The latest edition of one the world’s most arduous rally races is right around the corner, and promises more edge-of-your-seat action than ever before.
The 2013 leg of the event kicks off on the 4th of October to the 12th, and for the first time ever, a total of 160 teams and individuals will participate in the various categories on both two and four wheels.
For those of the four-wheel persuasion, the “raid” as it’s commonly referred to is segregated in to two distinct categories, the X-treme category which only experienced rally racers are allowed to participate in, and the adventure trial category which is open to anyone regardless of previous experience.
This time around, not only are the numbers or participants higher in general, but also the number of women taking part, as apart from celebrated woman driver Suchi Thakur who participates in her 9th raid, for the first time ever, a team of women officers of the Indian Army are also entering the event, as is a female constable from the ranks of the Himachal Police force will also take part.
Speaking about this trend among other things was Manohar Bhat, Vice President Maruti Suzuki who co-host the event, he said, “It is the only Indian motorsport event listed on the off-road rallies calendar of FIA (Federation Internationale de la Automobile). The Raid showcases our commitment towards youth empowerment and women empowerment.”
