The Ruta 40 Challenge, one of the most anticipated events on the rally-raid calendar, is gearing up for its twelfth edition, which will take place from June 1 to 7, 2024. This year, the competition will focus on the province of Córdoba, marking the first time that the city acts as the starting and finishing point of the race.
Competition Details
The 2024 edition of the Ruta 40 Challenge will include a prologue and five stages covering a total of 3,213 kilometers. Of these, 2,085 kilometers will be special stages, where competitors will face unique challenges across varied landscapes including San Juan and La Rioja. The competition will start with a prologue near Córdoba, followed by a stage that will take competitors westward to San Juan. The subsequent stages will alternate between in-line routes and loops that will allow competitors to explore the diverse terrain of the region.
Strategic Importance of Córdoba
Córdoba, with a strong tradition in motor sports, not only hosts the competition but also houses the bivouac, providing essential logistical and technical facilities for the teams and competitors. This year, Córdoba also debuts as the venue for the W2RC, adding a new chapter to its rich history in motorsport.
Impact on San Juan and La Rioja
San Juan and La Rioja will play a crucial role in this year's race. San Juan will host two critical stages of the rally, while La Rioja will be the starting point for the thrilling penultimate stage. Both locations have been previous stages of the Dakar, and their inclusion in the Ruta 40 Challenge revitalizes their significance in the world of rally-raid.
Preparations and Key Events
In anticipation of the event, registrations will close in May, followed by the publication of the competitor list and the opening of the bivouac. Race days will be filled with activities, from administrative and technical controls to a welcome cocktail and the determination of the starting order, ensuring that both participants and spectators enjoy a complete experience.
Schedule
- May 18: FIA registration closes
- May 20: FIM registration closes
- May 23: publication of the list of registrants
- May 27: bivouac opens
- May 31: press room and accreditation open from 9:00 AM.
- June 1: administrative (08:00-17:00) and technical (09:00-18:00) controls FIA-FIM / press conference (12:30) / welcome cocktail for competitors (20:00)
- June 2:
- 09:30: publication of the prologue start order
- 10:00: general information and team photos
- 13:00: prologue in Córdoba (Link: 150 km / Special: 16 km / Total: 166 km)
- 18:30: ceremony for choosing the start order of stage 1
- 19:15: publication of the start order for stage 1
- 19:30: start ceremony
- June 3 - Stage 1: Córdoba - Córdoba (Link: 108 km / Special: 466 km / Total: 574 km)
- June 4 - Stage 2: Córdoba - San Juan (Link: 192 km / Special: 497 km / Total: 689 km)
- June 5 - Stage 3: San Juan - San Juan (Link: 122 km / Special: 390 km / Total: 512 km)
- June 6 - Stage 4: San Juan - La Rioja (Link: 256 km / Special: 509 km / Total: 765 km)
- June 7 - Stage 5: La Rioja - Córdoba (Link: 300 km / Special: 207 km / Total: 507 km)
Local Time: GMT-3
