2016 JK Tyre Himalayan Drive: Fourth edition to cross international borders
The fourth edition of the JK Tyre Himalayan Drive TSD rally, is set to be held from February 27 to March 3, 2016. This is the first time that the event will take participants across an international border. The event will see 100 participants which include drivers, navigators and their service crews from across the nation. The route chalked out for this rally will take participants from Siliguri to Bhutan and back.
Participating teams will drive from Siliguri in Darjeeling district to Paro in Bhutan during the first leg of the race. The second leg will start from Paro, where the teams will then drive through river beds and snow clad mountains before heading back to Paro. From here, the teams will begin their journey back to India through forests to reach Murti in Dooars. In the fourth leg, the teams will start from Murti, drive through the hills and reach the finishing point at Darjeeling. During these five legs, participants will cover over a 1,000km.
Speaking on the association, Hari Singh, head of operations, at JK Motorsport, said "The Himalayan Drive is a one of its kind event and is gaining immense recognition in the Indian motorsport arena. This rally aims to showcase the beauty of lesser known regions in the country, hence promoting tourism. This year the rally is taking a step further by going international, hence promoting the spirit of motorsport beyond national borders as well.''
This event will also see participation from the police and paramilitary forces to inculcate adventure sports among its personnel.
| The fourth edition of the JK Tyre Himalayan Drive is now a Biswa Bangla International T.S.D (Time-Speed-Distance) event which endears to further the vision of the Hon'ble Chief Minister of West Bengal, Ms. Mamata Banerjee's outreach to connect Bengal to its neighbors and the world through Adventure Sports and Tourism. The event is scheduled from February 27- March 03, 2016 and will be held in North Bengal and Bhutan. The announcement of the rally was made today and was addressed by Sri Sunil Agarwal, Jt. Director, Tourism, Government of West Bengal with Sri Tamal Ghosal Director of Just Sportz and Clerk of the Course (COC) and Binny Sharma, Chief Rally Coordinator of Himalayan Drive 4 Car Rally also present for the same. After three successful years, the rally this year will cross national borders and will travel to Bhutan. In doing so, the event aims to showcase this region as a premier destination for adventure sports and provides an opportunity to connect people across boundaries thereby boosting tourism, trade & commerce. The 1st leg will run from Siliguri to Paro in Bhutan which is the Land of the Thunder Dragon. The 2nd Leg will commence from Paro and will travel through gravel river beds and snow beaten mountain passes to finish at Paro. The 3rd Leg will kick start from Paro and travel back to India by driving through forest and tea garden areas. This leg will conclude at Murti in Dooars. The 4th leg will start from Murti and after crisscrossing the beautiful Dooars region, and the pristine hill sections, the leg will finish at Darjeeling. The final leg will take the competitors back to Siliguri from Darjeeling through challenging boulder tracks and river crossings. Over 5 legs, the event is expected to cover in more than 1000 kms. The Eastern Himalaya region is crowned with blue mountains, green valleys and meandering rivers. With a huge depository of natural beauty, flora, fauna, diverse terrain and a rich cultural heritage, the Eastern Himalayas have been an ideal destination for ecotourism and adventure sports â€" especially motor sports. Speaking at the conference, Sri Sunil Agarwal, Jt. Director, Tourism, Government of West Bengal â€" Government of West Bengal, said; "The development of North Bengal, especially for tourism, is a priority for the Government. The Rally promises to showcase and unveil the lesser known and yet to be explored areas of North Bengal which, if properly marketed, will surely be one of the most treasured tourist destinations in India in times to come. The Govt. Of West Bengal has prioritized improvement of the relationship with its International neighbors and the inclusion of Bhutan will help promoting this relationship. I thank JK Tyre and Just Sportz wholeheartedly for promoting such destinations." JK Tyre & Industries Limited, India's leading tyre manufacturer, has been associated with Himalayan Drive as the Title Sponsor since its inception in 2013. Speaking on the association, Mr. Hari Singh, Head- Operations, JK Motorsport, the first Indian to win Asia Zone Rally Championship and 5-times Indian National Rally Champion said ''The Himalayan Drive is one of its kind event and is gaining immense recognition in the Indian motorsport arena. This rally aims to showcase the beauty of lesser known regions in the country, hence promoting tourism. This year the rally is taking a step further by going international hence promoting the spirit of motorsports beyond national borders as well.'' According to Mr. Tamal Ghosal, Director â€" Just Sportz, "The first three Himalayan Drive Rallies have unlocked the great prospect of adventure sports in the Eastern Himalayas. We are certain that the Himalayan Drive 4 especially with its outreach to Bhutan will not only take it further in encouraging adventure sports, especially motorsports in the region but also provide linkages amongst people of 2 nations to embrace the power of connectivity." About 100 competitors, drivers and their navigators from across the nation are expected to participate in this rally which is set to not only test driving and navigational skills but, also bear testament to the ability of the teams and their vehicles to endure the challenges presented by the rugged terrains. Additionally, the event will witness teams participating from police and paramilitary forces to inculcate adventure sports among its personnel. Biswa Bangla is the presenting sponsor and West Bengal Tourism with its "Experience Bengal" theme, is the Principal Sponsor along with Shankar Ji Foundation, Techno India Group and Century Ply who have joined in as associate sponsors of the event. | |