2022 Sonora Rally: Special Stage 2

Press Release
by Press Release

Enjoy coverage from the 2022 Sonora Rally from our friends at WestX1000.

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On Empty Streets

SS2 Takes Racers to the Middle of Nowhere, Fast

Today was about nothing. The sort of nothing that, from far enough away, looks like a Bob Ross painting of the desert – picturesque, serene, even a little happy. Everything seeming barren and stiff from a distance, surreal from an impersonal vantage point. Beautiful, but empty. Too perfect to be reality. But upon approaching this ostensive depiction of the outdoors, it begins to surround you. The cheetah-spotted mountain ranges from over the horizon are actually saguaro forests plastered across giant mounds of loose quartzite and sand. The flawless shapes you once saw become crooked and oblong up-close, delightfully bizarre and dynamic and anything but lifeless. Vultures perch in alarming numbers watching as you pass (should something happen to you, of course). Miniature reptiles of varying sizes scamper into nearby bushes and the occasional bunny makes an appearance before it too finds cover from the steely eyes of a predator. Come close enough and the desert lights up, it consumes you as it becomes alive. Yet, Sonora’s biosphere is still somehow quiet. No artificial sounds could be heard for miles in some places, so it made the familiar buzz of small displacement combustion engines only that more distinct against the breeze. A nothingness which to its visitors was really something.

”Stage Two of the Sonora Rally was one of my favorites to race because towards the first part of the special, we get into this big cactus and flowing two-track that takes us to the edge of the water. It was a lot of fun to ride through there and the scenery was really beautiful. One of my favorite stages so far. After the refueling, it opened up fast. The navigation wasn’t so difficult today. A couple of tricky notes, but otherwise pretty smooth sailing…It was fun to ride, and we’re excited for the next day!” – Skyler Howes #1, Husqvarna Factory Racing

Stages like this are why people love the Sonora Rally. And rally raid in general. Roadbooks which take people deep into the remotest parts of the planet to uncover virgin territory (at least to many), learn the history of a region, its culture, if any, and engage with the locals. Even the sensory experience can be visceral. The taste of wind and dirt coat your mouth when you pick up speed. Even interesting smells find their way past the helmet, like the scent of asparagus drifting over the tracks from the nearby fields, picked twice a day because their thrive in this environment. Racers could glimpse the Sea of Cortez just over the horizon, although the water was never too close. And being no cooler than yesterday, you could really feel warmth from the sun’s touch – comfortable for only a moment before it became overbearing. Competitors already struggled with multiple elements on-course, and again, also needed to manage their internal temperature. Many jumping on the opportunity to drink a little extra water in the shade before carrying on. While others, like our top contenders, sailed through this fast course with a vengeance.

Few of the pilots are moving slowly enough to look around or fast enough to take a break. Most are buried in road books when they aren’t caught in their tunnel, the line of sight focused solely on the next move. In Modified UTVs, Polaris Factory RZR’s Sara Price, with copilot Sean Berriman, #51 had plenty of time to soak up the scene, if they wanted. Not suffering any mishaps or penalties, there was nothing obstructing their path to victory (for the second time). Sonoran natives Daniel Gonzalez and navigator Jorge Hernandez #55 ran their own race, landing in Second Place today with a 33-minute gap behind the leaders. While there weren’t too many hiccups on-piste, the team did spend some time on minor repairs in their hotel parking lot after their return from the special. All the while, Americans Brock Harper (USA) and Steve Geist #52 have made a steady go of things, which in the end, kept them at the third in the standings. Amongst the other four-wheeled vessels, privateers Luis Perocarpi and partner Clayton Williams #53 endured issues with their Isuzu in the previous round which ultimately ended their efforts. They collected a DNF while opponents Larry Trim and John Koeth #54 made good time in their Jeep Speed Grand Cherokee. You couldn’t say the cars are moving slowly, but the tight passageways and rocky roads didn’t let them stay on the gas.

