Desert Storm 2011 flagged off in Ahmedabad, headed towards Rann

India’s one of the toughest adventure motosports events Desert Storm 2011 kicked off today morning at Ahmedabad’s Grand Cambay hotel. This is 9th edition of Desert Storm and it is for the first time that it is starting from Ahmedabad. Gujarat Tourism minister Jaynarayan Vyas flagged off the rally. Total 130 four-wheelers and 18 two-wheelers and quad-bikes participated in the event. There are total 280 participants taking part in this 3500 kms journey. While seven participants are women, there are 12 participants from Gujarat. Teams of Indian Air Force, Indian Army, Tata group are also participating in this event.

The rally will cross the Great Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, the deserts of Thar in Rajasthan and finally the Aravali ranges – thus making it a unique multi terrain driving adventure. The rally will end in Delhi.

In Gujarat it is passing through Viramgam, Samkhiyali, Bhachau, Bhuj and Dhordo. In Dhordo camp, the rally will halt for a brief time. There will be a loop route from Dhordo to Dhordo via Hajipir, after which the rally will proceed further towards Rajasthan.

The rally spanning 6 days has 9 ‘high-speed’ competitive sections with interesting names like Twilight Rann, Great Rann, Rann Deja vu, Mad Max, Big Max, Thar Xpress, Twister Redux and Sting. The rally split into three categories – Xtreme, Xplore and Ndure.

Participating fees range from Rs. 40,000 to 70,000 per participating team. This covers stay and food.

Overall there are 250 vehicles including controlling vehicles, technician, media, medical team.

Each vehicle is tracked by GPS. Suppose if one vehicle is late, the control room in Delhi would immediately call the persons in that car and inquire whether they need any help.

Those who delay during the course of the rally will be able to rejoin the rally by paying penalty.

The rally began in Ahmedabad in festive mood with cheer girls dancing, and decoration of hundreds of balloons.