Ricky Brabec snatches 2020 Sonora Rally victory in final stage

Monster Energy Honda Rally Team’s Ricky Brabec snatches victory from Skyler Howe in the final stage at the 2020 Sonora Rally, Mexico. 
 

Despite a 13-minute penalty on stage one, 2020 Dakar Rally winner, American Ricky Brabec, has taken victory at the Sonora Rally, México. Brabec took fastest stage times to haul back into contention before a final 142km stage where he had over a minute deficit to nearest rival, compatriot Skyler Howes. 

Taking his third win, in the end by 50 seconds brought Brabec his second on the bounce, third in total: “I always look forward to the Sonora Rally in México. It’s the only rally in North America that simulates a Dakar style rally raid. It has all the ingredients; fast pistes, mountains, washes and mountains dunes! 

“This year the organization laid out a route that took us to new places and new faces. I had a set-back in stage one that left me with large penalty and I had to claw my way back to the top, day by day.”

 Brabec continued: “It made the final stage interesting when I needed to make up over a minute and only have 142km to do it. Thanks to my Team and my Factory CRF450 RALLY, I was able to overcome and finish on top for the third time in the Sonora Rally. It was an incredible event, well organized and looking forward to coming back in 2021. 

I wanted to also give my condolences to all the victims of the current Covid-19 virus. Everyone please be safe and stay healthy so we can get back to normal soon.”

Praised for its “Dakaresque terrain”, the Sonora runs close to the border with United States of America and runs across 1358km with a high percentage, 1078 kms, of timed special stage. 

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Sonora Rally 2020 overall results:

Photo Credit: Steve Green + Justin Coffey