Preview: Rally of Maharashtra (June 7-9)

A Mahindra at Maharashtra rally

Maharashtra is no stranger to motorsport â€" something that's confirmed by the fact that the Rally of Maharashtra is now in its twelfth iteration. Year after year, spectators have watched on, enthralled by the sheer spectacle of the sport. The Nashik rallies, specifically, have been awarded the Event of the Year trophy four times - 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2007 â€" a matter of great pride. And this year's event promises to be no different. After all, this is the only tarmac rally on the calendar this season. Add to that the fact that in addition to the usual slew of Mitsubishi Cedias, Maruti Balenos and Esteems, you now have new cars thrown into the mix. Mahindra has already taken the INRC by storm in the first round of the championship â€" the South India Rally â€" fielding a fleet of XUV5oos. Then there are the Volkswagen Polos that have made an entry into the sport, along with the newly homologated Maruti Suzuki SX4s.

But what else will make the 2013 Nashik Rally stand out? Well, how about participation by a thoroughly well respected driver in the form of Karamjit Singh. That's right, the Flying Sikh â€" yes the very same one who claimed the Production World Rally Championship on his first attempt â€" is taking to the wheel of a Volkswagen Polo and will be competing in the event. We know we're going to be trackside. And just in case you are, here are all the details that you need to know:

Stage information

Super Special Stage - Dadasaheb Phalke Smarak, Nashik

Run on the internal roads of the Dadasaheb Phalke Smarak, the 2km long SSS will allow rally fans the opportunity to view the event from vantage points, take photographs of all the action and also get the chance to meet and interact with competitors. Good autograph opportunity!

SSS Route Map

Special Stages

Manhere Stage (SS 2/5/8)

This stage is located at Manhere village, 6km from Bhandardara, and is 13.14km long. The stage will be live on 8th June from 8:30 till 10:15hrs and 13:12 to 15:00hrs and on 9th June from 7:03 to 9:50hrs. Several photography locations have been identified, the first being 2km from the start. The second location is Devgaon village, 6.3km from the start, where there is a jump. At a distance of 8.75km from the start is the opportunity for a pan shot, while the fourth location is 10.3km from the start, where one can catch sight of the top of the rally car. There is direct access from Sinnar to Devgaon, with a distance of 60km between them.

Route Map

Windmill Stage (SS 3/6/9)

The longest stage, with a length of 15.65km, is also the most scenic, with picturesque windmills and the Pachpatta Fort in the background. The stage features very little change in altitude. The stages will be live from 9:16 to 11:00hrs and 13:55 to 15:45hrs on 8th June. On 9th June the stage will be live between 08:46 and 10:30hrs. Photography locations begin 300m from the start where there is the chance for a pan shot. At 6.6km from the start, after the village of Pattewadi, the cars come sideways, also making for good photos. And 8.15km from the start, there is a chance to take some pan shots. Direct access to the Sangvi stage (8.66km from the start) is possible and both stages can be covered by travelling a distance of 7km on a gravel road.

Beta Route Map

Sangvi Stage (SS 4/7/10)

At a length of 6.7km, this is the shortest stage of the event and will be live 10:15 to 12:00hrs and 14:53 till 16:40hrs on 8th June. On 9th June, the stage will be live from 09:44hrs to 11:30hrs. Photography locations are 2.8 and 4.5km from the start.

NOTE: Entry to all stages closes an hour before the stage goes live.

For further information on the Mahindra Adventure Rally of Maharashtra, visit www.wisa.org

We'll see you at the stages, then!