Kicking dust will take a literal meaning this month, as the latest edition of the Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm will be flagged off from New Delhi on February 23, 2015. More than 130 participants have already registered for this grueling event to be held in various categories. A six day long storm that will cover over 2300 kms, starting from New Delhi traversing through Sardarshahar, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, finally concluding at Jaipur on March 1, 2015.
To be held in three long-standing categories — XTreme, NDure XPlore and Moto Quad, this desert storm will sweep through undulating terrains comprising of shifting sand dunes, dried up lake beds and routes that can be challenging even to the best of navigators in the world. Interestingly, this year’s event is touted be the toughest as compared to all previous years, as for the first time in India, and in the history of Desert Storm, a 150km long night stage is being organized. After the flag off in New Delhi, the participants will move to Sardarshahar where the 150 kms long first leg begins at midnight. Often called Mini Dakar – the competition will comprise of competitive five-legs criss-crossing the Thar desert.
Defending champion and Dakar rally participant, CS Santosh will be aiming for the title this year as well, representing Team Suzuki. Adding some more twist to the storm will be the women rallyists – also known as – ‘Coup de Damas’. This year close to 20 women participants will be seen contesting in the Desert Storm rally.
Announcing the 13th edition of Desert Storm, Mr. Mahohar Bhat, Vice President, Marketing, Maruti Suzuki India said, “Maruti Suzuki has been at the forefront of extreme motorsports in India. An extreme endurance event of marathon proportions, Desert Storm is one of India’s most gruelling rallies. Motorsport rallies bring out the best in man and machine and we are looking forward to exceedingly exciting times ahead.”