As a man and machine took on the challenge of the wild record, 59 riders competed in the 28th edition of the Monsoon Scooter Rally, organised by Sportscraft, on Sunday. The 50-kilometre race that took place in Navi Mumbai saw Venkatesh Shetty from Mumbai grab the pole position from team Lorraines. Shetty received price money of Rs 22,500.
Among the other winners were Rohan Thakur in 2-Stroke 110cc Group, Manjit Singh Bassan in 2-Stroke 160cc Group and Nidhi Shukla from Team Ceat taking the honour of the Best Lady Rider.
With weather setting a tremendous challenge for the riders and rains changing the dynamics of the 50km rally, an interesting duel was expected this Sunday too over the backwoods of Navi Mumbai as over the last few years none of the riders have been able to defend their crown.
Shamim Khan, a four-time champion, lost his crown to Syed Asif Ali last year and was looking to settle scores. But Shetty beat all the odds to emerge as the champion and kept the trophy in Mumbai.
Among the riders, were several former champions including last year’s winner Syed Asif Ali of Bhopal, runner-up Shamin Khan of Nashik, Rustom Patel, Manjeet Singh Bassan, Avtar Singh, Muzzafar Ali, Kunal Rao, E. Shekharan, Sheshraj Yadav, Pinkesh Thakkar Shashank Shewale and Nikunj Gala.
This rally saw many firsts, like 24 first-timers, three lady participants in Nidhi Shukla, sponsored by Team Ceat, Shiana Kaur Virdi and Priya Gala, both individual entries.
The ride saw immense participation from various scooter manufactures and the rider. TVS Racing had entered two of their top riders, Team Ceat nine and Lorraine’s racing three.
After the rally flagged off from K- Star - Navi Mumbai, the participants proceeded for a 25-km competitive sector. It was in the mining area of Targhar, Bombay Pada, Vahal & Ovle that the main challenge started. Some areas in the competitive sector were gravel-laden, slushy and water-logged. The first timers, in particular, had to be extremely cautious particular while negotiating the many bends, inclines and rivulets.
