Manoj Ahuja is Wildernest champion

Pune, Dec 25 (UNI) Little known Manoj Ahuja, driving a Ford Mondeo, displayed his driving skills to be adjudged the overall winner by claiming the 1500cc to 2000cc class in the first ever Wildernest Sultans of Speed Autocross championship held at the picturesque mountain-top location near Sinhgadh at Khadakwasla here today.

Maharashtra Automotive Sports Association (MASA) had organized the race in which over 50 race-lovers, including five women, participated.

SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles) of the likes of a Lexus, Pajero, Mercedes M Class, Landcruiser, Prado, Terracans and cars like Lancer, Honda City, Corolla, and Skoda were the part of this competitive sport.

The distance covered was 3 kilometres on a smooth dirt-track, which was specially created to prevent the cars from any damage, as some were expensive and ranged between Rs 20 lakh to Rs 60 lakh. The autocross competition was designed for closed body SUVs to ensure the safety of the drivers.

But the most exciting part of this event, besides the stunning looks and striking colours of the rugged beauties, was the race-track which was specially created in the exotic mountain-top location of the 160 acres of Wildernest near Sinhagad. The view from this place was breathtaking, with the Sinhagad Fort visible from one side and the Khadakvasala lake from the other.

The winners were decided not just on speed, but their driving and maneuvering skills.

Following are the results: Class 1500 to 2000 cc: Manoj Ahuja (Ford Mondeo, 3:04:205) 1; Madhumad Pethe (Maruti Baleno, 3:10:035) 2; Mihir Naik (Hyundai Viva, 3:11:860) 3; Chandan Gupta (Maruti Baleno, 3:14:110) 4; Bhushan Musale (Maruti Baleno, 3:15:145) 5; Yogesh Thube (Ford Ikon, 3:16:075) 6.

Class SUV/MUV 2501 to 3500 cc: Mihir Naik (Scorpio, 3:25:820) 1; Sagar Dangat (Scorpio, 3:25:970) 2; Vikram Shedge (Scorpio, 3:31:720) 3.

Class Cars above 2001 cc: Manoj Ahuja (Ford Mondeo, 3:14:465) 1; Hemant Dabhade (Opel Astra, 3:16:145) 2.

Class SUV/MUV above 3501 cc: Aakash Devtale (Scorpio, 3:28:670) 1.

Class SUV/MUV 4X4: Amit Kulkarni (Chevrolet Forester, 3:23:860) 1; Niranjan Kirad (Hyundai Tuscan, 3:26:640) 2.

Overall Winner (Wildernest Champion): Manoj Ahuja (car - Ford Mondeo). Fastest Lady of the Day: Payal Parwani (car - Honda City).

UNI IS MAZ LS PM2113