The rally gets more challenging in its 13th edition, playing host to a participation
of over 130 motorsports enthusiasts across categories -- XTreme, NDure XPlore and
Moto Quad. It is one of the toughest motor sports events in India, giving its keen
participants an opportunity to drive from the roads of New Delhi to the desert tracks
of Rajasthan.
All eyes will be on the Manali man, Suresh Rana, nine times winner of Maruti Suzuki
Raid De Himalaya and three times winner of Desert Storm. Driving Maruti Suzuki Grand
Vitara, he is looking at lifting the coveted trophy in XTreme category for the fourth
time this year. Competing on a Suzuki bike in Moto category is CS Santhosh, the
Dakar rally finisher, who is hoping to taste success again in this edition of Maruti
Suzuki Desert Storm.
At the flag-off, talking about the popularity of the event, Mr. Manohar Bhat,
Vice President, Marketing, Maruti Suzuki India said, “Thanks to this project,
many more Japanese people will travel to Gujarat. Let us deepen friendship and mutual
understanding between India and Japan”.
He further added, “Maruti Suzuki encourages motorsports enthusiasts from all over
the country and abroad to test their skills. The rally has various formats suited
for amateurs and professionals. The competition would be as intense as ever and
both, man and machine would be tested to the limits.”
The route for 13th consecutive Desert Storm 2015 is designed to tackle the roughest
and most challenging terrains of Rajasthan:
Ceremonial start: Motorists gear-up for a grueling 6 day long journey
from New Delhi, on 23rd February, to the interiors of Rajasthan.
- Leg 1: The main rally will start from
Sardarshahar at 8:00pm. It will be an exciting start that will see 130 motorsports
enthusiasts participating in the 150 kms long and challenging night-stage
- Leg 2: Rallyists will compete at a scorching
pace and drive on the roads of Sardarshahar towards sandy Bikaner competing on the
rough terrains while conquering the desert region
- Leg 3: Keeping the spirit of adventure
going, the rally will continue its journey, early morning, to the sleepy desert
city of Jaisalmer. Reaching the mid-point of the rally, the motorists determination
and confidence will be at peak
- Leg 4: The Storm will then come back
to Bikaner, the royal fortified city with a timeless appeal
- Leg 5: Finally, the adventurous rally
will come to an end in the ancient city of Jaipur where the declaration of the winner
will take place. Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm rally will cover over 2300 kms from
Sardarshahar to Jaipur.
For over 15 years, Maruti Suzuki has been hosting various motor sport events like
Raid De Himalya and Dakshin Dare. Desert Storm is one such challenging rally event
that tests the nerve and grit of its participants and their machines.
About Desert Storm: The Thar Desert isn’t a place to drive; it’s a place to fight.
The Desert Storm takes its racers through the interiors of Rajasthan and along the
Gujarat coast. An uneasy alliance of the formidable Thar Desert, the rocky Aravalis,
and the slippery white sands of the Rann of Kutch, versus the racers who depend
on their skills, motor’s ability and luck to survive.
Maruti Suzuki & Motorsports: Maruti Suzuki has been actively promoting motorsports
in the country for over 15 years 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.
For more information please visit: www.marutisuzukimotorsport.com
Click here for High Resolution pictures: https://www.flickr.com/photos/126049010@N03/sets/72157650980778101/
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