General Rules

How Sonora Ralley works
Sonora Rally General Rules (PDF)

Supplemental Rules 2020 Sonora Rally

1. Fuel Stops and Fuel Cans

Motos:

In case of a neutralized fuel stop during a special stage, all motorcycle riders must supply full cans to our fuel stop crews the night before. Our crews will then deliver your fuel to the neutralized fuel stops.

In case where a liaison section is the same as the assistance route, the assistance crews will be authorized to assist and refuel the motorcycle.

The organization may also authorize specific assistance point during the special stage to allow for refueling by competitor assistance crews. No other outside assistance during the special stage is authorized.

It will be to your advantage to have several fuel cans so you have fuel in the bivouac as well as at the fuel stops. It is not permitted for riders to carry fuel on their person. All fuel tanks must be attached to the motorcycle in permanent and safe manner.

Cars:

For those cars and UTVs that cannot make the 250km distance, we allow them to gas up at the intermediate 150KM moto gas stops. The Rally organization will not carry fuel for cars, it must be delivered by their support crew to the refueling area. The driver and codriver must refuel themselves with no outside support. This stop will not be neutralized, meaning they must stop for a minimum of 10 minutes with the clock running in order to refuel safely.

In case where a liason section is the same as the assistance route, the assistance crews will be authorized to assist and refuel the car.

The organization may also authorize specific assistance point during the special stage to allow for refueling by competitor assistance crews. No other outside assistance during the special stage is authorized.

Be aware you are not allowed to bring fuel across the border into Mexico in fuel cans. It’s better to bring them in empty and fill them in Mexico.

2020 Fuel details: There are numerous gas stations in Hermosillo, Caborca, Puerto Peñasco and San Luis Rio Colorado. There is one gas station near the bivouac in Banamichi with only 87 octane Magna. There is no 92 Octane or Diesel fuel in Banamichi. If your race vehicle requires high octane for diesel fuel, you should bring it yourself from Hermosillo where it is commonly available.

2. No GPS visible while riding or driving

Only organization GPS units may be mounted on and in vehicles. All vehicles must remove GPS units before starting the rally. Heading repeaters are allowed but can’t show tracks. GPS may be carried as a backup tracking verification device, but must be stored in backpack or not visible while vehicle is in motion. If car or UTV has GPS in dash it must be covered and sealed with Sonora Rally tech sticker.

3. Vehicle Proof of Ownership or Registration

All racing bikes, UTV’s and Cars must have some form of registration or ownership to enter Mexico and be able to compete. Green Sticker (CA) or off road registration is fine but must be official DMV document showing legal registered ownership.

4. Rally Orientation for Rookies
Learn how this rally works

An on-site rally school will be provided after Registration at the host hotel. The school is required for all rally rookies in order to learn how to navigate by roadbook. We also cover some of the basics of rally racing. Rally experts will also find the school helpful in understanding unique aspects of Sonora Rally roadbooks and GPS and WPM utilization.

Sonora Rally also offers 2 day Rally Schools during the year. Check the Rally School section for the latest updates and more navigation tips! If you think “HP” means horsepower, you need this school !

5. Number Plates

Moto Number Plate Race Sticker
– FRONT only
– Width 18.5cm (7.27 inch) x Height 19.5cm (7.6 inch)

Car, Truck, Adventure Raid & UTV Number Plate Race Sticker
– SIDES (doors) x2
– Width 37cm (14.5 inch) x Height 39cm (15.2 inch)

Numbers will be assigned, Motos 1-49, Cars/UTVs 51-99.
Number stickers will be handed out at registration at the hotel.

The rally logo and sponsor portions of the sticker must be clearly visible on the vehicle. If the logo/Sponor doesn’t fit while attached to the number, the logo/sponsor portions may be cut off and attached in an equally visible adjacent position.

6. Nav/Safety Equipment Rules

Motos/Quads

• Rally Comp device is required, and will be supplied to each competitor at race registration.
• Roadbook holder (electric or manual) for 6 inch wide roadbook paper roll.
• A dedicated rally type odometer (ICO, IMO, etc.) is required, independant of the required Rally Comp unit. GPS based units such as ICO RallyeMax G are acceptable. We recommend a secondary heading repeater in addition to the Rally Comp. Use of a second Rally Comp as an odometer or heading repeater is acceptable, though no micorSD chip may be installed. Odometer must be calibrated for kilometers.
• GPS (Garmin handheld prefered, see GPS page) is recommended. Must be powered on and recording tracks at all times during the stage competition. Bikes are allowed to carry it in your backpack.
• Sat phone is mandatory. 
• SPOT, Garmin inReach or second Rally Comp tracking device with live tracking (10 minute automatic location updates or better) is required. See SPOT page for details.
• Leatt or similar neck brace is strongly recommended.

Cars/Truck/UTV (does not apply to Adventure Raid)

• Rally Comp device is required, and will be supplied to each competitor at race registration.
• A dedicated rally type odometer (TerraTrip, ICO, etc.) is required, independant of the Rally Comp unit supplied by the organization. GPS based units such as ICO RallyeMax G are acceptable. Use of a second Rally Comp as an odometer or heading repeater is acceptable, though no micorSD chip may be installed. Odometer must be calibrated in kilometers.
• We recommend a heading repeater be mounted in front of the driver.
• GPS (Garmin handheld prefered, see GPS page) is recommended for back track logging. Must be powered on and recording tracks at all times during the stage competition.
• Sat phone is mandatory.
• UTV’s must have window nets.
• SPOT, Garmin inReach or second Rally Comp tracking device with live tracking (10 minute automatic location updates or better) is required. See SPOT page for details.
• Vehicles must meet safety regulations of FIA, SCORE, BITD, NORRA or Rally America. Sonora Rally reserves the right to refuse to start any vehicle after inspection.
• Racers must wear Snell 2015 helmet or newer on selective sections.
• Racers must wear approved fire suits on selective sections.
• Head and neck restraints are recommended.