This year the rally saw 200 motoring enthusiasts in about 106 teams in their modified cross country vehicles, covering 2100 kms distance in 7 days. The last leg of the rally, leg 5, ended successfully in the Blue City, Jodhpur.

In the last 6 days the motorists have encountered various difficulties and challenges, driving on the treacherous and sandy terrains of the Thar Desert. The drive finally came to an end in the tangles of winding and glittering medieval streets of the city with blue rooftops.

In the XTreme bike category, C.S Santosh bagged the top slot at 11:19:28 Hrs followed by Aravind KP at 11:28:06 Hrs. At the third position stands R Nataraj at 12:35:30 Hrs.

Speaking at the Prize Distribution ceremony, Mr. R.S Kalsi, Executive Director, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India Limited said, “We are overwhelmed to see the response we received from motorsports enthusiasts. This year has been exhilarating to track, to witness the passion and dedication of the rallyists even against the toughest conditions. I congratulate each and every participant who participated in this year’s Desert Storm and emerged as true fighters. Desert Storm is the perfect example of the intense bond between the rallyists and his vehicles. ”

On winning the champions trophy in the Xtreme category, from Team Maruti, Suresh rana, driving a Grand Vitara said said, “This was one of my toughest motorsport rally. The scorching heat of the desert, new rally routes added to the difficulties. However, this only encourages me to participate the next year. Can’t wait to be back again.”

Cherishing yet another win, C S Santosh said, “I couldn’t be happier. I feel at home when I am rallying, and the difficult terrains of Desert are an added joy to conquer. This has been an extremely challenging and satisfying year so far. I would work hard to continue this winning streak.”

In the NDure category, rallyist SK Ajgar Ali & MK Mohammed Musthfa bagged the top slot at 00:23:12 Hrs followed by Vishnu Singh & Adhithya Anthony at 00:42:13 Hrs Hrs. At the third position stands Jagmeet Gill & Chandan Sen at 00:58:06 Hrs.

In the Xplore category, Pratap & his navigator T Nagarajan won the first prize with a total penalty of 00:02:01 Hrs, followed by Rajesh Chalana & Arindam Ghosh with a penalty of 00:03:20 Hrs and Karthick Maruthi & S.Sankar Anand at the third position with a penalty of 00:03:20 Hrs.

After a display of sheer grit and passion for driving, the final winners were announced during the closing ceremony held in Welcome ITC, Jodhpur on 10th April.

FINAL RESULTS:

XTreme Cars –

• 1. Suresh Rana &AshwinNaik - 12:52:03 Hrs
• 2. Amanpreet Ahluwalia &VirenderKashyap - 14:02:11 Hrs
• 3. Niju Padia & Nirav Mehta – 14:05:41

NDure Cars -

• 1. SK Ajgar Ali &MK Mohammed Musthafa - 00:23:12 Hrs
• 2. Vishnu Singh &Adithya Anthony - 00:42:13 Hrs
• 3. Jagmeet Gill and Chandan Sen- 00:58:06 Hrs.

Xplore Cars -

• 1. Pratap & T Nagarajan - 00:02:01 Hrs
• 2. Rajesh Chalana & Arindam Ghosh - 00:03:20 Hrs
• 3. Karthick Maruthi & S.Sankar Anand - 00:03:39 Hrs

Moto Quad -

• 1. C.S Santosh - 11:19:28 Hrs
• 2. Aravind KP - 11:28:06 Hrs
• 3. R Nataraj - 12:35:30 Hrs.

About Desert Storm: The Thar Desert isn’t a place to drive; it’s a place to fight. The Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm rally takes its racers through the interiors of Rajasthan. An uneasy alliance of the formidable Thar Desert, the oldest Plateau mountains, Aravalis, and the golden sand dunes of the desert state, 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, and professional rallies including Maruti Suzuki Raid-De-Himalaya, Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm, Maruti Suzuki Dakshin Dare and Maruti Suzuki National Super League Rally Championship. These events provide rallying thrill as well as promote safe driving habits.

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http://www.marutisuzukimotorsport.com