New Delhi: The 14th edition of the Maruti Suzuki Raid-de-Himalaya, one of the most awaited motorsport events in the country is all set to be flagged off amidst huge fervor and excitement from Shimla on 6th October 2012.
This year’s the first competitive leg of the rally will start off from Shimla on 7th Oct 2012 and end in Leh on 12th Oct 2012 covering over 1,800 kms.
As many as 150 teams with more than 300 participants in four wheelers and 43 bikers will brave the inhospitable terrains and weather conditions of the Western Himalayas to compete for the top prize. The tougher route this year goes through some of the highest motorable passes and human settlements in the world. These include Darcha (3360 mts), Keylong (3440 mts), Leh (3524 mts), Kaza (3650 mts), Dhanka (3894 mts), Losar (4079 mts), Rumtse (4300 mts), Kunzum La (4551 mts), Komik (4587 mts), Pang (4600 mts) &Wari La (5313 mts)
Speaking on the occasion, Mayank Pareek, COO Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki said, “Maruti Suzuki Raid-de-Himalaya is an example of how country’s leading car maker made it possible for motorsport to reach to masses and flourish in India. Around two decade back, when Maruti Suzuki entered the arena of motorsport, it was available only to a few people as niche sport. Gradually, the company has brought it within the reach of common motoring enthusiast, especially youth, through many motorsport events. The increasing attention that Maruti Suzuki Raid de Himalaya gets every year from across India and from abroad speaks of the popularity and success. With carefully chosen motoring routes and terrains, Maruti Suzuki Raid de Himalaya this year too is all set to test the man and machines, their abilities and endurance in the mighty Himalayas.”
Participation from across the country and abroad:
This year’s event will see 79 participants from North India; 16 participants from South India; 14 participants from West India & 32 from East India(This has total to 150). These 150 motorsport enthusiasts in four wheel category will compete across three categories: X-treme 4-wheelers (50 teams), X-treme 2-wheelers (33 teams) (both for professional motorsport enthusiasts), and 60 enthusiast teams in the Adventure Trial category for amateurs.
There are 14 foreigners participating in the rally this year. They are nationals of countries like Austria, Netherlands, UAE etc.
In this year’s Maruti Suzuki Raid de Himalaya, Suresh Rana, last year’s champion is the favourite to win the title yet again. Amongst the bikers, all eyes will be on Ashish Saurabh Moudghil, who has won the event in 2010.
Three separate versions based on skills
Xtreme: This version is the toughest of the lot and is open only to those 4-wheeler drivers who have prior rallying experience and have competed in one of the earlier editions of the Maruti Suzuki Raid-de-Himalaya or Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm. There are 50 teams participating in Xtreme 4-wheeler category in this year’s Maruti Suzuki Raid-de-Himalaya.
Adventure Trial: This version will run on a similar challenging route and is open to those motorsport enthusiasts, who would like to take on the Himalayas but without the tough competition, difficulty and stress involved in the Xtreme. This section will be open only to stock cars and SUVs and only certain safety-related modifications will be allowed in the competing cars. In this year’s event 60 teams are competing in Adventure Trial category.
Bikes Xtreme: This section is open to bikes of all types and makes but there are certain regulations that the bikers will have to adhere to. Participants in this category are probably the bravest of the raiders, as they have to face the hostile weather and tough terrains without the comforts of a cabin surrounding them. The 14th Maruti Suzuki Raid-de-Himalaya, will have 43 biker participants.
By Indian Sports News Network
