Car market leader Maruti Suzuki’s most endearing and challenging motorsport rally, the 15th Maruti Suzuki Raid-de-Himalaya was ceremonially flagged off from here today by Mr. T. Hashimoto, Executive Director (Marketing & Sales), Maruti Suzuki India Limited.The 15th year of the Maruti Suzuki Raid-de-Himalaya is marked by the highest number of entries ever, and a number of firsts to its credit. This year, as many as 153 teams are competing in this arguably one of the toughest rallies in the world and test competitor’s dexterity in handling rough roads, uncertain and extreme weather conditions. Add to the adventure and excitement an all new scooters category and a large female contingent.Maruti Suzuki Raid-de-Himalaya is one of the two Indian motorsport events listed on the off-road rallies calendar of FIA (Federation Internationale Automobile and FIM (Federation Internationale Motorcyclisme) Geneva, Switzerland. Only 12 international motoring events world-wide are listed in this calendar.
• The other Indian motorsport event listed in the calendar is Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm
• 1800 kms to be covered in 6 legs across 6 days
• 39 teams in X-treme (4x4) Caterogy
• 62 teams in Adventure Trial Category
• 31 participants in Moto X-treme
• 21 participants in Moto Alpine
• 5 participants in scooter category
Mr. T. Hashimoto, Executive Director (Marketing and Sales), Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said during the flag off, “Maruti Suzuki Raid-de-Himalaya is not only a pioneer motorsport event in the country, it has put India on global motorsport arena as it combines the challenges for the participants at par with the toughest motor rallies in the world. Today, the ever increasing participation across age groups and gender is a testimony to this stature of the event. It is heartening to note that this year we have an increased participation from women, from the services, and bikers. As a market leader, we feel proud that Maruti Suzuki created platform for motoring enthusiasts not only from the country but from across boundaries.” After the ceremonial flag off today, the rallyists will set off for the first competitive leg to Manali.This year the rally will run again in two different routes for the X-treme and Adventure Trial categories. Enroute, participants and their machines will brave challenges thrown by some of the highest mountain passes in the world. The rally will culminate in Leh on October 12 with prize distribution to the winners of 15th Maruti Suzuki Raid-de-Himalaya.
X-treme category route: The X-treme rally shall be flagged off from Shimla and head towards Manali via Dalog, Chamola, Luhri, Behna, Chimni, Khanag. The second leg will start from Manali and head towards Kaza via Gramphoo and Losar. The third leg is a Kaza to Kaza Monastery Necklace loop; the rally will start from Kaza and head towards Demul Jn, Lingti and reach Shichling, from Shichling, the rally will head back to Kaza. The fourth leg will see the motorists head to Pang after crossing Gramphoo, Patseo and Sarchu. Next day fifth leg starts from Pang and head towards Leh crossing Debring and Daat. The final leg is a Leh to Leh loop. The drivers shall start from Leh and head towards Wari La, Khalsar from where the drivers will head back to Leh after crossing Khardung La pass, the highest motorable pass in the world.
Adventure Trial category route:The Adventure Trial rally will be flagged off from Shimla and head to Manali via Sunni, Bakrote, Kelodhar, Garhagushaini, Banjar, Kullu culminating in Manali. The second leg will start from Manali and head towards Tabo via Rohtang Pass, Gramphoo, Kunzum La, Losar ending at Kaza. The third leg is a Tabo to Tabo loop; the rally will start from Tabo and head towards Sichling, Dankhar, Sagnam, Kaza, Demul, Lidang, Poh and culminate at Tabo. The fourth leg starts next day from Tabo and head to Keylong after passing through Kaza, Kunzum La, Batal, Gramphoo and Tandi. The fifth leg will start from Keylong and head to Leh crossing Baralacha La, Sarchu, Pang, Taglang La, Upshi culiminating at Leh. The final leg too is a Leh to Leh loop. The drivers shall start from Leh and head towards Wari La, Khalsar from where the drivers will head back to Leh after crossing Khardung La pass, the highest motorable pass in the world.Maruti Suzuki Raid-de-Himalaya is organised in association with country’s leading motorsport organizer, Himalayan Motorsport. According to Mr. Vijay Parmar, President of Himalayan Motorsport, Maruti Suzuki Raid-de-Himalaya 2013 promises to be both hugely difficult and dogged by uncertain whether. As early onset of winters is predicted in the western Himalayan region, participants may actually face snow and icy winds, mercury falling to 15 degree Celsius below zero at places.
Maruti Suzuki & Motorsport
Maruti Suzuki has been actively promoting motorsport in the country for over a decade now. To popularize action sport, the Maruti Suzuki motorsport calendar is packed with exciting motoring events. Be it for a motorsport enthusiast, an amateur or a professional, there are events that offer the thrill and joy of motorsport to one and all. The annual calendar of events includes Autocross, Treasure Hunt and professional rallies including Maruti Suzuki Raid-de-Himalaya, Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm and Maruti Suzuki Dakshin Dare. These events provide rallying thrills as well as promote safe driving habits.