By Pervez Bari, TwoCircles.net
Bhopal : Stage is all set for the 60th Independence Monsoon Safari-2007 being organised tomorrow (September 2) here at Bhopal wherein more than four dozen 4-wheel vehicles are expected to participate in the event.
The Madhya Pradesh Automobile Association, (MPAA), is organising the Safari-2007 which is open to all 4-wheel vehicles and is for approximately 160 kms. The Safari is to be conducted in two categories, one for diesel and the other for petrol vehicles.
According to Akbar Mohammad Khan, president of MPAA, there is over Rs 2 lakhs in prizes for the winners of the event. The prizes also include the best photographer, best maintained vehicle, best mechanic along with the prizes for the youngest and the oldest participant.
Irshad Mahmood, secretary MPAA, said the route has been planned to test the skills of the drivers in the Monsoon conditions, where they will be negotiating dirt track roads, slush, mud and river crossings. Much attention has been paid to the safety of the participants and helmets, seat belts, roll cage, hard top, etc have been made compulsory. The entire route will be covered by wireless communication system to keep track of all participants. An ambulance team, courtesy Chirayu Hospital, will follow all the vehicles for emergency services, he added.
MPAA has also organised rally insurance for the participants of the rally, which is to be borne by the participant, he added.
The Safari-2007 will be flagged off on September 2, 2007 from Iqbal Maidan at 9 am and the vehicles will return back to the starting venue after crossing 160 kms route via Patariya, Chiklod and the interiors.
The scrutiny of vehicles and participants briefing took place at the rally headquarters 15 New Taj Market on Friday. ([email protected]).