Digvijay-Mokhtiyar win Agra Taj Car Rally

Hyderabad's Digvijay Singh and his co-driver Mokhtiyar Ahmed won the Agra Taj Car Rally, that traversed through the Chambal ravines and the wilderness of Etawah's lion safari before finishing at the hotel Court-Yard Marionett here.

Sachin Singh and M. Prakash finished runners-up while the third place went to Harshvardhan Singh and G. Natrajan in the race that culminated Sunday evening.

Conducted in the TSD (time, speed, distance) format, the two-day 450-km rally was a unique racing experience to 60 odd participants from all over India.

Asia Pacific car rally champion Gaurav Gill said the Agra event drew the attention of motorsports enthusiasts all over and its success ensured better participation next time.

The rally sponsored by UP Tourism was supported by Motor Sports Association of Agra and the district administration.

UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav was to flag off the rally from Etawah but could not make it due to other engagements.

"The rally has come as a big boost to tourism, particularly the crocodile sanctuary of Chambal and the Etawah lion safari, have come into focus. Adventure tourism in this region is all set to get a fillip from this event," Rajiv Gupta, president of the association, told IANS.

"The rally drew enthusiastic response from villagers in remote areas through which the vehicles passed. They were lustily cheered all the way," Gupta said.

"More interestingly, the participation of women motorists was a unique achievement. Physically challenged racers like Deepa Malik added value to the event."