Sandeep Sharma and Karan Arya from Team Maruti win 7th Maruti Suzuki Dakshin Dare

The 7^thMaruti Suzuki Dakshin Dare, one of the popular rallies of South India, concluded today in the City of Pearls -Hyderabad. The 105 teams with 170 participants covered a distance of 2000 km as they passed through some of the picturesque locations of Bangalore, Hampi, Bellary and Shimoga.

The last day of the rally crossed the beautiful settings of Siruguppa in the area of Bellary as it ended in Hyderabad. The route filled with winding turns, rock-strewn surface and immense amount of dirt ensured an adrenaline pumping finale. The rally participants covered a total distance of around 450 kmon the last day.

The top slot was grabbed by Sandeep Sharma and Karan Arya in their Maruti Suzuki Gypsy who completed the leg in 4:31:31.Sandeep Sharma who has already won the previous Dakshin Dare maintained his first position this year also till the end of the rally. The second spot was taken by Samrat Yadav and his navigator Gauravfollowed by Suresh Rana and Parminder.

In the Bike category, Arvind K Pstood first finishing the rally with a record-breaking time of 3:54:51. Natraj and Abdul Wahid stood second and third respectively covering the given distance in 4:00:10 and 4:14:15.

In the Endurance category, Ganesh Moorthy and Nagarajan from Team Maruti grabbed the first position by making it to the finishing line with the least amount of penalty. Karthick Maruti and S Shanker Anand followed suit at second position and Asgar Ali stood third along with his navigator M Musthafa.

This year, 9 teams in Dakshin Dare have been sponsored by Maruti Suzuki along with 8 teams consisting of Maruti Suzuki employees. This year’s edition also included teams with corporates.

Speaking on the successful completion of the rally Mr. R S Kalsi, Executive Director, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd., said, “Dakshin Dare as a rally is extremely close to our hearts. It is overwhelming to see increasing participation every passing year from rally lovers across the country – be it professional rallyists, motoring enthusiasts and even corporates. The spirit of motorsport is unparalleled and we are thrilled to be pioneering the same. We are happy to see Maruti Suzuki teams performing so well, bearing testimony to the fact our vehicles are capable of reigning over all terrains. With every edition, we work towards bettering the experience for motorsport enthusiasts through Dakshin Dare by offering newer routes and tougher competition; next year too we will introduce greater experiences for motorsport enthusiasts.”

After a display of sheer grit, passion and talent by all participants, the final winners were announced during the closing ceremony held in Hyderabad on Saturday, 8th August.

 Final results:

Ultimate Cars:

Sandeep Sharma and Karan Arya (Team Maruti)- 4:31:31

Samrat Yadav and Gaurav- 4:39:59

Suresh Rana and Parminder- 4:41:25

Ultimate Bikes:

Arvind K P- 3:54:51

Natraj- 4:00:10

Abdul Wahid- 4:14:15

Endurance Cars (TSD): 

Ganesh Moorthy and Nagarajan (Team Maruti) came first with a penalty of 6 minutes 4 seconds

Karthick Maruti and S Shanker Anand second with a penalty of 6 minutes 14 seconds

Asgar Ali and Musthafa third with a penalty of 7 minutes 45 seconds

About Maruti Suzuki and Motorsport:

Maruti Suzuki creates opportunities for all to experience the thrill and joy of motorsport. The Maruti Suzuki motorsport calendar is packed with exciting motoring events. For families, there are events like Women’s Rally and Treasure Hunt throughout the year, across cities. Maruti Suzuki Autocross brings action for amateurs and professionals, together. But what makes the Maruti Suzuki motorsport calendar an attraction in India (and internationally too), are Maruti Suzuki Raid-de-Himalaya, Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm and Maruti Suzuki Dakshin Dare.