The 2027 Sonora Rally will be shortened from five to three days and held on February 11–14, organizers announced Thursday. It is part of a new “streamlined three-day rally raid” format intended to improve logistics while staying in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. San Luis Río Colorado will host the bivouac.

“Competitors unpack once, establish one home base, and race from there—reducing the expense, time, and moving logistics traditionally associated with rally raid while preserving the navigation, terrain, competition, and adventure that have defined Sonora for more than a decade,” the organizers explained. “It is, quite simply, fewer logistics and more rally.

“Just south of the U.S.–Mexico border, San Luis Río Colorado also puts the event within easy reach of competitors traveling from the United States, Canada, and Mexico. International racers can connect through San Diego, Phoenix, Mexicali, or Mexico City, while Fly-N-Race Moto and UTV rental and support programs offer another option for competitors who would rather arrive ready to race than haul an entire program across the continent.”

This year’s race started in Puerto Peñasco and finished in San Luis Río Colorado, while a bivouac was placed at Campo La Salina.

The shorter format was revealed in July with February 11 being the first day of the navigation school. Now that the Sonora Rally itself is the three-day rally, the school will instead take place on December 4–6 as part of an expanded training program.

Renamed to the Sonora Rally Schools, there will be the aforementioned navigation class, a one-day dune clinic hosted by Skyler Howes and race director Darren Skilton, and an “advanced route” as additional prep for those running either the 2027 Dakar Rally or Sonora. Only eight vehicles can participate in the dune clinic.

Despite the shortened length, the Sonora Rally will still be part of the Road to Dakar. The winning UTV will have their entry fee for the 2028 Dakar waived, while bike finishers in the program will earn six points.

Featured image credit: Matthew McNulty / WESTx1000