Raid de Himalaya: Where has the snow gone?

Leh, Oct 11 (IANS) Raid de Himalaya has become synonymous with motorists going up against the intimidating snowclad mountains in the region. However, in a surprising turn of events this year, the sun has shone brighter and stronger than ever, leading to a mishap free rally.

Via: http://in.news.yahoo.com/raid-himalaya-where-snow-gone-142209178.html

Rana-Ashwin occupy pole position on second day

The second day of the 15th edition of Maruti Suzuki Raid-De-Himalaya proved one of the most rough in its history thus far Monday, even as eight-time champion Suresh Rana/Ashwin emerged as the fastest driver in the 76km-long single super stage event.

Rana/Ashwin recorded timing of 1.26.43 hrs. Overnight leader Amanpreet/Venu Ramesh on the other hand clocked 1.32.07 hrs.

This entails that now Suresh Rana/Ashwin has a cumulative timing of 3.13.43 hrs and are four minutes ahead of Amanpreet/Venu Ramesh who have clocked 3.17.43 hrs over two days.

While the draw is going to be tough amongst the top two, Harpreet Bawa/Virendra Kashyap managed to retain their position clocking 3.26.10 hrs but are over eight minutes behind.

In the Raid X-Treme Bikes and Moto Quad category, Bangalore lad C.S. Santosh, who is defending his title, made a strong comeback. He is now in the second place in the category with a two day cumulative timing of 3.19.04. He still has to cover a long 10 minutes of gap to truly challenge overnight leader Helmut Frauwallner.

The Austrian retains the top slot with a cumulative timing of 3.09.59 hrs while German, Stephan Rausch has clocked 3.26.00 hrs so far and retains third spot.

Earlier, both X-Treme and Adventure Trial motorsport enthusiasts undertook an iconic Himalayan Adventure by crossing the steep Rohtang Pass overnight for an early morning start from Gramphoo, the entrance to Spiti Valley.

The day had just one stage of 76.32 kms ending at Lasor in the Chandra Valley. However, it proved to be make or break day for every participant.

Himachal police team all set to Raid de Himalaya

Shimla, Oct 5 (IANS) This is one police raid that no one will resent, a Himachal Police team barging into the Raid de Himalaya as participants for the first time.

Constables Munish Mehta and Richa Sharma are competing in the Raid Adventure Trial Category and drive a Maruti Gypsy. This category follows the Time-Speed-Distance (TSD) format. There will be 62 teams in the category and each team will have a driver and a navigator.

"The rally will see a police team from Himachal for the first time. The government has done so much for this rally and its great to see an entry like this. It is also great for the locals as they can cheer their team on," Manjeev Bhalla, vice-president of Himalayan motorsport, told IANS.

Also for the first time, an all-woman Army team will compete in the Raid. Major Smitha of ASC and Captain Madhavi Singh of EME will be competing in the Adventure Trial category, driving a Maruti Gypsy.

In the many firsts, an Indian woman biker is competing in the taxing Raid X-treme (Motorcycles and Quads) category. Sheetal Bidaye of Mumbai is here to prove "what men can do women can do better".

"It is one of the most prestigious international rallies and I wanted to show that women can also do anything," she said.

The highest number of entries marks the 15th edition of the Raid the biggest ever. This year, as many as 153 teams are competing and a new scooter category has also been introduced.

Ace motorist hopes to retain 'Raid' title

Shimla, Oct 5 (IANS) Eight-time winner of Raid-de-Himalaya, one of the world's toughest off-road motor rallies, Suresh Rana and navigator Ashwin Naik, are overwhelming favourites in the four-wheeler X-treme category.

Via: http://in.news.yahoo.com/ace-motorist-hopes-retain-raid-title-083609204.html

Scooters now join Raid De Himalaya rally

Shimla, Sep 30 (IANS) The Scooter Class (Xtreme) is the new official entry at one of the top ten toughest motorsport rallies of the world - the Maruti Suzuki Raid De Himalaya.

Via: http://in.news.yahoo.com/scooters-now-join-raid-himalaya-rally-123804687.html

I still admire Armstrong, says Portuguese rider

Shimla, Sep 27 (IANS) "I still admire (ace rider) Lance Armstrong." That was first reaction of Titan desert MTB Marathon champion Luis Leao Pinto, who was here Friday to participate with another top rider Ricardo Rodrigues Martins of Portugal in one of the world's toughest mountain biking rallies to be held in Himachal Pradesh.

Via: http://in.news.yahoo.com/still-admire-armstrong-says-portuguese-rider-144803480.html

151 teams for Raid de Himalaya

New Delhi, Sep 27 (IANS) In all, 151 teams, including an all-woman crew entered by the Indian Army, will be participating in the Maruti Suzuki 15th Raid de Himalaya rally that will be flagged off from Shimla Oct 5 and conclude at Leh Oct 12.

Via: http://in.news.yahoo.com/151-teams-raid-himalaya-143606176.html

Women's power to add speed in 'Raid'

Shimla, Sep 22 (IANS) It's women's power at the highest motorsport rally of the world, the Maruti Suzuki Raid-de-Himalaya, rally organisers said Sunday.

Via: http://in.news.yahoo.com/womens-power-add-speed-raid-141005909.html

Biker Santosh to defend Raid De Himalaya title

Shimla, Sep 16 (IANS) Leading Indian biker C.S. Santosh is back to defend his title at the 15th Maruti Suzuki Raid de Himalaya to be held Oct 4-12.

Via: http://in.news.yahoo.com/biker-santosh-defend-raid-himalaya-title-120609360.html

Raid de Himalaya to race to Khardung La

Shimla, Sep 13 (IANS) Leaving the Dakar Rally behind, the Maruti Suzuki Raid de Himalaya will take on two of the highest mountain passes in the world this year - Khardung La and Wari La.

Via: http://in.news.yahoo.com/raid-himalaya-race-khardung-la-100612376.html

'Raid' gets tougher this edition

Shimla, Sep 11 (IANS) The Maruti Suzuki Raid-de-Himalaya, one of the world's toughest off-road motor rallies, will take two formidable challenges of the Himalayas this season, rally organisers said Wednesday.

Via: http://in.news.yahoo.com/raid-gets-tougher-edition-141610212.html