Defending rally world champion Sam Sunderland crashed out of the Sonora Rally on wednesday’s shortened special stage.

Defending world champ Sam Sunderland crashes out.

At kilometer 24, Sunderland crashed when he overshot a super high-speed right turn, plowing into a washed-out section of track and falling from his GASGAS RX 450F. Banged up, shaken up, and fortunate to escape serious injury, Sunderland was quickly back on his feet but out of the event.

Husqvarna’s Skyler Howes also crashed on stage two and was forced to withdraw from the stage with a shoulder injury.

Provisional Standings – Sonora Rally 2023 (after stage 2)
1. Daniel Sanders (GASGAS) 3:46:59
2. Tosha Schareina (Honda) 3:47:20
3. Ricky Brabec (Honda) 3:51:15

However Sunderland’s team mate Daniel Sanders had lots to be happy with at the end of the second full day of racing as the Aussie charger topped the day’s timesheets to claim victory and move into the provisional overall rally lead.

STORY: Sam Sunderland Withdraws From Desafio Ruta 40 (August 2023)
STORY: Daniel Sanders Wins 2023 Sonora Rally (April 2023)
STORY: Daniel Sanders Wins Sonora Rally Stage Three (April 2023)
STORY: Red Bull GasGas Factory Racing Gear Up For The Sonora Rally (April 2023)

photos (c) GasGas