What an experience! The course this year was very tough. The order of the racers turned-over everyday and many vehicles rolled as well including the Rally-G owned by James Opel – the driver and William McBride – the navigator! The sportsmanship was really amazing. The competitors helped one another through situations, and even helped the Sonora Rally support team. That is what made this race environment so special. The car raced under the Kraut Racing team name. OCD Custom Cycles & Auto Repair sponsored the Rally-G again this year by provided any technical advice and planning for the engine swap and component upgrade, some work, and access to the shop and tools through the final build. 8 members of Club G-Wagen came to the Sonora Rally to support James, William, and the Rally-G. Visit the Sonora Rally site for more information about this year’s race and next year’s.
1st in its class out of 2
4th of all cars out of 5
6th of all cars and UTVs out of 13
William McBride loading up the Rally-G at OCD Custom Cycles & Auto Repair for the trip to the 2017 Sonora Rally in Puerto Penasco, Mexico
Stop on the way from Santa Fe, NM to Puerto Penasco, Mexico tot he 2017 Sonora Rally
At the border, almost there!
Club G-Wagen members Kent, Luke, Sydney, Minh who came to support Kraut Racing and apply their expertise to the Rally-G.
Kraut Racing – team meeting with Marc, Minh, Sydney, and others.
Kraut Race Team William, Allen, and Marc looking over the Rally-G
Honda Race Team 2017 Sonora Rally
Honda Race Team 2017 Sonora Rally
2017 Sonora Rally competitors
Another 2 race participants with their KTMs from Santa Fe, NM. James and David Pierson with CJ Rodden who represents their Sponsor Law Tigers.
Kraut Racing Team tightening up last minute details
Bivouac in Puerto Penasco, Mexico – Day 1 of 2017 Sonora Rally
Kraut Racing Team support tightening up last minute details with Sydney and Minh.
Last minute details for Kraut Racing on the Rally-G with Franny.
Driver’s and navigator’s meeting
Driver’s and navigator’s meeting – navigation and how to read the road book
James Opel “Yike, I am glad I am just the driver” next to William who is calm cool and collected.
Kraut Racing Team Marc, Guido, and Minh analyzing the situation.
Members of Club G-Wagen Guido, Mauricio, Minh, and Scott discussing the game plan.
James Opel wears 2 hats
Interior of Rally-G with Kent.
Club G-Wagen Member Allen working on the remote battery cut-off switch
Applying the last sponsor stickers to the Rally-G with Frances Sayre and James Opel.
A BMW!!
Pre-race, late night, Kraut Racing Team
Tire change in the field
The competition
The competition, Sonora Rally 2017
James Opel Driver, Owner, Member of Kraut Racing Team
Marc Beyer checking tire pressure
James Opel Race Ready
William McBride Race Ready
Kraut Racing with James Opel and William McBride
Kraut Racing Ready-Set-Go!
In line for the staggered start of Day 1 of the Sonora Rally 2017
The competition
Motorcycle competitor
ICO Racing
A BMW!!
The competition – rough day
The competition. Broken axle – out of the race – day 1
The competition. Broken axle – out of the race – day 1
End of Stage 2