KARACHI: Country’s top race drivers are gearing up to battle for top honours in the 13th edition of Cholistan Desert Jeep Rally which explodes into action from Feb 15 with veteran driver Nadir Magsi defending his crown.

Pakistan’s iconic driver Magsi, who missed the recent Hub Rally, has dominated Pakistan’s Racing scene for over a decade. But he will be facing stiff challenge in the 446km, two-lap races which flag-off from Karachi and culminate in front of the picturesque Fort Derawar, near Bahawalpur.

The event will be spread over four days with major title final of “A” Prepared class final set to be held on Feb 18, one of the event managers Fayyaz Ahmed of Tourism Development of Punjab (TDCP) said on Saturday.

Last year, experienced Ronnie Patel finished behind Nadir Magsi while Sahibzada Sultan Muhammad Ali, who clinched the title in 2016, is also among major title contenders.

Sahibzada won the Gwadar Rally in October but secured runners-up spot in the short distance Hub Rally last month.

A bumper purse of rupees five million will be on offer for top five winners in each of the eight categories.

“Fastest winner in any prepared class will get a handsome purse of Rs 500,000 while the winners in each of eight classes will grab Rs.250,000 each,” said Fayyaz.

Over a dozen drivers from Karachi led by Nadir have already arrived in Cholistan and are having training sessions on the track ahead of the event. They include Aamir Magsi, Jaffar Magsi, Zafar Magsi, and Noman Saranjam.

Besides that, over 100 participants from Pakistan, racing drivers from Canada, Kenya, Thailand Iran, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Gulf Region, South Africa and some other countries are expected to feature in this popular event.

Tens of thousands of peoples from across the country watched the action last year and a thunderous crowd is expected this year as well.

“It is always a challenge to win in Cholistan desert with top drivers in the fray,” former champion Ronnie told this correspondent as he left for Bahawalpur. His wife Tushna Patel, the current national ladies champion, will leave for Bahawalpur on Monday.

“Winning in Hub Rally in Karachi was different because it was a short distance race. But Gwadar, Jhal Magsi and Cholistan Rallies are altogether different and tough events,” the veteran driver said.

He said he had featuring in Cholistan Rally for many years. But never won it. “I am looking forward to break the jinx this time,” Ronnie remarked.

According to Fayyaz Ahmed after registration and drivers conference, the qualifying rounds will be held on the opening day. First round of Modified Prepared “A” class will be conducted on February 16.

Rally will be conducted in four Prepared ABCD categories and as many in the stock class in petrol and diesel vehicles of different CC powers and brands.

Published in Dawn, February 11th, 2018