Turkmenistan’s national rally raid series currently only meets twice a year, both on national holidays. After the first race in March to celebrate Nowruz, the second and final round of 2025 took place on Wednesday to commemorate the 30-year anniversary of Neutrality Day.

The central Asian nation has officially maintained a policy of “permanent neutrality” since 1995, when it was enshrined in a United Nations resolution. Taking no sides is such a vital part of the country’s identity in global affairs that it’s even in their motto “Türkmenistan Bitaraplygyň watanydyr” (“Turkmenistan is the motherland of Neutrality”). The UN resolution was passed on December 12, which is celebrated annually as a holiday.

Like the March race, the rally was held in the Karakum Desert, particularly in the Ahal Region. It ran along a 206-kilometer course that passed Gökdepe and Baherden.

12 teams were entered, all in T2 cars.

Maksatmyrat Danatarov, who won in March, set the fastest time again of 2:21:36 in a Nissan Patrol. Merdan Toylyev was second and 18 minutes back at 2:39:48 with his Mitsubishi L200, followed by Suleiman Annamamedov in a Mitsubishi Pajero (2:43:27).

Danatarov competed as part of the Federation of Automobile Sport of Turkmenistan, while Toylyev represented the Ministry of Automobile Transport and Annamamedov is from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Toylyev had won the T2 class at the Silk Way Rally in neighboring Russia in July, with Danatarov placing third. Unlike domestic rallies, both drivers signed up for the SWR under the Federation of Automobile Sport.

Featured image credit: Altyn Asyr / Turkmenistan State News Agency