Pune's 1st ''Wildernest Sultans of Speed'' Autocross on December 24

Pune Dec 7 (UNI) In keeping with its reputation for being a sports city, Pune will witness the maiden ''Wildnest Sultans of Speed'' Autocross on December 24 being orgnised by the Maharashtra Automotive Sports Association (MASA) at the exotic mountain top locale near Sinhagad.

The event has been conceptualised by the seasoned MASA team headed by former rally expert Dilip Desai, Shrikant Apte and Pradeep Dani, mainly with the aim to promote motorsport.

Mr Apte -- a name synonymous with both four and two-wheeler motorsports, is also a steward of the Federation Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI), the apex body controlling the sport in the country.

''Autocross'' the new concept unlike car rallies involves tremendous driving skills rather than speed with safety being the watchword, observed Mr Desai.

Briefing mediapersons here today, Mr Desai, who has three decades of expereince in the field of motorsports, said, ''The main aim behind introducing the new concept was to involve more and more people, as it is very absorbing and no risks are involved unlike the F1 or the rallies''.

''The criterion for entry is very simple-- any person with a driving license could take part irrespective of age and sex'', said Mr Desai.

''Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) of any make be it a Lexus, Pajero, Mercedes M Class, Landcruiser, Prado or Terracans or cars like Lancer, Honda City, Corolla Skoda can be part of the sport'', he said.

''The Autocross competition is designed for a close body SUVs, so as to ensure the safety of the driver'', said Mr Desai who has partnered noted industrialist Atul Kirloskar in several car rallies in the past.

''A three kilometer long route has been designed on a smooth dirt track to have more thrills and frills'', he said.

Autocross is one of the oldest motorsports in the world started by a French enthusiasts in 1894, is conducted on tarmac roads, he added.

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