Rally Director Darren Skilton today announced that ASO has confirmed Sonora Rally as this years North American Dakar Challenge event for motorcycles. The winner of the 2017 Sonora Rally Dakar Challenge will receive a paid entry into the 2018 Dakar Rally.

“We are very proud that ASO recognizes the unique nature of Sonora Rally. Our special stages bring navigation challenges and many kilometers of dune crossings through the amazing Altar desert, providing a true sense of what its like to race a Dakar stage,” commented Skilton. “Our nightly bivouacs provide incredible food, great camaraderie and a memorable atmosphere that celebrate our Mexican hosts in the state of Sonora. The quality of our Dakar Challenge competitors last year was extremely high and we expect the same this year.”

The 2016 Sonora Rally Dakar Challenge winner, Ivan Ramirez, was set to take the start of this years Dakar but unfortunately had to withdraw at the last moment due to illness. He was expected to fare well in the competition after teaming up with a top European KTM team.

Top riders like Steve Hengeveld and David Pearson are set to compete for the Dakar prize alongside rally raid specialists and other famous desert racers.

Although not yet part of the Dakar Challenge, there has been an increase of attention in the the car and UTV categories. Two time Mint 400 winner Justin Lofton will be making his rally raid debut at this years Sonora Rally. Returning racers Todd and Kyle Jergensen plus John Scripps and Kent Kroeker will try to put their Sonora Rally experiences to good use and compete for the win. Last years winner Dave Sykes is set to return and will face competition in the UTV ranks from Joe Bolton, Chad Ragland and experienced rally raid racer Bob Jones. Jeepspeed racers Perry Coan and Skyler Gambrell have teamed up. Gambrell, the 2012 Dakar Rally OP Class champion navigator, will try to guide Coan to this years Sonora crown.