Mumbai: Gulf Oil Lubricants India Limited (GOLIL), a Hinduja Group Company, is hosting the 27th edition of the Gulf Monsoon Scooter Rally on July 10, 2016, in association with Sportscraft.

“The Gulf Monsoon Scooter Rally personifies the spirit of endurance, a core value which Gulf Oil proudly embodies. Gulf Oil has a rich legacy of association with motorsports globally. In a country where scooter sales are growing at over 12% Year-on-Year, our leading association with the rally highlights the strength of our high quality products with superior benefits for the consumer, ranging from long drain interval to instant pick up”, says Mr. Ravi Chawla, Managing Director, Gulf Oil Lubricants India Ltd.

A one-of-its-kind rally in the country, over 40 riders are expected to participate in the event. Leading the challenge is defending champion Shamim Khan of Mahindra & Mahindra Team. Mr. Khan, a resident of Nashik, is a four-time winner of the rally. Although a favorite, he would have to defend his title against some stiff competition from the likes of Manjeet Singh Basan, Muzzafar Ali and Aavtar Singh among others.

Also in contention are Pinkesh Thakkar of Ceat Team from Pune and Syed Asif Ali of TVS Racing from Bhopal, will be looking to upset Shamim’s calculations and deny him a fifth title.

The Gulf Monsoon Scooter Rally lays a special stress on gender equality. From among the participants, who have enrolled, two women have confirmed participation and another ten are expected by the closing date for entries.

The rally is the brainchild of Mr. Shrikant Karani, Founder, Sportscraft. He says “I am very glad that the exclusive monsoon scooter rally (probably the one of its kind) has sustained for a 27th edition and has become an iconic event.” He attributes the success to his Sportscraft team.

With heavy rains expected to lash Mumbai around the time of the rally, it is sure going to be a tough and exciting one.

As in the last few years, the rally will be run along the backwoods of Navi Mumbai and is open to all Indian-made scooters — two-stroke, four-stroke and gearless. The competitive sector comprises gravel-laden, dirt tracts of around 35 kms.

The event is open for Indian Scooters and the classification will be as follows:

a) Class S-1 81cc upto 110cc, 2 stroke, Group – C

b) Class S-2 111cc upto 160cc, 2 stroke, Group – C

c) Class FSG Upto 160cc, 4 stroke, Group – C

Special prizes are being offered to riders from Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Nashik, Bhopal, Kolhapur, Vidarbha, and Hyderabad. A maximum of 50 entries will be accepted on first-come-first basis. Sportscraft reserves the right to reject and increase the number of entries.

Entry Details & Participation:

Standard entries will be accepted till June 30, 17:00 hours, while late entries close on July 5, 13:00 hours.

Riders will be briefed on 9th July after which there will be a ceremonial start from Our Lady’s Home, 205, Dr. Ambedkar Road, Dadar, Mumbai-400 014.

The main event is on July 10. The start and finish is at K-Star Hotel Navi Mumbai.

Source : Sachin Murdeshwar