R. S. Kalsi, Executive Director, Marketing and Sales, Maruti Suzuki India, hands over the trophy to to Ultimate Cars category winner Sandeep Sharma, left, and his navigator and Karan Arya in Hyderabad on Saturday.Hyderabad: Traversing 2,000 km of arid, undulating terrains, the seventh edition of Maruti Suzuki Dakshin Dare 2015 culminated in a grand finale in Hyderabad on Saturday with Sandeep Sharma and Karan Arya winning in the Ultimate Cars category and Arvind K.P. claiming honours in Extreme Bikes section.
In the five-day event, which was flagged off from Bangalore last Sunday, the convoy covered the tough off-roads of Humpi, Bellary and Shimoga. The uneasy alliance of all formidable routes between Bangalore and Hyderabad was challenged by the racers who solely depended on their technique, skill and luck to seal their place.
While the familiarity with the rugged terrain of Siruguppa must have come in advantage of the motorists on the final day, the route riddled with gravel traps, tricky turns and mud slots troubled many. The competitors covered a total distance of around 450 km on the last day.
The top slot was grabbed by Sandeep and Karan who completed the leg in 4:31:31. The second spot was taken by Samrat Yadav and his navigator Gaurav, followed by Suresh Rana and Parminder Thakur.
On retaining the title, Sandeep said,“We are thrilled to have won Dakshin Dare this year too, especially representing Team Maruti. After pushing ourselves to be on the top throughout the rally and ensuring our car performs well, we feel that our hard work and dedication has paid off. Look forward to more rallying in the coming year and participating in the next edition of Dakshin Dare.”
In the Ultimate Bikes category, Arvind came first finishing the rally with a record-breaking time of 3:54:51. Natraj and Abdul Wahid stood second and third, covering the given distance in 4:00:10 and 4:14:15, respectively.
Den Thimmaiah, winner of Autocross 2015, stood fifth in his first cross country rally along with his navigator Venu Ramesh in their Maruti Suzuki Swift.
The women rallyists, including Bani Yadav along with navigator Sukhbann Manns and Harshita Gowda with Rajshekhar Gowda managed to complete the Ultimate Cars event even though they witnessed great challenges throughout the rally.
In the Endurance category, Jagdeep Gill and Chandan Sen grabbed the first position by making it to the finishing line with the least amount of penalty. Subir Roy and Nirav Mehta followed suit at second position and Asgar Ali stood third along with his navigator M. Musthafa. Minaxi Purohith along with her navigator Sagar M. managed to take the fifth position.
This year, nine teams in Dakshin Dare were sponsored by Maruti Suzuki along with eight teams consisting of Maruti Suzuki employees. This year’s edition also included teams with corporates.
Speaking on the successful completion of the rally R.S. Kalsi, Executive Director, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd., said, “Dakshin Dare as a rally is extremely close to our hearts. It is overwhelming to see increasing participation every passing year from rally lovers across the country – be it professional rallyists, motoring enthusiasts and even corporates.
“The spirit of motorsport is unparalleled and we are thrilled to be pioneering the same. We are happy to see Maruti Suzuki teams performing so well, bearing testimony to the fact our vehicles are capable of reigning over all terrains. With every edition, we work towards bettering the experience for motorsport enthusiasts through Dakshin Dare by offering newer routes and tougher competition. Next year too we will introduce greater experiences for motorsport enthusiasts.”
Final results: Ultimate Cars: Sandeep Sharma and Karan Arya (Team Maruti) 4:31:31; Samrat Yadav and Gaurav 4:39:59; Suresh Rana and Parminder Thakur 4:41:25.
Ultimate Bikes: Arvind K.P. 3:54:51; Natraj 4:00:10; Abdul Wahid 4:14:15.
Endurance Cars (TSD): Jagdeep Gill and Chandan Sen came first with penalty of 6 minutes; Subir Roy and Nirav Mehta second with a penalty of 6 minutes and 2 seconds; Asgar Ali and Musthafa third with a penalty of 6 minutes 4 seconds.
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