If you are anything like us, you have been watching the coverage of the epic Dakar Rally and drooling all over yourself. The epic scenery, the amazing racing, the cool machinery, and the massive challenge of taking on thousands of miles of tough terrain are just so damn appealing. We constantly dream of somehow racing in the epicness that is the Dakar Rally and standing atop the finisher's podium one day.

Reality is a harsh mistress though. First off, anything capable of racing in the Dakar Rally costs a lot of money. Sure, you could try to do it on a motorcycle, but those guys are seriously nuts. Besides a racecar, one needs a budget for the race itself and that can often be just as much, or more, than the actual racecar. Oh, and the race is in South America so you somehow have to get there. Unless you have six figures of disposable income lying around waiting to be blown, chances are racing in Dakar isn't going to happen.

While Dakar is out, you can take part in the Sonora Rally. And, with the new Adventure Raid category you don't even need a racecar. Instead you can use the vehicle you already have and take part in a rally raid right here in North America.

Sunsets in Mexico beat any day in an office.

What Is The Sonora Rally?

Held deep in the expansive deserts of Sonora, Mexico, the Yokohama Sonora Rally is a five-day off-road navigation rally and a true Dakar-style adventure. Created by Dakar veterans Darren Skilton and Scott Whitney in 2014, the venue has brought rally raid, a mainstream attraction in Europe and Africa, to the forefront of the North American automotive world. Organizers have fueled the passion and growth of the sport authentically, bringing decades of experience in the form of world-class road books, pre-event navigation classes, and professional logistics management.

The region's uncharted territory, massive sand dunes, and spectacular landscapes lend perfectly to rally raid, and nuances of Sonoran culture render it an authentic international venue. The Sonora Rally is also the only North American race to be deemed an official "Road to Dakar" event. This prestigious affiliation with Dakar has landed it squarely in the center of the global media stage.

Sonora, Mexico's second largest state, is home to an area of million-year-old sand dunes, or "ergs." Geologically, the Sonoran erg is one of only five of its type in the world, and the only one in North America. It is a mystical and mesmerizing place with unparalleled landscapes, indigenous cultures, and stunningly beautiful beaches. Celebrated for its premium steaks, seafood, and authentic tortillas de harina (flour tortillas), Sonora captures the essence of Northern Mexico.

Participants in the Adventure Raid category don't race in the Sonora Rally, but do get to spectate and enjoy it without the stresses of racing.

Yes, there will be tacos. The Sonora Rally is also known for its locally-sourced food, artisanal beer, celebrity chefs, and Mexico's famous Guadalupe wine.

What Is Adventure Raid?

Traditionally open to dual-sport motorcycles, UTVs, and four-wheeled vehicles, this year they are introducing a non-competition Adventure Raid component to the rally. Adventure Raid is designed for those that want to experience rally raid and navigation without the stresses of racing. This guided trip is open to street-legal four-wheel drive vehicles such as Jeeps, Raptors, and Tacomas, as well as dual-sport BMWs and KTMs.

Sonora, Mexico's second largest state, is home to an area of million-year-old sand dunes, or "ergs." Geologically, the Sonoran erg is one of only five of its type in the world, and the only one in North America. It is a mystical and mesmerizing place with unparalleled landscapes, indigenous cultures, and stunningly beautiful beaches. Celebrated for its premium steaks, seafood, and authentic tortillas de harina (flour tortillas), Sonora captures the essence of Northern Mexico.

On the first day, after the racers make their way through scrutineering, Adventure Raid members will join competitors in an instructional navigation class. The next day the group will travel at an easy-going pace, allowing time to take in the scenery and absorb the full Sonora Rally experience. At pre-determined points, they will turn off on lonely two-tracks that intersect the racecourse to get close to the action. Participants have the choice of following their guide or venturing out on their own, navigating via provided GPS tracks. When the sun dips toward the horizon, they will head for the nightly bivouac to experience rally raid at its finest.

Besides spectating, Adventure Raid participants can also head out on the their own navigating their way through the dunes to find some epic scenery.

The Bivouac

The Sonora Rally is renowned for its unique bivouacs. Erected deep in the desert or near sandy beaches on the Sea of Cortez, they are a place of camaraderie where world-class competitors, amateur racers, and crews mingle and share tales of their exploits. Adventure Raid participants will enjoy locally sourced food and artisanal beer, as well as Mexico's famous Guadalupe wine provided by celebrity chefs. Four nights will be spent in hotels (included with registration) while others will be camping under the stars. After the morning gathering for breakfast, participants will head out for another day of exploration.

This year's Adventure Raid will be led by Chris Collard, an internationally recognized journalist and adventurer. He began traveling in Mexico in his youth, has crossed all seven continents by four-wheel drive, and is an Off Road Motorsports Hall of Fame inductee. You will be traveling in good company. The Sonora Rally takes place March 17-22, 2019, and there is limited space available in the Adventure Raid Class. For more information go to -