GWADAR: Demonstrating remarkable control and brilliant driving skills, Sahibzada Sultan Muhammad Ali retained his Prepared Class title in Gwadar Off-Road Rally here the other day. The rally was held as part of Pakistan Motor Rally.

The 33-year-old Jhang-based driver who is known as Sultan of motor-racing in Pakistan, clocked 1.14 min and 20 seconds on a 125-KM Track to emerge on top among 84 racing drivers.

Driving a 4500 CC Toyota Tacomo, Sahibzada Sultan displayed courage and masterly control over the wheels to reassert his supremacy on the national racing circuit.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s uncrowned king of Motor Racing, Nadir Magsi settled for the second position by finishing the rally in 1h14min46 seconds while another leading driver Ronnie Patel of Toyota High Motors Karachi finished third with a time of 1h16.12second.

Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, who was the chief guest on the occasion, distributed the prizes at an impressive closing ceremony. Balochistan CM Sanaullah Zehri was also present on the occasion.

Gwadar Rally was part of Pakistan Motor Rally conducted by Pakistan Army; It started from Pak-China Border in Khunjrab and ended in country’s emerging city Gwadar after passing through various cities including Karachi.

“I felt some problems with my suspension when I hit a dune, but kept a good speed on straight run,” Sahibzada Sultan told reporters after winning the race. “It was the closest competition ever in my career,” he added.

Veteran Nadir Magsi declared it as one of the most exciting races as two minutes separated three top position holders which had never happened on the circuit before. “It was really thrilling and exciting finish despite giving high blood pressure to me,” Nadir said.

Toyota High Motors team performed admirably in the Gwadar Rally as besides Ronnie Patel’s earning the third spot in Prepared Class, his wife Tushna Patel won the ladies title while Talha Mansoor finished third in Stock “A” category.

Tushna driving a 4000 CC Vigo Highlux, covered the distance in 1h46min06sec while Momal Khan was second with 2h11m08 sec.

Following are results of different categories:

Prepare Class:

1. Sahibzada Sultan Muhammad Ali 2. Nadir Magsi 3. Ronnie Patel

Category “B”.

1. Zain Mehmood 2. Amir Magsi 3. Jam Kamal

   Category “C”.

2. Zaheer A Shah 2. Zafar Magsi 3. Gohar Sangi

Category “D”.

1. Shaheen Iqbal 2. Aminullah 3. Zafar Baloch

Stock Class:

Category “A”.

1. Babar Khan 2. Tariq Magsi 3. Mansoor Haleem

Category “B”.

1. Mir Hayat Sadiq Zai 2. Malik Manzoor 3. M Younus

Category “C”.

1. Amir A Shah 2. Sardar Leghari 3. Nawaz Ali Sabir

Category “D”.

1. Sohail Abbas Khurd 2. Mir Liquat Sherwani 3. Kaleem Khan

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2017