“The stage today went really well. It was a very fast track, which allowed us to run a really fast pace. Congrats to Sara [Price], again, for winning Stage Two. It’s been great. I’ve been here as a volunteer, helping our Erin and Darren with Sonora rally, but now as a participant for the race, it changes a whole lot of things. Now I see everything that’s been done, and come through, until now with the Sonora Rally; now that it’s going to be part of the World Rally Championship, that means a lot because I’ve been with them since the beginning. I’m really happy for them, and I intend to continue participating in the event – whether it’s to race or as a volunteer – to keep this going.” – Daniel Gonzalez, #55 Privateer

While surely the cars in the Modified and Adventure categories ate up the loose terrain, but the many miles of slippery, soft beach wash were a cruel punishment for some of the riders. Even when those nutty masochists love the pain… Yugi Jasti #26 ventured all the way from South Africa to take on the Sonora Rally after only a year of true off-road experience. But, as he says, “if I’m ever going to race Dakar, I just have to go for it.” A sentiment which seems common in this year’s pack. Plenty of rookies are challenging the Mexican state of Sonora this year, several of them hopefuls to win the Road to Dakar, granting free entry for this January’s edition. Pro class athlete Brendan Crow #35 is currently first in line and finished Second in the Special. However, Malle Moto’s winner today, Matt Sutherland #2, isn’t going to let him have it without a fight. But they it’s the quiet ones you have to watch out for. And while David Pearson #3, isn’t shouting his successes, the American Rally Original is a smart, consistent rider who – by the law of rally raid – is just as likely to take this victory as anyone. If nothing else, we’re sure he’ll be glad to nab a podium step in his category.

On the other side of the spectrum, guys like Kevin DeJongh #21 live in the edge of traction. Eating up the arroyos for breakfast. A Baja 1000 veteran – and occasional teammate of Howes – DeJongh felt at home during the second special. This carried on until ASS (the finish of the timed sector), putting him in the third seat today, maintaining Second overall. Howes was also at home over the multifaceted topography between Bahia Kino and Caborca. Most people find intimidating at best and terrifying at worst. Cruising over wide grated roads, soaring across demanding sandy washes and atop rocky outcroppings which he climbs like a Billy goat. Which is why he is victorious for another stage. And, yes, he has a twenty-minute advantage, but this is rally. Anything can happen. And because in a roadbook race, the land, your pace, even your willpower doesn’t replace solid navigation. Diespro rider, Columbian-America Sebastian Olarte #28, felt that pain, and perhaps Murphy’s Law, firsthand:

“It was quite a journey. At the beginning of the stage, a pine post 4-to-5-inch diameter went through the bike, dented the header, broke my radiator and perforated the gas tank. I rode for about 40 miles until I hit the road with that stick hanging on my bike – not being able to turn to the right. On the road I took it out, fixed the radiator and tank with fiberglass and J-B weld, which took me over an hour. I was going without the water in the radiator and cooling, and without the clutch and power to the wheels for 80-to-90 miles. Right at the end, it was tough; I was tired. I broke my RallyComp as well. And two hundred meters before the finish it died completely. I pushed it to the ASS, and then Brett [Fox #34] helped and towed me at the liaison.”

It can’t be said enough, this is rally. If it can happen, it will. And so teams, racers and staff must always be prepared for anything. Trying not to be too enchanted by ethereal allure. As competitors sliced through the narrow passages hidden under a canopy of desert flora, passages which eventually opened up to dry valleys, ledges and the occasional sandbox, knowing that with every type of earth on-course comes some new obstacle. A test of mind, body and machine, indifferent to your dreams and willing to remove you from the equation if you don’t add up. When the stakes are high and money, goals and glory are on the line… When the nothing of Sonora makes you go to battle for something that you love. When the rigors of rally occasionally beckon pilots to use velocity over finesse, it’s best to open up the throttle, step on the gas and take opportunity when it presents itself. Because much like Stage Two, the race and life, when it’s over, there’s no going back.

