The desert awaits. Desert Dash, India’s only “upscale rally event”, takes off on 28 November, when premium SUVs and sedans participate in a time-speed-distance event that believes the journey is really the destination. Starting from Delhi, the route lies through lightly travelled terrain and breathtaking
landscapes to Kuchaman Fort, Bikaner and Khimsar before winding up at Amanbagh in the Aravalli hills. Anyone can apply to participate (with a 4-wheel drive or 2WD, with a separate group for 2WD sedans and SUVs), but acceptance is discretionary. The rules of the game insist that you drive a specific distance at a certain speed and be scored on your performance. And yes, there are prizes at the end of the rally.
Cougar Motorsports, the organizers, comprises a bunch of enthusiastic and experienced rallyists who have the logistics of the event down pat, from accommodation in the best luxury hotels (the Aman, Khimsar Fort, Laxmi Niwas Palace), to an accompanying ambulance, monitoring officials with radio support, and all licences and insurance covers. Participating fees add up to Rs1.5 lakh per vehicle for a crew of two, inclusive of all boarding, lodging and back-up support.
To sign up, call Ashish Gupta on +91-9810187776 or Gautam Gode on +91-9818386838. The last date for entries is 20 November.