P.Nataraj triumphs in 2014 Gulf Monsoon Scooter Rally

For several bikers monsoon means a hibernation period for their rides as most of them prefer not to venture out on their prized possessions during this time of the year. But there lies a species of moto-maniacs who patiently wait for the rain Gods to show their magic so that they can have some off-road fun. 36 such riders including three female riders lined up for this year's Gulf Monsoon Scooter Rally. The race was flagged off from Our Lady’s Home in Parel post which they headed to the eastern side of the city to savour the mud and slush in the backwoods of Vashi and Belapur.

With many previous winners participating, it meant that that the 2014 edition of the race wasn’t going to be an easy affair. Although it didn’t rain on race day, overnight showers meant the course remained water-clogged and challenging. It was R. Nataraj riding for TVS Racing astride the TVS Wego who braved the tough terrain and competition with his experience from dirt track racing to emerge victorious in the 2014 Gulf Monsoon Scooter Rally. The Bangalore lad won the grueling race in just his second outing with a timing of 27minutes and 30seconds. Following him in second place was Shamim Khan riding a Mahindra Rodeo and the final step on the podium was taken by last year’s winner Muzaffir Ali aboard a Rodeo. 

Manjit Singh Bassan who won the Class S2 - 111cc upto 160cc 2-stroke category was also adjudged the best Mumbai rider. Out of the three lady riders that participated, Loretta D'lomen, Nidhi Shukla and Kimi Arora, it was Nidhi who was awarded the best lady driver award. Jinen Shah was given the late Firdosh Vajifdar trophy for being the fastest rookie rider. As part of the 25th anniversary celebration of the event all the riders were presented a helmet by Gulf Oil. Every competitor enjoyed the event to the T and expressed their desire to return next year to better their timings and wished that it would rain during next year’s race day.