Thaindian News

Manali, Oct 12 (IANS) Manali resident Suresh Rana, a five time winner, along with his Bangalore-based co-driver Ashwin Naik, established an early lead in the Extreme category on the first day of the Maruti Suzuki Raid de Himalaya rally, clocking one hour, 46 minutes and 26 seconds in their Gypsy.

The world’s highest rally and arguably amongst the toughest, began early Tuesday morning from Shimla with 162 participants in the fray. The stages comprised of steep climbs, often 30-45 degrees, multiple hairpin bends and dirt tracks.

The Extreme category travelled a Special Stage of 75 kms through twisty fast mountain roads and the Chach Galu pass - a new route this year.

Following the leaders was the team of Harkaran Singh/Gurkirat Mann driving a Maruti Gypsy (1:51:59) and Subodh/Kushalendra (1:53:35).

Wednesday, the rally splits into two different directions. The Extreme category participants will start at 2.00 am for a grueling 500 kms drive across the desert of Ladakh. It will comprise 160 kms of rallying stages.

The vehicles will cross Rohtang Pass, and beyond Keylong, they will pass Darcha, Patseo, Sarchu, and Pang to end the day at Leh.

En route, the Raid will traverse some of the highest motorable roads in the world often touching 18,000 ft. The Adventure Trial participants will rally through pretty terrain off Shivalik Range covering a relaxed 360 kms of tarmac from Manali to Dharmashala.

The results (Leg 1):

X-treme (4WD): 1. Suresh Rana/Ashwin Naik (Gypsy) 1:46:26; 2. Harkaran Singh/Gurkirat Mann (Gypsy) 1:51:59; 3. Subodh/ Kuhaslendra (1:53:35).

X-Treme (Bikes): 1. Helmut Paruwallamar (1:38:11); 2. Ashish Moudgill (1:39:06); 3. Goltfried Lehner (KTM Eudoro) 1:49:22.

Endurance Trial (overall): 1. Umesh Raheja (Grand Vitara) 1:29; 2. Sanjay Takle (Safari) 1:43; 3. Raj Singh Rathore/Sekaran (Tata Xenon) 3:43.