Get ready for desert dhoom

With screeching tyres, billowing dust and the thrill of speed, India's biggest desert auto rally is back! With over 200 participants in 90 cars this year the Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm Rally is bigger than ever.

With screeching tyres, billowing dust and the thrill of speed, India's biggest desert auto rally is back! With over 200 participants in 90 cars this year the Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm Rally is bigger than ever. "This year exotic

A participant in last year's rallyu00a0file photo

bikes like Quad and Dune Buggy will make the event grand.
u00a0
The contestants will be crossing the Rann of Kutch and will touch the Arabian coast," said Jayesh Desai, president of Northern Motorsports, a Delhi-based company that organises auto rallies.

The race, which will start from Delhi on February 18, will traverse over 2,200 km in four days crossing Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bhuj, Mandvi and Ahemdabad. It will end in Udaipur on the fifth day. "The event will test the competitor's physical, emotional and mental strength," said Desai.

The rally is divided into three categories Extreme, Endure and Explore. Under Extreme only specially designed sand rally vehicles will take part. Endure will see four-wheel drive vehicles and Explore is for amateurs. The winner from each category will get Rs 1 lakh each.