Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M Ltd.), India’s leading SUV manufacturer, today concluded its Spice Challenge 2013, which was conducted in association with JK Tyres, in Cochin. Billed as one of India’s most scenic and competitive TSD (time, speed, distance) rallies, the Spice Challenge 2013 rally saw more than 40 vehicles from the Mahindra stable.
The Spice Challenge 2013 started from Poovar. Day 1 saw the rally make its way from the estuary of Poovar to the backwaters of Alleppy with the rain making the drive even more challenging. As the day finished, stiff competition emerged between Karthick Maruthi and Sankar Anand (co-driver), closely followed by Subir Roy and Mustafa (co-driver). After a relaxed night on the houseboats, the teams were all set for day 2. This leg of nearly 300km ran between Alleppy to Cochin via the misty and rainy green tea estates of Vagamon. Finally, the rally ended with Karthick Maruthi and Sankar Anand holding on to their lead and winning the Overall as well as the SUV Open category. The duo of Subir Roy and Mustafa took second place overall and Ganesh Moorthy and T Nagarajan bagged third overall.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vivek Nayer, Chief Marketing Officer, Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. said, “In keeping with our promise of providing adrenaline pumping challenges, we are pleased to conclude the third season of Mahindra Adventure Spice Challenge 2013 in association with JK Tyres. Known as one of the most scenic and competitive TSD rallies, the convoy passed through the spice gardens of India while celebrating the essence of Incredible India in God’s Own Country. Besides being a platform for budding rally enthusiasts, this rally also gave the participants the experience to travel to exotic places which only few other rallies in India can match up to.”
According to Mr. Vikram Malhotra, Vice President, Marketing & Sales, JK Tyre & Industries Limited, “We are happy to be associated with the Spice Challenge presented by Mahindra Adventure. We have a long association with Mahindra, having partnered with them in several breakthrough events in the past. And I am glad that the Mahindra Adventure Spice Challenge 2013 turned out to be an adrenaline pumping and fun experience.”
Apart from the regular Car Open, Car OE, SUV Open and SUV OE category, the rally also had other interesting categories like the Corporate category, Couples category, Amateur category, etc. En route, the participants navigated through highways, B roads and stretches of rough road, while enjoying the magnificent monsoons and spice gardens in the backdrop. The participants also got to experience God’s own country while they stayed at mesmerizing island resorts and on authentic houseboats.
With total prize money of Rs 5 lakh on offer, the Spice Challenge 2013 is one of India’s richest TSD rallies specially organised for Mahindra owners. This event was also duly approved by the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI).