Over 230 participants will be participating in the 12th edition of the Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm, to be flagged off from here on February 24.
The rally would be held in three categories -- XTreme, NDure XPlore and Moto Quad and will transverse through Bikaner, Chattargarh, Jaisalmer, Sam, Pokharn, Gajnaur, Kagsar, Lakshmangarh, before culminating at Jaipur on March 1.
Often referred to as Mini Dakar, the rally comprises of 5 legs criss-crossing the deserts of Thar covering a grueling 2200 kms.
After ceremonial flag off from Delhi on February 24, the participants will move to Sardarshahar where the first leg begins at midnight.
The Desert Storm is one of the most exciting motorsports event in north-west India and is among the only two Indian motorsport events listed on the off road rallies calendar of FIA Federation Internationale Automobile and FIM (Federation Internationale Motorcyclisme) Geneva, Switzerland.
"Since its inception in 2001, the Desert Storm has grown exponentially in stature and difficulty. With over 230 participants in contention, one can expect more adventure and a tougher completion. We have best talent from around India and beyond and the event promises best of man and machine," said Manohar Bhat, Vice President, Marketing, Maruti Suzuki India Limited.
The event is amongst the toughest and most challenging motorsport event and noted for testing the nerve and grit of participants and their machines.
Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm is the only rally in the country to run a comprehensive interactive virtual rally car tracking facility. It will provide competitors online real time tracking and comparison page for all enthusiasts wanting to keep abreast with the rally on the web.
Maruti Suzuki also hosts Raid-de-Himalaya, by far India's most recognizable motorsports event worldwide and the Dakshin Dare. Besides, it also sponsors many a winning teams and drivers.
