Mumbai, 16th June 2017 (GPN) :  The rains are back and so is Mumbai’s Gulf Monsoon Scooter Rally. The 28th edition of the popular motorsport event, sponsored by Gulf Oil Lubricants India Limited and organized by Sportscraft, will be run along the backwoods of Navi Mumbai on July 1-2.

Already 25 riders have confirmed participation for the off-road endurance rally. Among them are a host of former champions, including last year’s winner Syed Asif Ali of Bhopal and runner-up Shamim Khan of Nashik.

Like always, a tough challenge is in store for the riders, as the course plotted by Sportscraft is a virtual marshl and though the rains have just begun. Both Syed Asif Ali and Shamin Khan, who has won the event four times, will have their task cut out. In addition to the dicey course they have past champions Mumbai’s Manjeet Singh Bassan, Kunal Rao, Rustom Patel and Bhopal’s Mujjafar Ali to contend with.

This year, besides team entries from TVS Racing team there’s a family of three that has entered. 54-year-old Shailesh Gala, who has participated in almost all the past rallies, will be in action along with his son Nikunj and daughter Priya. Syed Asif Ali from Bhopal and Rustom Patel from Mumbai will be riding from The TVS Racing team. Nidhi Shukla had a good run last year; however this year she will have tough competition from Priya Gala.

There are four first timers and it remains to be seen how they negotiate the serpentine and hilly terrain.

Mr. Shrikant Karani of Sportscraft who has seen his pet project grow and also been recorded in Limca books of records said that “the popularity of the ‘Gulf Monsoon Scooter Rally’ and the prestige of winning the same is so profound in the riders that every year they try and get better and more powerful scooters”

Mr. Ravi Chawla, Managing Director, Gulf Oil Lubricants India said, ‘Gulf Monsoon Scooter Rally’ is a unique event which holds a special place amongst the riders, making it one of the most sought after racing event in the country. It is the growing passion for endurance racing and enthusiasm of the participants which has led to an increase in new riders every year.’

The rally is open to all Indian-made scooters – two-stroke, four-stroke and gearless – and offers trophies and cash prizes. The different classes for competition are – above 80cc upto 110cc – Two stroke | Above 110cc upto 160cc – Two stroke. In Four stroke there are two groups Upto 130 cc & second from Above 130 cc – upto 160 cc

Standard entries will be accepted till June 22, 17.00 hours, while late entries close on June 27, 13.00 hours.

Special incentives are being offered to riders from Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Nashik, Aurangabad, Bhopal, Kolhapur, Jodhpur and Dehradun.

A maximum of 50 entries will be accepted. Sportscraft reserves the right to reject and increase the number of entries. Scrutiny and briefing for riders will be held on July 1 at Our Lady’s Home in Parel, Mumbai. It will be followed by a ceremonial start. The main event is on July 2.

The start and finish will be at K-Star Hotel Navi Mumbai. Entry forms are available and accepted only at the SPORTSCRAFT office, Chitrakut, 3rd Floor, Siri Road, Chowpatty Bandstand, Mumbai 400 006. Tel. 022 – 23677631 or on its web site – sportscraftindia.com