Bangalore’s R Nataraj, riding a TVS Wego of TVS Racing Team, overcame unyielding conditions and a strong field to emerge triumphant in the 25th Gulf Monsoon Scooter Rally, organised by Sportscraft, over the backwoods of Navi Mumbai, on Sunday.
In a field of 36 riders, Nataraj drew on his vast experience of motorcycle dirt racing to pip former champion Shamim Khan, astride Mahindra Rodeo, of Nashik by just .04 seconds while timing 00.27.30 seconds in penalties to the title.
Khan, who won the popular monsoon rally in 2003 and 2004, timed 00.27.34 seconds to place second, ahead of the defending champion, Bhopal’s Muzaffar Ali (Mahindra Rodeo), who was third in 00.27.47 seconds in penalties.
The popular annual event was flagged off by Ravi Chawla, Managing Director, Gulf Oil Lubricants Limited, from Our Lady’s Home in Parel after which the riders rode to the eastern side of the city for competition along the backwoods of Vashi, Targhar, Bombaypada, Vovale.
Though the rain stayed away during the running of the event, heavy overnight showers rendered the course dicey. Negotiating the boulder-laden, water-logged areas was a nightmare for the riders and many of them took a tumble of two.
However, the experienced riders, like Nataraj, Shamim Khan and former champions Manjeet Singh Bassan, Rustom and Zubin Patel, rode judiciously to overcome the 35 km competitive sector challenge comfortably.
Special mention must be made about Nashik’s Amit Belgaokar and Shashank Shewale, who placed fourth and fifth respectively, a good 40 seconds ahead of four-time champion Manjeet Singh Bassan, who could finish only sixth this time. Astride his treasure LML Vespa, Bassan, though, won the Class S2 -111cc upto 160cc 2-stroke Group C, and had the consolation of being adjudged the best Mumbai rider.
Mumbai’s Jinen Shah was adjudged the best of five first-timers and awarded the late Firdosh Vajifdar trophy for his spirited riding.
There were three ladies who participated. Lorettoa D’lomen (23), who participated last year, Nidhi Shukla (21) and Haryana’s Kimi Arora (26) displayed fine riding skills while going the treacherous course. For her brave riding, Shukla was adjudged the best lady driver.
