Automobile events this week: June 11 - 17
There is so much happening in the world of automobiles. From training at the TWO and OVERDRIVE track riding school to action from the MotoGP round in Catalunya, as well as upcoming events, there is much for you to know, see, do. OVERDRIVE helps you stay up to speed with this quick rundown of all things automotive happening from June 11 to 17, 2018:
June 11 - 12: TWO / OVERDRIVE track riding school - Level 1
Event type: Track riding training
Location: Kari Motor Speedway, Coimbatore
What is it?
Throttle Wide Open (TWO) is India's first track riding school, where you will learn the art of riding your motorcycle to the limit in a safe, quick, and smart way from motorcycling gurus including Anand Dharmaraj and our editor Shubhabrata Marmar. This Level 1 course teaches you all the basics of riding on a racetrack.
Can I go?
Sadly, the event is already under way as of today. Fret not. If you head over to the IndiMotard website, you can have a look at the upcoming sessions and register for them. The Open Session costs Rs 10,750, while the Level 1 training course will cost Rs 15,900. Bring a motorcycle and an open mind.
June 15 - 17: 2018 MotoGP Catalan GP
Event type: Circuit race
Location: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
What is it?
The seventh round of the 2018 MotoGP season follows some major announcements for the 2019 MotoGP grid. With a make-or-break win in the previous round at Mugello, Jorge Lorenzo came out of nowhere and made his presence felt in the grid before Repsol Honda announced his joining their factory team. Will Lorenzo spare any room this time, or will his future teammate Marc Marquez flex his muscles at his home race?
Can I go?
Of course, you can. Barcelona is beautiful this time of the year. The weather, the location, the circuit, and the racers will be in an even temperament as they make their way to the grid this weekend. But you must hurry if you want to make it, as this circuit also is one of the most crowded.
Upcoming events:
July 2: Gulf Monsoon Scooter Rally 2018
Action from the 2017 edition of the Gulf Monsoon Scooter Rally
Event type: Two-wheeler rally
Location: Navi Mumbai
What is it?
Call yourself an autombile enthusiast and don't know about one of the older two-wheeler rallies of the country? The Gulf Oil India Monsoon Scooter Rally has been taking place along the backwoods of Navi Mumbai for 28 years now. You can watch the 25 participants put their two-wheelers through their paces in a track described as virtually a marshland.
Can I go?
Yes, you can. The daylong event will be held as the monsoon begins its onslaught over the region. Apart from the rally action, there is also the treat of the greener, more scenic part of Mumbai to check out in all its monsoon glory. Carry rainwear and boots!
July 5 - 22: 2018 Royal Enfield Himalayan Odyssey
Event type: Motorcycle tour
Location: Delhi to Leh and back
What is it?
Traversing 2,400km from Delhi through Chandigarh, Manali, Leh, and Hunder, this is one of the marquee ride events hosted by Royal Enfield. Last year, the participants numbered 61 including six female riders. This time around is the 15th edition of this 18-day tour through some of the most beautiful landscape and treacherous routes that India has to offer.
Can I go?
Yes, you can. If you have the time and the moolah - fees for a single participant are Rs 48,000 and Rs 96,000 for a couple. The same for women participants is Rs 42,000 and Rs 84,000, respectively. If you have always wondered and planned this trip to the mountains but never found the right company, then this one is for you. Register here.
July 21 - 28: 2018 RFC India season 5
Event type: Off-road rally competition
Location: Goa
What is it?
This is the fifth edition of the Rainforest Challenge in India. It is a national round for one of the toughest international off-road rally events. This time around there will be 41 teams from across the country. The champion team will earn rewards amounting to $ 10,000, which includes the fee for a slot at the international Rainforest Challenge in Malaysia.
Can I go?
You can, to watch. The RFC has a stern code for vehicles to comply with to qualify for the event. But if watching some serious mud-plugging action is your thing, there isn't a better event in the country for you.
August 29 - September 9: The Himalayan Dash 2018
Event type: Self-driving expedition
Location: Shimla to Nubra
What is it?
The 8th edition of this self-drive expedition will cover 3,000km across five states, with the route covering Shimla, Sangla, Kalpa, Kaza, Jispa, Sarchu, Leh, Pangong Tso and Hundar. The convoy will be led by Cougar Motorsport's founder Ashish Gupta.
Can I go?
Well, the expedition entails taking your own luxury SUV to some of the most beautiful, and remote locations of the country. So if you're up for it, there is no one better than Gupta to lead your way. He is the only certified Land Rover Lead Instructor in India. Details here.