Silk Way Rally Launches Epic 2,400 km Race Featuring Turkmenistan’s Top Drivers

The 15th edition of the renowned Silk Way Rally is underway, covering a total sporting distance of 2,402.33 kilometers and featuring competitors from 15 countries, including three crews representing the Turkmenistan Automobile Sports Federation.

The rally will commence in Russia’s Irkutsk and will traverse key locations such as Baykalsk, the Republic of Buryatia, before crossing the Russia-Mongolia border, The Caspian Post reports, citing Turkmen media.

The route then continues through Ulaanbaatar, Bayankhongor, Altai, Khovd, and Kosh-Agach, culminating with a finish on July 22 in Gorno-Altaysk. This course offers participants not only a demanding sporting challenge but also the chance to experience breathtaking landscapes and regions steeped in rich history.

Turkmenistan’s participation is notably strong in the production SUV category T2, where the federation fields three crews driving Nissan Patrol vehicles. The team includes the 2022 rally champions.

Beyond the professional competition, the rally marathon features 28 SUV crews and five production trucks competing in the Grand Tour category “From Baikal to Altai,” which is tailored for amateur drivers seeking the thrill of off-road racing.

Additionally, the Adventure Trophy motorcycle race continues this year, with 12 riders on production motorcycles navigating nearly all special stages in tandem with the main rally competitors.