Monsoon Scooter Rally 2017 to start on July 2

For most people, scooter is just a friendly and predictable everyday commute partner. However, the Gulf Monsoon Scooter Rally, which happens annually, reminds one that contrary to popular belief, scooters can be exhilarating. The event, which commences on July 2 this year in Navi Mumbai’s backwoods, is famous for exposing your ‘friendly’ scooter to some extreme environment.

The project is organised by Motorsport event organiser Sportscraft, and started way back in 1988. Over the years, the Rally has been very triumphant, with a diverse variety of scooter enthusiasts participating in it. This year however, is feared to be the last edition of the rally, as the Panvel International Airport is coming up right around the same area where the Monsoon Scooter Rally is held.

Commenting on the same, Srikant Karani from Sportscraft, said, “It could well be the last edition as the Panvel International airport is coming up. The track may not be available in the same state from next year. Also, I have checked many alternate routes near Dombivali, Bhiwandi and Igatpuri but none suffices our requirements. The Igatpuri one is good but too slippery for a scooter rally.” The organisers are considering the possibility of moving the event to Bhopal, but nothing is confirmed so far.

About 25 entries in the rally have already been confirmed for this year, which includes both, last year’s winner and runner up, who belong to the TVS Racing Team. Additionally, a numerous number of former participants, and a family of a 54-year-old man with his son and daughter, will also be seen piloting their scooters through intense mud and slush.

The rally will be flagged off from the K-Star Hotel in CBD Belapur, from where the participants will ride through the muddy circuit and then return to the very same position. “The rally is iconic, and there has been pressure to include motorcycles, but we have maintained it as a scooter rally,” Karani added.

The maximum participant count is limited to about 60 participants. There are various cash prices across different categories for the winners, ranging from Rs. 3000 – Rs. 22,500.