Pushker and Abhijeet emerge victorious in 162nd Escape

LONAVALA: The heady cocktail of monsoon, off-road, flowing springs and rugged SUVs came alive at 19 Degree North the ubiquitous destination in Lonavala just as every year the Mahindra owners descended to test their driving and manoeuvring skills in challenging terrain that tests patience to no end.

The 162nd Mahindra Great Escape saw over 90 vehicles from the Mahindra stable, both 2WD and 4WD, participate and steer through the challenging route. There were participants from Mumbai, Nashik, Pune and neighbouring areas for both Trail Drive and Trophy Challenge.

Pushker Prakash grabbed the first place in the Stock Category, Abhijeet Dhumal Deshmukh won in the Modified Category and Vani Parmar won the Ladies Class Category.

SCENIC TERRAIN
The event was flagged off from Club Mahindra, Tungi at Lonavala which presented an opportunity to explore the area’s scenic terrain that had turned lush green after the first spell of monsoon rains.

There were Boleros, Scorpios, XUVs, KUVs and the extreme off-roader - Mahindra Thar CRDe 4x4 - each representing Mahindra’s tough and rugged DNA. 

The SUVs successfully took on the arduous and slushy terrain of Lonavala in the lap of nature.

The event was spread over two days with the competitors completing trail on Saturday and obstacles on Sunday, which really challenged their off-roading skills through different stages of the natural terrain.

There were specially designed tracks for both 2WD and 4WD vehicles, the latter being more challenging. From slippery and steep inclines and descents, to driving through flowing streams and slush, the participants had a chance to experience the true capability of their vehicles and at the same time enjoy the thrill of off-roading.  

The winners of various editions of Great Escapes held throughout the year, will compete for the grand prize; a new Thar 4*4 at the Off-Roading Trophy which will be held at the Mahindra Off-Roading Academy, Igatpuri next year.

FACTBOX: Great Escape
It was first conceptualised in 1996 as a non-competitive, off-road event meant to encourage Mahindra customers to test the strength and performance of vehicles on terrain other than tarmac. Over the years, the Great Escape has developed the reputation of being one of India’s most thrilling off-road events.

WINNERS OF 162ND GREAT ESCAPE
Modified:
Winner: Abhijeet Dhumal Deshmukh
Runner-up: Ajit Bache and Vabhav Shelukar
Stock:
Winner: Pushker Prakash 
Runner-up: Ravi Bhalla
Ladies Winner: Vani Parmar