Last date to register as competitor for Mahindra Adventure Rally of Maharashtra was 5th June 2014. Till date only 20 competitors have entered in the event. While rounds in Southern parts witness grid of 35 – 40 cars, country’s Best Organized event gets only half of it. Changes in FMSCI Regulations may also be reason behind less no. of entries.
The silver lining to the motorsports scene in Maharashtra is there are 5 competitors from Maharashtra in Mahindra Adventure Rally of Maharashtra. One is from WISA’s own city, Nashik. A cousin duo, Parag and Aditya Dhiwar, has entered in 1600 Cup category. Aditya is from Nashik. While Parag has previously entered in Malasian and Bangkok motorsports events, Aditya is a novice. First time he has decided to enter in his Home town. Definitely all Nashikites will support him and cheer for him.
2014 also witnesses Woman Empowerment in Indian Rally Championship scene in the country. 3 females are entering in Mahindra Adventure rally. The youngest competitor Harshita Gowda from Bengluru, is entering in 1600 CC category with Maruti Baleno. When WISA officials contacted her and enquired about her preparations, she was very much confident. As Nashik rally is the only tarmac event, she said, “My Tuner is making special arrangements for tarmac route. I am not conversant with these type of routes. Only driven once in last year SSS at Coimbtore event. But I am sure to clock good timing.” Harshita has participated in 2 rounds of INRC in 2013 immediately after becoming 18 in September. She is second year Hotel Management student. Presently very busy in training. Let us see her performance in Nashik. Her co-driver is more experience than her. He has entered in few events before.
There is one more all ladies team, Garima Awatar and Sukhbans Mann. They are also entering for the first time in IRC. The ladies pair will compete in the same category of 1600 CC with Harshita. Nashikites will have fun to watch the fairer sex competitors battling each other.