Suzuki Desert Storm car rally flagged off

New Delhi, Feb 18 (ANI): Seventh edition of Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm rally, one of India's toughest motor-sport events, was flagged off here on Tuesday.

The six-day rally, which has many firsts to its credit, will traverse approximately 2,600 kilometres through the interiors of Rajasthan and along the Gujarat coastline before culminating at Udaipur.

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The route will take 170 rallyists through competitive and transport sections.

This is for the first time an Indian rally will be conducted at night and the second to take them cross the semi- dry riverbeds on the Aravallis. It will also sprint across the west and dry sand along the Gujarat coastline.

"This year, for the first time in Indian motor sport history, we will run on the beach. On a sea beach any competitor might have rarely driven. It will offer different types of challenges," said Jayesh Desai, president, northern motorsport, one of the organisers.

The desert storm participants include doctors, engineers, business and homemakers across age groups from different parts of India. The Indian Army will also be participating with its teams to experience the formidable Thar Desert, the rocky and uncertain Aravalli, and the slippery and white sands of the Rann of Kutch

"For the five days, it's going to be just out of this world. It's a totally different experience, which cannot be described in words. Its like 'Nirvana' and attaining 'Moksh' (salvation) which will be a totally different experience altogether," said Manish, a participant.

The rally will run a mix of around 12 special stages to test the participants' driving skills under various conditions. (ANI)