Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm is back for the 14th edition

 

Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm (2)

  • First ever flexi-format to be introduced in Xplore category for maximum participation
  • Over 200 motorsport enthusiasts to compete in XTreme, NDure, Xplore and Moto categories

Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm, also known as Mini Dakar rally, is set to bring fun and excitement as it will flag off on 4th April 2016 from New Delhi.

The rally known for the extremely harsh and inhospitable conditions will pass through the sand dunes and rocky terrain of the Thar Desert of Rajasthan India. It will offer the participants a tough off-roading experience and a fiesta to the local community.

Maruti Suzuki’s Desert Storm would be held in four categories – XTreme, NDure, Xplore & Moto and will be the ultimate endurance test of man and machine to the limit. Over 200 participants are set to take up this challenge across categories. The six-day extreme event will cover over 2000 kms starting from New Delhi traversing through Hanumangarh, Bikaner, Jaisalmer to conclude in Jodhpur on April 10, 2016.

In accordance with their constant efforts to add new innovations to the signature rallies, Maruti Suzuki will introduce part-participation/flexi-format in the Xplore category of Desert Storm. The Xplore category will run in two parts, and one can participate either for all 6 days or opt for a shorter duration (initial 3 days or last 3 days) . The objective is to encourage the participants who find it challenging to participate across all six days. Also, following some great response received in the previous edition, the concept of “night stage” has been sustained for over 160 kms in the rally.

Announcing the 14th edition of Desert Storm, Mr. Vinay Pant, General Manager, Marketing, , Maruti Suzuki India said, “With a focus on strengthening the connect with the youth of India, Maruti Suzuki keeps the thrill and adventure alive in participants and audience through pioneering motorsport rallies. We have always strived to promote motorsport in India. Through the rallies our participants get to explore their talent in off-roading while abiding to the safe driving philosophy. Over the years Maruti Suzuki rallies are considered to be at par with international standards; and by introducing new concepts like part-participation/flexi-format in Desert Storm, we are adding innovation and aim to reach out to a wider audience.”

Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm Rally – Schedule:

Date Leg Event Night Halt
2-3 April, 2016 Scrutiny Great India Place, Noida
3rd April, 2016 Ceremonial Flag off  Great India Place, Noida
4th April,2016 1 Hanumangarh to Bikaner Bikaner
5th April, 2016 2 Bikaner to Jaisalmer Jaisalmer
6-8 April, 2016 3-4 Jaisalmer Jaisalmer
9th April, 2016 5 Jodhpur Jodhpur
10th April, 2016 Prize Distribution Jodhpur

Maruti Suzuki & Motorsports: Maruti Suzuki has been actively promoting motorsports in the country for over 15 years now. To popularize action sport, the Maruti Suzuki motorsport calendar is packed with exciting motoring events. Be it for a motorsport enthusiast, an amateur or a professional, there are events that offer the thrill and joy of motorsport to one and all. The annual calendar of events includes Autocross, Treasure Hunt and professional rallies including Maruti Suzuki Raid-De-Himalaya, Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm and Maruti Suzuki Dakshin Dare. Recently Maruti Suzuki has added the National Rally Championship to its motorsport calendar making it even more exciting. These events provide rallying thrills as well as promote safe driving habits.