Bangalore , 23 Oct 2013

Himalayan High for Bangalore Boy

Bangalore based TVS Racing Team rider, R Nataraj rode his TVS Apache RTR 180 to finish, with flying colours, at the top of Indian Open Class (Group C) - X-treme Category (Motos and Quads) of the recently concluded Maruti Suzuki Raid-de-Himalaya. It was the sheer grit and determination of the TVS Racing team rider, who had registered in the Group C upto 250cc category, and the efficiency and diligence of the TVS Racing service team's backing which ensured that he conquered what is arguably the toughest cross country off road event. With temperatures as low as minus 15 degrees Celsius, making normal breathing difficult due to lack of oxygen at high altitudes, this dedicated service team ensured that Natraj's TVS Apache RTR 180 was perfectly tuned according to the requirements of each competitive stage to purr flawlessly across the finish line. Natraj consequently achieved a successful podium finish, coming third overall in the X-treme two wheeler category upto 450 cc.

A total of 153 cars and bikes had entered the Maruti Suzuki Raid-de-Himalaya this year, the highest number of entries so far. Traditionally, only about a third of the participants are able to complete.

Incidentally the Maruti Suzuki Raid-de-Himaaya is only amongst two Indian competitions listed in the annual calander of FIA (Federation Internationale Automobile and FIM (Federation Internationale Motorcyclisme) Geneva, Switzerland.

The final list of participants in the Xtreme (Moto and Quads) who crossed the chequered flag are as follows:

The 15th Maruti Suzuki Raid de Himalaya culminated in Leh after travelling over 1800 kilometres over six days which included the highest motorable passes and inhospitable sub-zero temperatures.