40 entries for Monsoon Challenge Rally

Bangalore, July 18: The Bangalore to Goa Monsoon Challenge Rally organised by Mahindra and Mahindra in association with Apollo Tyres has attracted 40 entries and will be flagged off here Friday morning.

The 1,000-km rally, to be run on Time-Speed-Distance format, will make its way through Mangalore, Shimoga and Karwar before culminating in Goa Sunday.

The route will be a mix of tarmac and dirt roads, but the focus will be on the navigational skills and not so much on driving ability, said Ashwin Naik of the IMSC at a media conference here Wednesday. IMSC are organising the event for Mahindras.

After a ceremonial flag-off Thursday evening, the Rally will commence early Friday for the run to Mangalore for a night halt. On Saturday, the vehicles will proceed to Shimoga on the second leg before finishing in Goa Sunday.

With a total prize money of Rs.12 lakh on offer, this event is being held exclusively for Mahindra vehicle owners and under the aegis of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI).

Speaking on the occasion, Vivek Nayer, senior vice president for marketing, Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, said: “In keeping with our promise of providing adrenaline pumping challenges, we are pleased to unleash the second season of Monsoon Challenge 2012 under the umbrella brand of Mahindra Adventure.”

“This Challenge promises to be one of the biggest TSD rallies in terms of the prize money on offer. Such TSD rallies will leverage the changing aspirations and lifestyles of upwardly mobile Indians.”

Satish Sharma, chief, India Operations, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said: “This is our second year of association with M & M for the Monsoon Challenge. For us, this is a perfect platform to connect with the growing tribe of utility vehicle owners in India.”