Chandigarh : “The 24th edition of the SJOBA Thunderbolt Sub-Himalayan Open Rally, a FMSCI recognized event, is going to be even more exciting and challenging this year because of the new route planned for the Rally,” statedMr. Nagendra Singh, President, St. John’s Old Boys Association (SJOBA).

Apart from the ‘Challenge Rally,’ SJOBA is also organizing the ‘Endurance Trial’ which will be based on the Time, Speed, Distance (TSD) format and can be called a more sober version of Rallying. The rally carries a total prize money of Rs. 1,80,000 and is open to jeeps/gypsies, cars and bikes The Rally will be held from March 25-27, 2011 and Entries will open from February 21. Entry Forms can be downloaded from www.sjobarally.com. The last date for Entries is March 15, 2011.

Giving details Mr. Nagendra Singh said, “The ever-popular Super Special Stage would be held on March 25 at the Sector 5 ground, Panchkula. Here the general public would get to see and experience the breathtaking driving skills of the country’s top rallyists as their vehicles scream over a closed circuit race. On March 26, the rallyists would be flagged off from St John’s School and they would pass through six competitive stages on their way to Shimla, the overnight halt. On March 27, they would return to Chandigarh passing through an entirely new route.”

Talking about the changes in the routé, Mr. S P S Ghai, Clerk-of-Course said, “On Day 3 especially, the rallyists will experience some very exciting tracks. The route in the mountains this year will be Day 1: Chandigarh – Trilokpur – Morni – Badisher – Thapli – Mallah – Bhojnagar – Ashinikhad – Jhaja – Chail (Lunch) – Chhalanda – Tehra – Koti Village – Koti Resorts, Day 2: Koti Resorts – Thailla – Narel – Matiana – Mohri – Sainj – Tiyali – Jaghed – Chhalanda – Chail (Lunch) – Gaura – Bhojnagar – Chakki Ka Mor – Chandigarh.”

“Safety standards have always been a priority at SJOBA.,” added Mr. Shivneet Singh, Dy Clerk-of-Course. “For the last 3 months, teams of SJOBA volunteers have been criss-crossing the mountains, mapping every bend, every detail of the new route. It is only after complete verification of the safety aspects that the new route has been finalized. As in the past, there will be FIVs (First Intervention Vehicles) and ambulances at each competitive stage with SJOBA marshals and doctors available with full medical assistance. As the Rally enjoys the full support of the Police and Administrations of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh, adequate arrangements will be made to ensure that there is no oncoming traffic in the competitive stages. SJOBA also boasts of a near perfect wireless communication network set-up with in-house ham radio operators who ensure that any kind of help is provided immediately to the participants,” he said

One of the most professionally organized rallies today, the SJOBA-Thunderbolt Sub-Himalayan Rally attracts professionals and budding rallyists from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Delhi and Rajasthan who want to take up the professional circuit. The rally has become a nursery for motor sports in North India and many rallyists from this region have honed their skills and proved their mettle in the SJOBA Rally – Hari Singh, Bitto Mann, Manik Rekhy and Sunny Sidhu, to name a few.

Each participant is treated like a member of the SJOBA family and provided with excellent food and lodging during the event. SJOBA’s hospitality and professionalism are undeniably the best in the country with a manpower of over 100 marshals who ensure that all participants go with memories that they will cherish forever and come back for more each year.

The entry fees for the event as per category are: Challenge Rally: Car / Jeep: Rs. 9,000 for Driver and Co-Driver (both compulsory); Motorbikes: Rs. 4,500 Endurance Trial: Rs. 12,000 for a crew of 2 persons; additional crew is optional to a maximum of 4 persons per vehicle. Any additional passenger/crew member will be charged at Rs. 7000 per person.

The prize money for the various categories is: Challenge Rally: Car/Jeep: First Rs. 25,000, Second: Rs. 15,000, Third : Rs. 10,000; Motorbikes: First: Rs. 20,000, Second; Rs. 10,000, Third: Rs. 7,500. Endurance Trial: First: Rs. 20,000, Second Rs. 15,000, Third: Rs. 7,500