Raid-de-Himalaya from Sep 30-Oct 7

New Delhi, Sep 20 (UNI) With a doubled prize money dangled and some less-travelled, exotic spots enticing the adventurous streak in them, 100 motorsports enthusiasts will burn the rubber when the eighth Maruti Suzuki Raid-de-Himalaya kicks off from Shimla on September 30.

Rallyists will cover 300 kms of rugged route every day, passing through some areas where the mercury dips to minus 20 degree celcius and the 2139km route would include six of world's highest montain passes at over 5500m before it culminates at Manali on October 7.

''This is seen as the largest eco-tourism drive in the valley and for the first time, the rally would pass along Pangong Tso, a huge waterbody on the Indo-China border,'' Vija Parmer of Himalayan Motorsports told reporters here today.

''Despite requests from Jammu and Kashmir Government, we could not host the closing ceremony at Srinagar and instead Manali was chosen as the culmination point to celebrate the birth centenary of Dr S Parmar, the founder of Himachal Pradesh,'' he added.

Maruti's Chief General Manager (Marketing) Mayank Pareek said the rally would see 30 competitors in the X-treme (professional) section, 34 in Reliability (amateur) and 36 in the two-wheeler category.

''Maruti has been providing vehicle for all the budding talents and this edition of the Raid-de-Himalaya is another effort to make motorsport accessible and affordable to the common people,'' he said.

The organisers said every safety measure has been taken to ensure the rally goes off without any glitch.

''Better evacuation facility, detailed roadbook made available to the drivers well in advance, tie-up with a hospital in Mohali, best damage control facility - we have not left any stone unturned to ensure it remains a safe rally,'' Mr Parmar added.

UNI AY PM KP1440