KARACHI: After the grand success of last year’s car rally, excitement is building up for 2018 Hub Rally, the fifth edition of which goes into action on Sunday, Jan 28 at Hub, about forty kilometers from the metropolis.

The race promises to be a thrilling spectacle with the country’s leading race drivers competing in the rally. The biggest attraction remains country’s celebrated race driver Nadir Magsi, the winner of Jhal Magsi and Cholistan Rally who has also been nicknamed as Pakistan’s Michael Schumacher for his prolific track record.

Nadir would surely be facing a stiff challenge from Gwadar Rally champion Sahibzada Sultan Muhammad Ali and Toyota Highway Motor’s (THM) legendary driver Ronnie Patel. The other big names who will be there to enthrall the fans include Sarfraz Hussain Dhanji, Mukesh Chawla, Zain Mahmood, Faisal Shadikhail, veteran Ashraf Khan, Asad Khuhro, Kanwar Talha, Aamir Magsi and Jaffar Magsi. They will be featuring in the competitive Prepared Class categories with their dazzling cars and jeeps.

Pakistan’s undisputed women’s champion Tushna Patel will be also be competing alongside her experienced husband Ronnie while more female drivers are likely to join her in that category.

Vehicles of different brands and companies ranging from 800cc up to 4500cc that include Toyota Vigo, Ford Raptor, Land Cruiser, Fortuner among others will be seen in action during the high-profile rally which will be contested over a specially designed five kilmeter track that was launched last year.

Besides Prepared Class and Stock “A’ “B” and “C” categories, a special class for newcomers is likely to be introduced in the rally this time.

“Everyone is gearing up for the big race and we are getting huge response from emerging race drivers for the Hub Rally participation,” Chief Organizer and Chief Executive THM Shujaat Sherwani told reporters. “We are expecting over 100 drivers in different categories,” said Shujaat and added that they wanted to bring in more new talent with an eye on the future. “We are promoting racing with an aim to provide the youngsters an opportunity to enjoy and develop positive attitude with this sporting activity.”

Published in Dawn, January 19th, 2018