran Desert—if only on the final challenge. This effort concluded on the proverbial stage, clocking in at a total of 14:09:37 to receive that third-place trophy. They were followed by the #211 car captained by Mikhail Sidrov and Edgar Belikov, who might have missed the opportunity for a win, but they exceeded expectations with a Fourth Place Finisher’s Medal.

Not everyone made it to the final flag. Among the casualties of the rally were one of the Isuzus, of course, George La Monte in his Infiniti, the Speed UTV, Lance Webb and Kirk Callonoil in the 2WD class, and several others who withdrew due to mechanical failures or navigation errors. Many bikes also lost the war against attrition. Nearly half the pack sat out this round, if not multiple. That most heartbreaking being Mike Johnson’s [#7] tragic end so close to concluding is umpteenth rally raid. Founder of Rally Comp, and pushing 60, Johnson has a reputation for hitting the course harder than men years behind him. And we have no doubt that had his bike not tapped out, Mike would have been a contender for the podium. Alas, each of these competitors left it all in the sand, proving their mettle before the desert claimed their finish.

The Road to Dakar sub-event crowned a new champion today, each of whom has taken one monumental step closer to the ultimate goal: racing at Dakar 2026 or 2027. Not just conquest of the race, but Brock and Steven in UTVs were awarded free entry (pending acceptance by the A.S.O.) to the Big Stage in Saudi Arabia, should they follow their destiny. A $10,000 credit towards Dakar was more than enough reason for Krause to wick up the speed. And this last-ditch effort was paid for in droves, not just in medals and fees, but in accolades and memories. These riders and drivers have proven they have the determination, grit, and skill to take on the most challenging rally in North America, and today’s takeover is a major milestone on that journey.

There’s a reason why the Sonora Rally is considered the ultimate training ground for Dakar hopefuls. The expert roadbooks challenge competitors to think on the fly, rely on their navigational prowess, and approach each tulip with a sharp eye and a steady hand. The landscapes here force them to refine their techniques—picking the best lines through massive dunes, winding dirt roads, sharp rock gardens, and the rising tide of the Sea of Cortez. It’s a race that tests the brave and rewards the skilled.

As evidenced by the dwindling numbers from 36 bikes and 11 cars down to just 21 and two, this event forges heroes from mere contenders. It gives competitors a journey through the wild to prove their worth—and that of their machines—each step toward glory, grit, and growth. The 2025 edition may have been more humble than its FIM predecessor at first glance, but in reality, it was an intimate yet intense proving ground that pushed every competitor to their limits. Tonight, the awards were handed out, embraces exchanged, and celebratory toasts raised in the bivouac. Not everyone stood on the podium, but each person in the field will leave Sonora with a sunburn, a story, and a heart full of accomplishment. Until next time, Sonora.

To learn more about future Sonora Rally events, head to https://sonorarally.com/. To find out results, read race reports, and scroll through memories of the 2025 race edition, follow @SonoraRally on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.