
To
experience that rush of blood and the pump of the adrenalin, get behind a
wheel.
For those interested, India is a major venue on the
international rally circuit, with quite a few rallies now established as
annual events, attracting not only national level participation but also
from the international level.
The terrain that India provides
-from the deserts to the beaches, to the mountains -tests not only the
skills of the rallyists but also their mettle.
One of the more
well known rallies, till about a few years back, was the Himalayan car
rally, which has since been discontinued.
Of recent origin are
the vintage car rallies in which some very rare, collector cars are not only
displayed but also run in the rally.
If you're lucky, you might
just spot a 1935 Jaguar convertible'or even an 1898 Humbrette.
With a terrain that shifts from hill roads to forest tracks, desert trails
to beach routes, India tests the mettle of both man and machine in motor
rallies. Several championship rallies are held in India every year.
Picturesque vintage car rallies are also held in some of the metros like
Kolkata's Annual Statesman Vintage Car Rally. One of the most challenging
Motor rallies is the Himalayan Car rally.
The
Beginning Motor racing activities first started in
the post independence period as many of the World War II airstrips in
different parts of the country were left deserted and enthusiasts took
advantage of this to pursue this sport. One such airstrip was at Sholavaram,
near Chennai. Soon, racing caught on in other parts of the country too. In
time, the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) became the
governing body of this sport. Rallying - the mission to test man &
machine against Indian terrain also rose to become a popular sport. National
Championships were instituted and winners became cult figures.
Moving ahead Rallies were
shortened to 750 kilometeres as long as they were part of the National
championship and that made competition very tight. Team MRF, Team JK, Team
JCT and Team Paarel are the only four teams in India today. Car and bike
enthusiasts yearning for more adventure started setting off to cross country
expeditions. Presently, motor sport includes activities like autocross,
motocross, drag racing, motor gymkhana, treasure hunts and precise family
rallies. Thanks to a deal between the West Bengal State Government and Grand
Prix India Private Limited, a world class Formula One Racetrack with all the
attendant features, facilities and infrastructure has been set up. Indian
Narain Kartikeyan has already made a name for himself in the high-speed
world of motor racing. But some applause must go to the sponsors who have
supported him in his endeavor: J.K Tyres, Ford Motors, UB Group and the
rest.
Indian Motor racing is roughly 50 years old and rallying
30 years. Though motor sport started with circuit racing in India, the fact
today remains that racing has hardly progressed within the country.
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