The Sonora Rally was founded to spur the growth of rally raid-type events in North America. There are iconic rally raid events on every continent except North America. The need to build a community where all types of racers and enthusiasts could learn, compete and discover new challenges -- and a new way of riding -- was evident to Sonora Rally founders Darren Skilton and Scott Whitney.

Now, that objective has beccome a reality as the ASO, the organization behind the famous Dakar Rally, has announced their support of this vision and has chosen the Sonora Rally to be a part of the 2016 Dakar Challenge. This highly welcome development means that those eligible motorcycle racers registering for the Dakar Challenge at the 2016 Sonora Rally can win a free entry into the 2017 Dakar. This years Sonora Rally takes place April 3-7 in Sonora, Mexico. It will start in the town of San Luis Rio Colorado and finish in the sandy beach resort town of Puerto Peñasco, where a new Dakar Challenge winner will be crowned.

“This is amazing news for the Sonora Rally and Dakar enthusiasts in Mexico, the US and Canada” says rally director and two-time Dakar class winner Skilton. “It means we will be able to reward the winner of the Dakar Challenge with the ultimate prize that all rally enthusiasts dream about -- an entry ticket to the world renowned Dakar Rally.”

"The ASO is delighted to be part of this great adventure. Beyond the common sporting aspects between the Sonora Rally and the Dakar (navigation, dune crossing, road-book...), the two events share the same spirit of discovery, adventure, and being the ultimate desert experience. We look forward to welcoming the winner of the Dakar Challenge within the community,” added Dakar Sporting Director, and five time Dakar Winner Marc Coma.

The sport of rally raid is defined by its’ long stages, navigation challenges and incredible terrain. The Dakar Rally is the largest and most famous event of its kind and considered the ultimate motorsport challenge. Since 1979, that challenge is often defined by iconic dune stages. The Dakar, now taking place in South America, takes racers to unseen places and on an emotional journey. This is the same type of adventure that Sonora Rally wishes to provide.

Sonora is a unique part of the world, not just of Mexico. It has incredible varying terrain including the only North American erg (a large sea of dunes formed by wind-blown sand), the imposing Sierra Madre mountains and rare deciduous tropical forests. “One thing that struck me on my first Dakar was traveling through changing landscapes. The mountains gave way to the Sahara, which then turned tropical after crossing the Niger river. Our future vision for Sonora Rally is to share this type of experience in a condensed version,” explained Skilton. Register at SonoraRally.com

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