Sixth edition of Maruti Suzuki Dakshin Dare day 1: The flag off
95 vehicles set off for a 2000km-spanning rally, starting at Bengaluru and marked the start of the sixth edition of the Maruti Suzuki Dakshin Dare. The scenic route covered over a span of seven days is charted through some of South India's most breathtaking locations, including Mysore, Shimoga, Chitradurga, Davangere, Bellary, Hospet and Hubli and will lead to a befitting end at Goa.
Ram Suresh Akella, commercial business head, south zone, Maruti Suzuki, flagging off the 6th edition of Maruti Suzuki Dakshin Dare
Manohar Bhat, vice president, marketing, Maruti Suzuki, said, "Designed to motivate and encourage motorsport enthusiasts from India and abroad, Maruti Suzuki has pioneered many motorsports events across the country. Like (our) wide range of cars, we have several rally formats suited for amateurs and professionals. Rallies bring out the best in man and machine. The best teams and best machines make podium finish. Historically, our cars have done well and we are proud of their consistent performance."
The latest edition of Dakshin Dare will witness 160 participants in 95 teams competing across three categories - Ultimate Car, Ultimate Bike and Time-Speed-Distance, which is rightly named the Endure category.
Interestingly, ten of Maruti's own employees are participating in the challenge. Hailing from diverse fields ranging from engineering to quality assurance , they're here to build on ground knowledge, hone their skills and also, for the pure joy of the sport.
Manohar Bhat cited the Dakshin Dare as an ideal platform for achieving all of the above objectives and said, "Increasing participation of motorsports enthusiasts encourages us to strengthen the motorsports events. Maruti Suzuki Dakshin Dare in particular offers a unique rallying experience full of dirt, slush and tarmac."