When It’s Done Right, It’s Worth the Wait

It was born from passion. A love of Dakar, an affair with the Car class, and a taste for glory. This was what Darren Skilton hoped to share with his community – a sport that mixed competition with adventure spanning great distances with many obstacles standing between you and the person you would become. His first taste of time-speed-navigation began in Africa eventually opening waypoints in South America. And yet, as hard as that race was, Darren faced a bigger battle bringing rally raid to North America in hopes of sharing this incredible experience with his countrymen. Perhaps that is why the Sonora Rally is so special. Because the people behind it want nothing more than to spark something in all of us—as fans, racers, explorers—to build our dreams one Tulip at a time.

The race has gone far since those early days in the central Northern Mexican state, drawing circles in the sand around San Luis Rio Colorado. And it grew quickly, becoming the only rally in North America to become a Road to Dakar host, soon making a giant leap as the third round of the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) in 2023. And now, with a short break to perfect the roadbook, organizers are proud to announce that the Sonora Rally is back in 2025! As promised, this go around, the event is going back to its roots, opting not to rejoin the W2RC (for now) and creating the ideal playground for new and seasoned competitors to challenge themselves and conquer the elements south of the border.

Many of the familiar trappings will be present in the six days between March 16th and 21st including the Road to Dakar which will offer one triumphant SXS winner a free entry to the 2026 edition on the world stage next January. Rules & Regulations are available on the Sonora Rally guide on the website. But don’t worry, bikes won’t be left out. Moving forward, the Sonora Rally will become a points-earning competition for the Dakar Rally, saving on costly expenses from traveling overseas to qualify.

And that’s not all. The organization is also excited to share some big news. Motorcycles are now eligible to apply for the new Sonora Rally Dreams of Dakar class. Win the Dreams of Dakar class, and upon your acceptance by ASO into Dakar 2026 or 2027, the Sonora Rally Organization will pay $10,000 toward the entry fee, giving this first-time privateer a solid chance to roll up to the starting line. But it’s up to them to make it to the finish… Full details and rules to follow! This further cements Sonora Rally as a proper proving ground for privateers and national pros whose eyes are set on the final stage in Saudi, like Jacob Argubright, Daniel Gonzalez, Jorge Hernandez, Hector “Parke” Guerrero, and Willem Avenant.

It's not just a stepping stone for talented hopefuls but a breeding ground for such factory athletes as Sara Price, Skyler Howes, Mason Klein, and Andrew Short. Not to mention champions like Casey Currie and Sean Berriman (2020), Ricky Brabec (2020, 2024), and Brock Heger and Max Eddy Jr. (2025). There’s no surprise several of these stars will be joining the ride, tackling a brand-new route from Caborca to San Luis to experience stunning terrain, demanding trials, and lasting comradery…from the sea to the low desert to the high desert and, of course, to a grand finale in the dunes. A marathon stage in Punta Chueca, a cultural food tour at each bivouac, and an intimate experience with the Seri Indigenous group are sure to add an intriguing dynamic to the mix as well as a stronger reflection of all that has made Dakar so impactful for its participants.

Racing aside, Sonora Rally’s educational programs are another key factor contributing to competitors’ successes in the international circuit. February 15th and 16th are the only opportunities before March for rookies to train directly with the source. It’s at this event where riders and drivers alike not only learn to read roadbooks and prepare for a race, but they have the opportunity to apply those skills in the field through the Gran Desierto de Altar. Space is limited, but registration is still open to those eager to sharpen their rally-raid tools. For more information, reach out to erinlee@sonorarally.com.

While there’s certainly more than one way to reach your dreams, the Sonora Rally gives you the map, weapons, and sustenance to survive your Hero’s Journey. And after the dust settles, and battles are won and lost, sometimes, the destination you thought you most desired to reach instead concludes exactly where it began—just south of the border.

Nab a spot on the competitor roster at https://sonorarally.com/ before it fills up. Follow the race and keep an eye on the schedule, news, updates, press releases, and results, stay tuned @SonoraRally on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.