The Hindu : Car rally with a difference

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Oct 21, 2002

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Other States - New Delhi

Car rally with a difference

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI OCT. 20. For a motor sports addict the fling with a car is an enduring romance which lasts a lifetime. And for those who share a passion for the track, no excuse is too little to get together with like minded mates.

Providing the perfect pastime on an ideal Sunday, the Capital's motorists got together this weekend for a special event. And for a change, it was for the entire family. The occasion was the second "Time, Distance and Speed'' Family Car Rally held annually. Unlike other rallyies, the event was open to all cars with emphasis on maintaining an optimal speed instead of burning the roads.

Run on the international time, distance and speed (TDS) pattern, this navigational rally was all about precision driving. Each participant was given a guiding route map with a tulip card -- mentioning the speed to be maintained, the time to be followed and the distance to be covered -- which they had to get stamped at surprise check points set up across the route.

A motor sports event for amateurs, the family car rally was flagged off by the Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit from Hotel Ashoka in the presence of Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh. Traversing a total distance of 60 kilometres the cars had to reach Hotel Hill View in Surajkund in four hours.

Picturesque and scenic locations along the drive notwithstanding the drivers had to stay focussed. The distance between one checkpoint and the next had be covered within a specified time with arrival at check points before or after the specified time fetching penalty points.

Organised by Rashi Entertainment in association with Women's Era to commemorate its third anniversary, the rally also tested the driving abilities of participants as they had to pass over public roads and highways observing all traffic rules and regulation while maintaining the average speed within the specified speed limit.

Three participants were allowed in each car with a mandatory provision of both driver and navigator being majors.

The winner walked away with jewellery worth Rs. 35,000 and a free stay at the Hotel Hill View. Prizes were also given in innovative categories like the best lady driver and best decorated car.

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