Mysore:
Hundreds of bike and car enthusiasts on Sunday morning flocked to Roost Hotel off in Mysore-Hunsur Road to witness Rally de Mysore, a time speed-and-distance (TSD) motorsport rally.
SP R Dileep flagged off the rally, organized by Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club (KSCS), amid fanfare, excitement and, of course, revving engines. Fifty-four teams on 40 cars and 14 motorbikes took part in the TSD rally spread over 10 hours. The 140-km rally covered Bilikere, KR Nagar and other places on the outskirts of Mysore. Besides 15 teams from Mysore, there were those from Coimbatore, Erode, and Bangalore too.
The revving of engines an hour before the commencement of the rally set the mood, while the spectators enjoyed watching customized cars, jeeps and bikes warming up for the big day. Each team had a rider/ driver and a navigator.
Speaking about the rally, organizer B Rathan Ponnappa said it comprised three classes in four-wheeler category — professional and novice classes and general category in bike class. “It’s a first-of-its kind of rally aimed at providing a platform for amateur racing youths,” he added.
Twenty-year-old S S B Arjun, who took part in the bike category, was all charged up for Rally de Mysore in the wee hours itself. He has participated in five rallies elsewhere, but was thrilled to take part in the first-ever rally of Mysore. “The roads and landscapes on the city’s outskirts are perfect for rally,” he opined.
Another participant, A Nagarjun, said the craze for wheels in on the rise among the city’s youths.
“This is an opportunity to test their capabilities, skills and to learn from noted racers. Instead of doing wheeling and speeding on public roads, race enthusiasts should participate in such events,” said the 23-year-old final year engineering student. Noted racers Satish Gopal Krishnan, Karthik Maruthi, Johnson and others took part in the rally.
Lohith Urs, international rally expert and in charge of the event, said TSD is a type of motor rally usually conducted on public roads, but at times, the track includes off-road too. “The main aspect of TSD rallies is to maintain precise time, average speeds on various segments on pre-defined rally route,” he said, adding: “Mysore is a hub for racers and rally buffs. This kind of rallies nurtures the basic skills of young aspirants.”
“TSD rally is not about speed, but it’s about timing, so navigator plays a vital role in this rally,” said Urs.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> City> Mysore / by Pavan M.V. / TNN / April 02nd, 2012
