Sonora Rally 2027: Three-Day Rally Raid on 11–14 February
The newsroomUpdated on October 11, 20263 minThe 2027 Sonora Rally in Mexico shrinks from five days to three, running 11–14 February with a single bivouac at San Luis Río Colorado and entries opening on 15 October.
Key point
The 2027 Sonora Rally moves from five days to three, on 11–14 February, with one bivouac at San Luis Río Colorado and entries opening on 15 October.
The 2027 Sonora Rally is changing format: the Mexican rally raid shrinks from five days to three and will run from 11 to 14 February 2027. Organisers announced it on Thursday. The bivouac will be at San Luis Río Colorado, and entries open on 15 October.
A three-day format to simplify logistics
Organisers describe a streamlined rally raid format designed to improve logistics while staying in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. The idea: competitors unpack once, set up a single home base and race from there. That cuts the expense, time and moving around traditionally linked to rally raid, while keeping the navigation, terrain and adventure that define the event.
The 2026 edition started in Puerto Peñasco and finished in San Luis Río Colorado, with a bivouac at Campo La Salina. The new format was first revealed in July.
San Luis Río Colorado, within reach of North America
The city sits just south of the US–Mexico border. Competitors travelling from the United States, Canada and Mexico can connect through San Diego, Phoenix, Mexicali or Mexico City. The Fly-N-Race programme also offers motorcycle and UTV rental with support, for those who would rather arrive ready to race than haul an entire programme across the continent.
Navigation schools in December
The navigation school, which used to take place on 11 February, moves to 4–6 December in an expanded programme renamed the Sonora Rally Schools. It includes:
- a navigation class;
- a one-day dune clinic hosted by Skyler Howes and race director Darren Skilton, limited to eight vehicles;
- an advanced route to prepare for the 2027 Dakar or Sonora.
Still on the Road to Dakar
Despite the shorter length, the Sonora Rally remains part of the Road to Dakar. The winning UTV has its 2028 Dakar entry fee waived, and bike finishers in the programme earn six points. The official website points out that in 2023 the rally was the only North American event invited to a round of the World Rally-Raid Championship, the W2RC.
Key takeaways
- 2027 Sonora Rally: 11–14 February, over three days.
- Bivouac at San Luis Río Colorado, entries open on 15 October.
- Still part of the Road to Dakar.
Frequently asked questions
When is the 2027 Sonora Rally?
From 11 to 14 February 2027, in a new three-day rally raid format.
Where is the bivouac?
At San Luis Río Colorado in the Mexican state of Sonora, just south of the US border.
When do entries open?
On 15 October 2026, according to the rally's official website.
Does the Sonora Rally count towards the Road to Dakar?
Yes. The winning UTV has its 2028 Dakar entry fee waived, and bike finishers in the programme earn six points.
Sources
- Sonora Rally — official 2027 event website
- 131 Off-Road — Sonora Rally becomes a three-day affair for 2027
Written by the Karrazmotorsport newsroom, proofread before publication. For settings, always refer to your vehicle's manual. Our charter.
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