2017 Maruti Suzuki Raid De Himalaya: Update so far

The 19th edition of Maruti Suzuki Raid De Himalaya, which was flagged off from Manali on October 7, has covered a lot of ground already. So far, the participants have covered the crucial leg 1 and leg 2 and are now headed towards Leh. 

Following the scrutiny and the ceremonial flag-off in Manali, the X-treme category participants took on leg 1 which includes the daunting Gramphoo – Losar stage. The wide list of ADV-style motorcycles took off first, followed by the 4x4s. On the second day, the drill was a repeat of the Losar – Gramphoo stage albeit in reverse direction. The follow-up Sarchu – Nakee La tarmac stage was called off, which meant participants had to end the stage at the Army Camp in Pang. 

The next leg of the Raid saw participants going all out on the Pang – Leh stage which was mostly dusty. Debring to Daat and back formed the two stages that ensured high speed runs on a rapidly progressing road. The nearly 100-km long stage proved to be too daunting and quite a few participants failed to finish, while some were forced to retire over mechanical setbacks. 

Given the fact that it’s held across some of the highest and naturally, the remotest of roads, the Raid De Himalaya has proved to be treacherous even for veteran drivers and riders. Having said that, it’s 10-times Raid winner Suresh Rana, who is presently leading the X-treme Cars class. The ace driver is dogged on his heels by Harpreet Singh Bawa and Sanjay Razdan running second and third respectively. 

We are expecting the full results and the official list of running participants soon. So, stay tuned as the Raid takes on the next two stages on the Leh – Kargil leg.