There is always something new and challenging for the drivers in the JK Tyre Himalayan Drive each year.
And the seventh edition of the multi-nation TSD event, which was flagged off by Manoj Verma, Inspector General of Police, Darjeeling range, turned out to be exciting with the competitors asked to tackle the ‘tricky’ terrain at night for the first time on the opening day here.
Night drive, at times, can be risky but with safety aspects in place it can only be adventurous. “The 85-km long competitive sector from Siliguri to Murti is designed in such a fashion that it will be sort of a cakewalk for the drivers if done in the morning but not at night,” said Suchandan Das, director of JustSportz, the event organisers.
It is here that the navigators’ role come into play. Reading the ‘tulip chart’ can be extremely difficult without lights.
Interestingly, this year a time logging app was also launched. It is being used for the first time in a full-scale rally inside the country.
It was tried earlier for the marshals during the Monsoon Drive 7 (Kolkata to Digha) in August last year. “It was a great success despite the partial use. Logging time in a TSD event is of utmost importance,” said Suchandan.
Defending champion Ajgar Ali (co-driver M. Mustafa, Erode) from Haldia, who start as favourites, welcomed the use of this app. “More than accuracy it can bring about transparency,” he said.
Talking about his title chances, Ajgar said he wants to keep it simple and safe on the route. “Driving in the night can be a bit tight but we are sort of used on the roads.”
The 800-km long event is organised in association with Experience Bengal (West Bengal Tourism).
(The writer is in Siliguri at the invitation from JK Tyre).