Adventure & Wildlife Magazine - Vol 1|Issue 5-6| Nov 16 - Jan 17 Vol 2 | Issue 1 | Mar - May 2017 | Page 30

ADVENTURE & WILDLIFE
THE DESERT STORM
Sanjay Razdan
W
ay back in 2003, Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm
put its first step into the undulating dunes of
Thar Desert in Rajasthan. The race back then consisted
of Xtreme format, where man and machine were tested
to limits and one had to cover the stages in fastest time.
Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm continues to be the
longest cross country rally in India and the toughest
in the desert as competitors battle extreme weather
conditions, navigation takes a key role owing to the
terrain. The 7 day long rally covers picturesque
untouched dunes and dhanis (traditional villages of
Rajasthan).
Each year it sees over 100 participants from Indian Army,
Maruti Team, and many from all across the country
congregate to take part in the battleground of desert.
Since its inception Desert Storm has been an event to
look for as the rally traverses from Bikaner, Jodhpur,
Jaisalmer for over 2500 km in a period of 7 days.
Desert Storm 2017:The 2016 edition saw international
participation with a team from Austria taking part
in Moto category (bikes). Suresh Rana from Team
Maruti and CS Santosh , the fastest Indian and Dakar
participant won in Moto category.
The Rally started from Noida with the 390 kms
Organizers :Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm is organized transport section to Hanumangarh in Rajasthan on 29th
by country’s premier motorsport club, Northern January.
Motorsport who are also behind the famous
Maruti Suzuki Autocross and the India Baja (qualifier to
Dakar 2018). The team leaves no stone unturned to
make Desert Storm an unforgettable experience. The
tracks are prepared months in advance after rigorous
rounds of recce. The location of stages combined with
the format of race, makes it a treat to watch.
Desert Storm has unmatched patronage in the country
and has produced some excellent rallyists over the years.
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Vol 2|Issue 1|Mar - May 2017