Western India Sports Association organized, Mahindra Adventure Rally of Maharashtra 2015 started with the bang here at 6 pm by the hands of Commissioner of Police Mr. Jagannathan. The grand ceremony was held in the premises of Nashik City Centre Mall, city’s biggest gathering place.
Today the Mall was overflowing with Automobile worldly activities. Early afternoon witnessed the spectacular exhibition of Harley-Davidson bikes in the main atrium of the Mall. About a dozen of these extravagance of machine were parked at the venue. Nashikites visiting the Mall for their daily chores were amazed to see those bikes. Normally one gets to see these types only in movies. Here anyone was permitted to have a selfie with that. See it from very close. Huge young crowd even girls were gathered all around.
In late afternoon, press conference was held at the Mall. This press conference was attended by winners of Indian Rally Championship 2014 in all categories as Overall – Gaurav Gill & Musa Sherif, 2000 CC – Rahul Kantharaj & Vivek Bhat, 1600 CC – Arjun Rao Aroor & Satish Rajgopal, 1600 CC Cup – Adith K C & Harish K N. Along with these champions, was pair of Aniruddha Ranganekar and Aditya Dhiwar. Aditya is the only localite entering Mahindra Adventure Rally of Maharashtra. Of course the main attraction was Gaurav Gill, defending National Champion and 2013 APRC Champion. He was asked many questions regarding his motorsports career. Recently he had been nominated for Arjun Award. The decision is not yet made. But being the first Motorsports personality to get such nomination is really great achievement. As usual Gaurav was very confident yet polite in his answers.
During the flag off ceremony, all sponsors were present. Mr. Bijoykumar, Chief, Mahindra Adventure, was asked few questions. Mahindra Adventure is associated with WISA since 4 years. They have extended their support this year too as Title Sponsor. They have started Off-Road training academy in Igatpuri which is one of its own kind in the country.
Hotel Gateway, WISA’s partner for last 15 years, the only 5 star grade hotel in the city. They are with us continuously for all our National events.
Sula has made Nasik as Wine capital of India. They have made their Brand and of course the city as well. Today even the foreigners recognise Nashik as Sula city.
RED FM, 93.5 , are the favourite of Nashik youth. They are always bajate raho about WISA’s activities.
Nashik’s most happening place, Nashik City Centre Mall have offered their support as venue sponsor for this year too.
Team Autocar, the leading Automobile magazine are also supporting this event in various ways. They are making film about this rally and magazine is covering too.
Everyone was in jovial mood during ceremony. Whole squad of National Competitors was taken for parade from College road and Gangapur road and back to City Centre. The parade was led by the Magnificent Harley Davidson group. It was really a feast to watch the cream of Motorsports fraternity on road.
The impressive tour ended at City Centre again. Many of the Navigators were requested to wait and various dignitaries, winners of Facebook contest were given opportunity to sit in the Rally car and take the tour with the drivers. The youngsters were thrilled for this chance.
Tomorrow on Friday, the real action will start near Bhandardara. Those want to witness the fast cars, may start from Nashik at 6 am. Go towards Bhandardara. Take left for Manhere at last junction of Bhandardara. First stage starts here. Or travel towards Bhandardara. Go towards Kalsubai Mata Mandir. Take the road which travels toward Bhavali Dam. Third stage runs here. Third option is Travel to Taked village. Very famous religious place. From Taked, climb up the Mhaiswalan Ghat. After going to top, on left hand side one sees lots of huge windmills. That is the Windmill stage.
Enjoy the action in the valley of Sahyadri. Be safe and take care.
Please co-operate with WISA officials and Police to keep everyone safe in the event.