Sonora Rally
March 2020
March 2020
After winning the Baja Rally in 2016, we had entered the 2017 and 2019 Sonora Rallys but experienced mechanical problems in each. For 2020, we had high expectations. The race car was in great shape, and we were anxious to put our Sonora gremlins behind us.
The COVID pandemic was just starting to become an issue, and the race took place just before the borders started closing. For 2020, the race would start in Hermosilla, and end in San Juan Rio Colorado. We arrived in Hermosillo, and completed tech inspection and installation of the various required race transponders. The race was scheduled for 5 days - each day would be comprised of non-timed liaisons (on-road sections) and timed specials (offroad racing segments).
On Race Day 1, we started in about 5th place, but quickly moved into second place physically (cars start 2 minutes apart) and first place based on time. However, we ended up going wide on a blind corner, and tipped over on our side. We had to wait for the sweep truck to assist in getting the race car back on 4 wheels and pulled back on to the course. Not a good start to the race. With some damage to the car, we completed the course but very slowly; and had to make various fixes to the car that evening including the brakes.
Race Day 2, we were ready to go again. Cars start in order of the previous days finish, so after completing the liaison to the start of the first special, we were at the back of the long line of cars waiting to start at 2 minute intervals. After starting, we again were able to make some passes and start moving through the field. However, on a very fast section of the course, we had a brake lock up on us that launched us off the course and into the air. We made a couple of flips in the air before landing on the front of the front of the car, back into the air for another flip before landing on the roof of the car upside down. Thanks to the racing harness systems in these cars, we were uninjured (except for pride).
Another wait for the sweep vehicle to help get us back on 4 wheels, but with a heavily damaged car. We were out of the race. We were basically in the middle of nowhere, and had radio to our chase truck to come retrieve us. By the time our chase truck could arrive, it was dark and so we left the car and headed back to the next bivouac to get some rest. The next day, we had to head back to try to repair the car to be able to limp out of the desolate area we were in. We replaced the left front axle and a-arm, and were finally able to slowly get back out to where our trailer was parked. It was another disappointing Sonora Rally! That's racing...
The COVID pandemic was just starting to become an issue, and the race took place just before the borders started closing. For 2020, the race would start in Hermosilla, and end in San Juan Rio Colorado. We arrived in Hermosillo, and completed tech inspection and installation of the various required race transponders. The race was scheduled for 5 days - each day would be comprised of non-timed liaisons (on-road sections) and timed specials (offroad racing segments).
On Race Day 1, we started in about 5th place, but quickly moved into second place physically (cars start 2 minutes apart) and first place based on time. However, we ended up going wide on a blind corner, and tipped over on our side. We had to wait for the sweep truck to assist in getting the race car back on 4 wheels and pulled back on to the course. Not a good start to the race. With some damage to the car, we completed the course but very slowly; and had to make various fixes to the car that evening including the brakes.
Race Day 2, we were ready to go again. Cars start in order of the previous days finish, so after completing the liaison to the start of the first special, we were at the back of the long line of cars waiting to start at 2 minute intervals. After starting, we again were able to make some passes and start moving through the field. However, on a very fast section of the course, we had a brake lock up on us that launched us off the course and into the air. We made a couple of flips in the air before landing on the front of the front of the car, back into the air for another flip before landing on the roof of the car upside down. Thanks to the racing harness systems in these cars, we were uninjured (except for pride).
Another wait for the sweep vehicle to help get us back on 4 wheels, but with a heavily damaged car. We were out of the race. We were basically in the middle of nowhere, and had radio to our chase truck to come retrieve us. By the time our chase truck could arrive, it was dark and so we left the car and headed back to the next bivouac to get some rest. The next day, we had to head back to try to repair the car to be able to limp out of the desolate area we were in. We replaced the left front axle and a-arm, and were finally able to slowly get back out to where our trailer was parked. It was another disappointing Sonora Rally! That's racing...
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