Stay tuned to the 2022 Sonora Rally presented by Method Race Wheels all week long, from October 17th – 22nd, to watch all the excitement south of the border. To learn more, visit: https://sonorarally.com/ Or, follow the fun on Instagram @sonorarally & @aventura.eventos.

KEY NOTES

Ø Bahia Kino to Caborca; Liaison > 42 km & Special > 235 km

Ø Special Stage Three (SS3) takes 458 kilometers – L1 14 – SS 274 – L2 180 – in a completely different environment. It’s the first set of dunes, and the center of a true Dakar-style event. Although these aren’t yet the mammoth mountains of sand we’ll see further north in the Desierto del Altar, the region near El Gulfo is sure to add new dimension to the challenges, wonderous sights to take in and fresh perspectives This bivouac will be a two-night stay as it hosts a loop for SS4.

Ø Four years in the making, the Sonora Rally, presented by Method Race Wheels, has officially been added to the World Rally Championship calendar. The announcement was made on social media today but will be presented with a thoughtful explanation of the significance and how changes will affect all involved – which organizers see as positive for everyone. Much needs to be done to prepare for the road ahead, but as it’s always been grateful to have, the administers looks to the support and love from the racers, volunteers, staff and media to ensure the event doesn’t lose its essence or core values.

Ø Talk about Caborca

Ø Brendan Crow #35 is another “rookie” who finished Second so far, only 10 minutes after Howes today. He’s raced National Hare and Hounds in California for a long time, as well as gran-prix, motocross and everything he can do with a bike. When he’s raced MX he doesn’t push his body or bike very hard, so he enjoys that “nav” factor allows him to be smarter in a competition, rather than racing as fast as possible. He’s also done only a handful of multi-day events, although the longest ever was only three days, so this is his longest race to date. But sitting on the Third step in the general classification and leading the Road to Dakar challenge, Crow has set a promising trajectory for himself.

QUOTES:

Darren Skilton, Sonora Rally Race Director: “It’s been my dream, ever since I started racing, to bring the World Rally Championship, or a Dakar-Style event, to North America. It’s something I’ve been discussing with David Castera for four years now, and I’ve pushed to make it happen. I want to stress to the racers, the volunteers and everyone who’s helped us along this journey that despite the big changes ahead of us, there’s still going to be a place for you. You’re the heart of this event. This is a big year for North America, a big year for the World Championship. The reason we created the Sonora Rally was to give people a low-stress environment to learn about what a real roadbook rally is like. And we want those people, who are the spirit of this rally, to be part of this future.

Part of the discussions have been about that, which the governing organizations are one hundred percent behind that. Yes, it’s going to be a transition. Yes, it’s going to another event; the officials will be coming over from Europe, but at its core, this rally will still exist for the North American and European communities. I don’t know who is familiar with David, but he’s the reason there are rallies in Morocco, Andalusia… I think we have a good recipe. We have a lot of work to do. But if everything goes well, we’ll be welcoming a lot of new people to Sonora. And this is a big thing for North America, so I want to thank the racers, the support and the volunteers.”

Brendan Crow, #35, Privateer in Motos: “I have won the KTM Adventure Challenge 2019, which was going to offer me the opportunity to ride a 790 at the Merzouga Rally in 2020. But COVID ended up cancelling everything. But I’ve wanted to do a rally since then. I was training on roadbooks at home, and I attended the Sonora School back in 2020. But this is the first event I’ve raced. The first day, I started 29th and had a lot of people to pass and tracks to follow. Today was a bit more difficult. We followed the road for a while, but it was too fast – a bit dangerous. I’m interested to see how it goes tomorrow, especially when we hit the dunes, officially, on the last two days.”

Sara Price #51, Polaris Factory RZR: “Today was a fast, solid stage! Such beautiful sights along the beach and through some of the washes. We had a flawless day!”

