With the aim of conducting motor sporting events in the Himalayan regions of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Uttarakhand, Maruti Suzuki organizes the Raid-de-Himalaya event. It runs in compliance with the International Sporting Code of the Federation Internationale Automobile (FIA), National Competition Rules (NCR) & General Prescriptions of the FMSCI. This year, the 18th edition of the event will be kick started from 8th October from Manali.
As the countdown has already begun, Maruti Suzuki says that the stakes run even higher this time as the rally runs on new roads this year! No amount of preparation can seem enough, no grit and endurance questioned, no mountain appears less daunting, the mecca of rallying in Asia sends even the unshakeable souls stirring with its extremes of the highest altitude of 17500 ft and temperatures as low as -15 c.
The first stop of the raid will be the capital of Spiti – Kaza, situated at an altitude of 12,500 feet on an eroded floodplain. Next will be Sarchu, on the Leh-Manali Highway, then back to Manali through picturesque Leh. Over the course of 7 days the event will cover approximately 2000 kms.
Maruti Suzuki’s all-new compact SUV, the Vitara Brezza, will be making its debut appearance at the rally this year. The Raid de Himalayas is a test of mental endurance and physical fitness that will see a battle of hostile proportions with participants dodging tough terrains and inclement weather as the race culminates in Manali on 15th October for the grand prize distribution.