Heading into day #3 of the Sonora Rally, Ricky Brabec moved up into podium contention as Top American, while Skyler Howes (and a number of other favorites) crashed out. By finishing P3 on Stage 2 between Hermosillo and Puerto Peñasco, former Dakar Rally winner Brabec moved up to 3rd overall and closed the gap with race leader Daniel Sanders to just over four minutes (4:16) with three more days to go.
The stage was supposed to have a total of 541 km – 286 on the chronograph and 255 of liaison but was shortened by the organization, who also postponed the start due to “unforeseen circumstances and to ensure maximum safety for competitors.” Brabec said the goal was to make it through the Stage: “We rode as safely as possible but with speed to make some time up, but we lost time at the end. Navigated well but it was difficult to understand the time opening bonus. When I was doing the liaison after the special section I heard some strange noises on the bike so now everything needs to be checked. Team is working hard and we will do what we can for the next few days.”
Details are still sketchy, but early reports were American hopeful Skyler Howes suffered a crash early in the timed special at around kilometre 18. “Howes was forced to withdraw from the stage with a shoulder injury,” stated Husqvarna Factory Racing. “The 2022 Sonora Rally winner will unfortunately play no further part in this year’s event.” Defending Rally World Champion Sam Sunderland also crashed out of both the stage and the event early in the day’s shortened special stage.
Still on the road to recovery after retiring from the Dakar Rally on Stage 13, American privateer Mason Klein continues to make progress. P9 for Stage #2 helps keep him within striking distance. And fellow American Jacob Argubright made it through the tough day and kept him inside the top 15.
Today’s Stage #3 will start and finish in Puerto Peñasco with a 350 km special stage and a 116 km liaison. The “track” will range gravel tracks, sand and chott (named after a dry lake bed in Northern Africa from the Rally’s Dakar roots).