Jordan Reed #14, Freedom Rally Racing: “This is my first rally. Probably the fourth set of [road]books. We’re not doing bad, just trying to keep up speed. Made a big mistake this morning which probably cost me about 15 minutes. I became a bit lost. So, I just kept holding it south because I did not want to look at my ODO [odometer] or my speedometer at 140kph. And so we had to hold it wide open to catch back up to Willem. And Willem and I damn near were within seconds of each other for over a three-our race, which was pretty cool. But sometime while I was behind him, I had seen his dust in the wash and tried to pin it. That’s when I felt something hit my ass. Apparently my seat had come off! Either way looking forward to tomorrow. Hopefully, making less mistakes.”

TOP FIVE STAGE RESULTS

MOTO PRO

  • #1 Skyler Howes (USA), Husqvarna Factory Racing – 2:34:27
  • #35 Brendan Crow (USA), Privateer – 2:44:41
  • #21 Kevin DeJongh (USA), Privateer – 2:45:54
  • #7 Patrick Reyes Morrison (MEX), Diespro – 3:05:32
  • #13 Matthew Ransom (USA), Freedom Rally Racing – 3:20:45

MALLE MOTO

  • #2 Matt Sutherland (AUS), Privateer – 2:54:29
  • #18 Jordan Huibregtse (USA), Privateer – 2:58:28
  • #3 David Pearson (USA), American Rally Originals – 3:08:33
  • #8 Kyle McCoy (USA), American Rally Originals – 3:16:49
  • #12 Matthew Glade (CAN), Privateer – 3:51:28

MOTO ENDURO

  • #36 Anthony Bonello (CAN), REV’IT! – 3:18:00
  • #27 Patrick De Chastonay (USA), Privateer – 3:21:36
  • #17 Clayton Zimmerman (USA), Freedom Rally Racing – 3:23:42
  • #25 Willem Avenant (ZAF), Freedom Rally Racing – 3:32:14
  • #5 Morrison Hart (USA), American Rally Originals – 3:49:27

UTV MODIFIED

  • #51 Sara Price (USA) and Sean Berriman (USA), Polaris Factory RZR – 3:05:30
  • #55 Daniel Gonzalez (MEX) and Jorge Hernandez (MEX), Privateer – 3:38:42
  • #52 Brock Harper (USA) and Steve Geist (USA), Privateer – 3:42:59

CARS NAT4

  • #54 Larry Trim (USA) and John Koeth (USA),Privateer – 4:09:20
  • #53 Luis Perocarpi (USA) and Clayton Williams (USA), Privateer – DNF

TOP FIVE GENERAL STANDINGS

MOTORCYCLE

  • #1 Skyler Howes (USA), Husqvarna Factory Racing – 5:29:38
  • #21 Kevin DeJongh (USA), Privateer – 5:49:00
  • #35 Brendan Crow (USA), Privateer – 5:50:47
  • #18 Jordan Huibregtse (USA), Privateer – 6:05:40
  • #2 Matt Sutherland (AUS), Privateer – 6:12:15

UTV

  • #51 Sara Price (USA) and Sean Berriman (USA), Polaris Factory RZR – 3:44:21
  • #55 Daniel Gonzalez (MEX) and Jorge Hernandez (MEX), Privateer – 3:49:36
  • #52 Brock Harper (USA) and Steve Geist (USA), Privateer – 4:34:18

CARS NAT4

  • #54 Larry Trim (USA) and John Koeth (USA),Privateer – 8:21:00

ROAD TO DAKAR

  • #35 Brendan Crow (USA), Privateer
  • #2 Matt Sutherland (AUS), Privateer
  • #3 David Pearson (USA), American Rally Originals
  • #7 Patrick Reyes Morrison (MEX), Diespro
  • #13 Matthew Ransom (USA), Freedom Rally Racing

DISQUALIFICATIONS

MOTORCYCLE

  • #37 David E. Bihn (USA), Privateer, SS2

CARS NAT4

#53 Luis Perocarpi (USA) and Clayton Williams (USA), Privateer, SS2

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