Skyler Howes is on the “Road to Dakar”
This is a press release from Sonora Rally…
Bahia Kino, Sonora, Mexico (March 26, 2018) – The 2018 Yokohama Sonora Rally came to a close on Friday at the beautiful seaside resort of Bahia Kino, in Sonora, Mexico. With the finale feast underway at Mariscos Bahia, competitors, crew family and friends enjoyed the final hours of rally camaraderie while awaiting the official results. Rally Director Darren Skilton emceed the awards ceremony in the open-air venue as a colorful sunset over the Sea of Cortez provided a perfect backdrop for the festivities.
Earlier in the day, competitors enjoyed sunny skies and breathtaking views as they raced south from Puerto Lobos to Bahia Kino. The day’s special stage is what Rally Director Darren Skilton called “A racers dream. They were fast and sandy with navigational challenges, carving a trail through the Saguaro cacti fields and ending at the seaside Seri Indian village of Punta Chueca.”
Father and son team Todd and Kyle Jergensen beat the fastest bike by just under 15 minutes to claim the overall Yokohama Sonora Rally win. This is their third time racing Sonora Rally and, as the senior Jergensen said at the finish, “Third time is a charm!”
For five days of grueling competition, Dakar veteran Scott Bright and “Road to Dakar” hopeful Skylar Howes swapped first and second place special stage finishes, vying for the overall bike win. In the end, Howes was able to edge out Bright for the title win in motorcycles. Howes also claims the coveted “Road to Dakar” prize of a free entry into the 2019 Dakar Rally in South America.
“This was an amazing event and Dakar has been a life long dream.” said Howes. “Sonora Rally has been a great training ground for the Dakar! I cant wait to test everything I now know next year at Dakar.”
Newcomer George La Monte was ecstatic to take a podium position and the third place trophy.
“This is my first time at the Sonora Rally and being on the podium was unexpected,” said La Monte. “Now I know what I am capable of so I already have a plan to come back to win the 2019 Sonora Rally and “Road to Dakar.”
The “Seri Spirit Award” went to Hong Kong’s Jason Lan, for encapsulating what the rally is about: fully embracing adventure and never giving up!
Based on record-setting entries, and reactions from competitors and their crews, it can be deduced that this year’s Yokohama Sonora Rally was a resounding success and illustrates the growing acceptance and excitement for a true international-style rally raid event in North America.
Rally Director Darren Skilton says “The combination of record entry, new terrain and a solid organization team made the 2018 Sonora Rally the best so far. We are already working on making 2019 another amazing event.”
Click here for more Press Releases on Cycle News.
