Sonora Rally 2023 Kicks Off in Hermosillo
April 19, 2023
Off Road Racer Staff
And for the First Time, Everyone Is Welcome!
In just a few short days, sunny Sonora will be all a buzz as hundreds of vehicles will pull into Parque La Ruina at the heart of the state’s capitol: Hermosillo. To celebrate their induction into the World Rally-Raid Championship, the 9th edition of the Sonora Rally will open its proverbial arms to attendees from all over the globe. But more importantly, they will roll out the red carpet for the fans – new and old – who want to experience even a piece of this sport up-close. Typically held behind doors, this format of racing is tightlipped about its routes, which makes it extremely difficult for the public to find safe viewing locations to watch the action. But the organization is encouraging everyone to have a glimpse of glory, ogle at purpose-built speed machines and give these brave teams the send-off they deserve!
The list of activities begins on Saturday the 22nd with Registration and Tech Inspection at Parque La Ruina from 8am – 4pm. Vehicles and the captains will roam freely in and out of the bivouac before stowing vessels for the night. Sunday, April 23rd picks up the pace ten-fold as racers line up for the Prologue at the local favorite drag strip, Autodromo Cerro Colorado from 12 noon to 4pm, opening its gates at 11am. This short course is designed to make quick work of sifting out the top performers amongst the classes and is the first-time fans will see the cars, UTVs and bikes in action. After which, the event moves back to the bivouac to release the starting positions for the next day, when the first bike will exit Parque La Ruina and initiate Stage One, the official start of the rally.
“Sonora Rally, in partnership with the State of Sonora Tourism department, are excited to welcome teams from all over the world to this amazing state. We have planned a taste of everything this region has to offer from the diverse terrain and the natural beauty to the culture, food and the Sonorense people. There’s no doubt our participants are going to get a unique and special experience here” – Darren Skilton, Sonora Rally Race Director
Headquarters for the Sonora Rally will once again be held at Hotel Araiza Hermosillo, a long-time partner of the event. They will host the Sonora Rally School and the Media Center then offer great breakfast and soft pillows to teams who need their beauty sleep before the big challenges ahead. Once again, the race organization is proud to work hand-in-hand with the Sonoran Government, thanks to Secretary of Tourism Celida Lopez, her team, and the city of Hermosillo. It’s no small feat to expand the headcount of a gathering such as this, let alone more than double it. So, having the assistance of the heads of state involved is crucial to the existence of this sport in North America.
SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES FOR FANS
Saturday April 22nd
8:00-16:00 – Tech & Inspection (Come see the vehicles!) @ Parque La Ruina
Sunday April 23rd
11:00 – Gates Open @ Autodromo Cerro Colorado
12:00 – Parque La Ruina Open to Public
13:00 – Ceremonial Start (Watch the Racers take off!) @ Parque La Ruina
12:00-16:400 – Prologue @ Autodromo Cerro Colorado (Contact them directly for tickets)
For more info, make your way to https://sonorarally.com/. And to follow along with the race, stay tuned @SonoraRally on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, plus, download the Sportity App for schedule, news updates, press releases, results, and more. Event code: SonoraRally2023
For news from the World Rally-Raid Championship, visit their website: https://www.