2017 Raid De Himalaya, India’s toughest race, kicks off

The Raid De Himalaya, regarded as one of the toughest motorsport events in India, has kicked off from Manali, Himachal Pradesh. Now, in course of its first stage, the Raid will conquer the treacherous mountain terrain of over 1,850 km in just seven days, testing every competitor to their limits.

With 110 teams participating this year, the Maruti Suzuki Raid De Himalaya will be fought at the altitude of 17,500 feet with temperatures falling to as low as -15 degrees Centigrade. Traversing through Kaza, Sarchu, Pang, Leh, Kargil and Pensi La, the participants will battle in three categories – X-Treme cars, X-Treme Bikes and Adventure.

The X-Treme category gets a mix of special and transport stages where the overall fastest in the special stages gets the top honours. The Adventure Category runs in the time-speed-distance format for the participants who want to experience the thrill of racing, but do not want to go X-Treme.

Nine-time Raid Champion and Team Maruti Suzuki driver, Suresh Rana, will fight to defend his title once again in his specially prepared Suzuki Grand Vitara. This year, the Raid will see six women teams battle it out while the Indian Army has entered eight teams across categories.

Raid De Himalaya adheres to international standards prescribed by the FIA and will be held under the strict scrutiny of the FMSCI, maintaining safety as their primary focus. Stay tuned to Carwale as our colleague, Sagar, drives through the Raid to bring all the action to you.