By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)
Demonstrating speed, skill and masterly Pakistan’s top ralliest driver Nadir Magsi won the main title while Tushna Patel won the ladies crown of Toyota third edition of Off-road Hub Rally at the Nooriabad Track.
The seven-time Cholistan Rally champion and as many time Jhal Magsi champion, Nadir Magsi driving his 6500 CC left handed Red Ford, handled the sharp turns, muddy and hilly track to emerge on the top among the over 30 drivers.
Nadir Magsi covered course on his highly powerful vehicle in 15.20 seconds to the delight of his band of supporters and followers.
“It was fast track and I used it to my best in achieving good timing,” he told reporters after winning the title.
Mrs. Tusha Patel driving a Vigo 2500 CC completed the hat-trick by winning her third successive title. She covered the distance in 21.20 seconds.
“My husband Ronnie Patel is motivating force in my success,” she said afterwards.
Ismail Tariq won the fastest driver award, having covered the 32-KM course on his 2300 CC Vigo in 15.20 seconds.
Nauman Saranjam Khan emerged winner in “D” category while Nadir Magsi’s brother Aamir Magsi took the honors in his Vigo 3000 C. Mohammad Mehdi Dhanji won the “D” Stock category on his 1000 CC car.
Former Sindh Minister Mukesh Chawla won the Stock C contest in his Vigo 2000 CC.
In ladies car class, Shazia Naveed secured first position. Mrs. Asma Muzzmil was second and Sadia Aamir was third.
DG Rangers Sindh, Major General Bilal Akbar, who was the chief guest at the presentation ceremony, distributed some of the glittering trophies.
Chief Organizer Shujaat Sherwani, CEO Toyota Indus Motors, Ali Asghar Jamali were also present on the occasion.
Asghar Jamali described it a great event and expressed the hope such Rally event will increase and more talented drivers will come in force.
General Bilal took part in the race driving Vigo and covered the 32-KM distance in 22 minutes.
Speaking on the occasion, General Bilal announced to hold a Thar Desert Rally in Tharpaker and decided to dedicate it to the area people.
He observed that sports united the people and felicitated the organizers for staging such a high magnitude and attracted large number of peoples and followers of automobiles racing.
He remarked that 67% of the population of the country comprised youth and he desired to provide them the best support and security to excel in their respective fields.
General Bilal reckoned that Pakistan posseseds great potential in sports and the athletes deserve to be facilitated to achieve excellence
Earlier the rally was inaugurated at a simple ceremony in presence of hundreds of racing followers, supporters.
Speaking on the occasion, Director Marketing and Sales, Raheel Asghar, said that was great achievement that Toyota Highway Motors with Sherwani are conducting this exciting and attractive event.
He stated that Toyota was looking forward to promote this sport like elsewhere across the world.
Shujaat Sherwani thanked top rally driver for featuring in the race. He said that due to some unavoidable circumstances both Turkish and Japanese could not turn-up to take part in the sports vehicle gala.