Sikkim and Darjeeling to host Himalayan Drive 2013

New Delhi, March 22: With a mission to promote motor sport across the length and breadth of the country, JK Tyre has associated itself with the very first Time-Speed-Distance (TSD) Rally in the Sikkim region – the Himalayan Drive. The rally will cover the regions of Sikkim, West Bengal, Darjeeling hills and the pristine Eastern Himalayas.

The Himalayan Drive is the first ever motor sport event organised in the Eastern Himalayan region by Just Sportz Management Pvt. Ltd, with joint support by the Government of Sikkim, West Bengal and GTA. The event has attracted more than 50 drivers and navigators from Kolkata, Siliguri, North Bengal, Darjeeling and Gangtok. The 400 km long rally will traverse through the beautiful lush green landscapes of West Bengal and the mountainous terrains of Sikkim & Darjeeling Hills, including tea gardens, forests of exotic flora and fauna as well as the majestic Tista River.

While the hilly terrains of the region will provide the required action and excitement to the participants and raise the level of competitiveness, the locations en route will be a visual delight, like the panoramic views of the snow-capped Eastern Himalayas including the majestic Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world, and take them through different hill tribes including the Nepali, Bhutias, Lepchas and others, offering insights into the unique culture, food and lifestyle of the region.

Mr. Sanjay Sharma, Head – Motor sport, JK Tyre & Industries Limited said, “We are delighted to be associated with The Himalayan Drive, which is a first of its kind endeavour in this part of India. This heralds a new milestone in the promotion of motor sport in the Sikkim, Darjeeling and North Bengal region. We have already made a mark in Bhutan through our Indo-Bhutan Car Rally. Motor sport enthusiasts can look forward to a grand feast of thrilling action and adventure in West Bengal, Sikkim and Darjeeling hill areas, which promises some challenging terrain and breathtaking beauty, all in the beautiful backdrop of the mighty Eastern Himalayas.”

Mr. Tamal Ghosal, Director of Just Sportz Management Pvt. Ltd. and Clerk of the Course (COC) of The Himalayan Drive said, “The Eastern Himalayas has great potential for adventure sports and a TSD rally is the first step to unleash the great potential of motor sports in the region. With the able support of the enthusiastic Governments of West Bengal, Sikkim & GTA, we hope to create an iconic cross country motor sports event which will rival the best in the world.”

The rally route is for the most part on hill roads that are as high as 9500 feet above sea level. Day 1 of the rally will see the drivers covering a distance of 120 km from Siliguri to Gangtok after the flag-off. On March 23, which will be Day 2 of the rally, drivers will cover 185 km from Gangtok to Darjeeling, while on March 24; the cars will head back to Siliguri, covering 110 km.

The rally will culminate in Siliguri on March 24, 2013 where the winners will be announced at a prize distribution ceremony scheduled at the City Centre at 7pm.

TSD rallying (Time Speed Distance) is a form of motor sport usually conducted on public roads (following Traffic Rules) but sometimes including off-road and track sections. The objective of these rallies is to maintain precise times and precise average speeds on various segments of a predefined route. Each team usually consists of a rider/driver and navigator. In a Time-Speed-Distance Format, the route instructions, in addition to instructions to keep a team on course also gives assigned speeds. This is where a common man can get his personal road car with basic safety equipments as provided by manufacturer to participate and experience the thrill of motor rallying.