It will traverse a grueling 2,200 kilometers through the rough outback of Sardarshahar, Bikaner and Jaisalmer to finally end at Jaipur on March 1.
Dakar-finisher Helmut Frauwallner, popularly known as Helly, has been big on the Indian motorsport circuit in the last few years. He was first in the Moto category at India’s iconic motorsport event, The Maruti Suzuki Raid De Himalaya in 2010 and 2013. In 2012, Santosh narrowly beat Helly and topped the Moto category at the Raid. But in 2013, Santosh had to bow out of the Raid on the third day.
Santosh admits that he was “dethroned” by Helly last year. “Yes, I have to salvage my reputation at the Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm. I’m carrying a lot of a weight on my shoulders, but luckily I’m strong,” said the feisty 30-year-old.
Mr Manohar Bhat, Vice President Marketing, Maruti Suzuki, said it was a matter of pride that the Desert Storm was attracting the best motorsport talent in the country. “Our endeavour is to give our buyers diverse experiences, and fulfill their need for adventure in a safe, regulated environment. Maruti Suzuki Motorsport is one of the ways we connect with the youth, and the youthful spirit of all those who love driving,” said Mr Bhat.
Both Santosh and Helly are riding foreign bikes at the Raid. Santosh is riding a Suzuki RMX 450, and Helly a Yamaha WR450F. The other major contenders for the Moto crown at the Desert Storm are defending champion Mohit Verma (riding a KTM Duke 390), Suresh Babu (Suzuki RMS 450Z), Gurinder Rahal (KTM 500 EXC), Jes David (KTM Duke 200) and Mohan Lal Sharma (Yamaha RX 135). David and Sharma are former Desert Storm (Moto) winners.
Shimla’s Vijay Parmar was second at the Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm in 2012 by 23 seconds. Parmar suffered a ligament tear during a recent training session at Bangalore, and is not among the major contenders this year. He is riding a KTM 450 EXC.
Santosh admitted that he had a run of bad luck in 2013. “2014 will be my year. Everything is looking good, and I am looking forward to going to the Desert Storm and riding to my potential,” he said.
Jayesh Desai, president of Northern Motorsport, which organizes the Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm, said that with 35 competitors, the number of bikers at the Desert Storm is the highest in its 12-year-history.
Parmar, who is president of Himalayan Motorsport, said the competition between Santosh and Helly is going to be absolutely fierce. “These two riders are in a separate class. They are going to be far ahead of the rest of the competition. Helly is 55, but he is amazingly fast, and a highly skillful rider. Santosh is a star of supercross and motocross. He should be in his element here,” said Parmar. Himalayan Motorsport organizes the Maruti Suzuki Raid De Himalaya.
