Maruti Suzuki Raid-de-Himalaya flagged off from Shimla

11^th Maruti Suzuki Raid-de-Himalaya flagged off from Shimla

SHIMLA, October 6, 2009: The 11^th edition of the Maruti Suzuki Raid-de-Himalaya – India’s longest, highest and most strenuous motorsport event – was flagged off today from Shimla by Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, Hon'ble Chief Minister, Himachal Pradesh. With around 115 teams from over 24 regions of the country as well as from abroad in the fray, the eight-day event – to be held during October 6-13 – will witness a roaring participation this year.

Some 200 motorsport enthusiasts across three categories – 66 in Xtreme 4-wheelers, 20 in Xtreme 2-wheelers (both for professionals), and 110 in Adventure Trial (for amateurs) – will be vying for the coveted title.

Among the participants will be eight doughty women rallyists and also four participants from the US, Detlef James, Gurpinder Sarao, and Prabhakar bothers – Gaurav and Ravinder. Mr Sarao will be participating in the 2-wheeler Xtreme category.

Maruti Suzuki Raid-de-Himalaya, listed on the off-road rallies calendar of Switzerland-based FIM (Federation Internationale Motorcyclisme), is the only Indian motorsport event that draws attention from the international rallying circuit.

Maruti Suzuki has been actively promoting motorsport in the country. To popularize action sport, Maruti Suzuki has been organizing professional rallies such as Maruti Suzuki Raid-de-Himalaya and Maruti Suzuki Rally Desert Storm along with motoring events such as Women’s Power Drive, Autocross, Treasure Hunt and others. These events provide rallying thrills as well as promote safe driving habits. It is encouraging to see that every year, the number of participants in the Maruti Suzuki Raid-de-Himalaya are growing, which is an indication that Maruti Suzuki’s efforts to promote motorsport in the country are in the right direction.

Four-time winner and defending champion Suresh Rana of Himachal Pradesh is all set to begin his campaign riding his Maruti Gypsy.

Eighth-time participants of the Maruti Suzuki Raid-de-Himalaya this year, Yogesh Lakhani from Chandigarh and Sandeep Singh Matharu from Mohali are members of the 105-strong north India contingent united for a common purpose. Also participating for the eighth-time, Amardev Singh is from New Delhi.

Ashish Saurabh Moudgil, is a regular participant from Kalka, Shuchi Thakur from Dharamshala is in the extreme category this year and mother-daughter duo Namrata Gautam and Kriti Gautam are also game for tackling the unfavourable weather and tough conditions. There are 15 participants from south India and eight from East India. About 26 people are participating from west and central India.

The rally will traverse through Manali, Kunzum La, Rangdum, Patseo, Leh and Kargil to culminate at Srinagar, covering a distance of more than 2,000 kms, spread over multiple legs in seven days. The vehicle scrutiny is scheduled on October 5 and 6.

This time, the Maruti Suzuki Raid-de-Himalaya rally routes will be the same for participants in Xtreme and Adventure Trial.

The Maruti Suzuki Raid-de-Himalaya will pass through some of the most breathtakingly beautiful and yet, harsh terrains of the Western Himalayas. Rallyists will be climbing over some of the highest motorable passes in the world, including the Tanglang La, the second highest motorable pass in the world, and spending nights under sub-zero conditions at camps.

Other lofty mountain passes include Jalori Pass, Rohtang Pass, Kunzum La, and the formidable Baralacha La.

The Maruti Suzuki Raid-de-Himalaya rally, on an average, covers a distance of 300 kms in a day. About 60 per cent of a day’s drive would be through the narrowest of the roads snaking along high mountainsides.

The 11th edition of the Maruti Suzuki Raid-de-Himalaya is being organized under the aegis of Himalayan Motorsport Association and is co-sponsored by SBI Auto Loans and supported by JK Tourism, Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation and the Indian Army.

Some Quick Facts about the 11^th Maruti Suzuki Raid-De-Himalaya rally

· Highest ever participation by around 200 enthusiasts

· Total Distance – more than 2,000 Km; 35% of this will constitute the competitive stage

The 11^th Raid-de-Himalaya will run in three separate versions:

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 35 teams participating in Xtreme 4-wheeler category in the 11^th Maruti Suzuki Raid-de-Himalaya.

Adventure Trial : This version will run on the same 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 only certain safety-related modifications will be allowed in the competing cars. In the 11^th Maruti Suzuki Raid-de-Himalaya, 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. In the 11^th Maruti Suzuki Raid-de-Himalaya, 20 bikers are competing in Xtreme 2-wheeler category.