What is the route of this year’s Rally Desert Storm?

The 2013 Storm will be run from the 18th to the 23rd of February 2013.  You will be traveling sometime in the day and sometimes at night along an undisclosed route. The night halts are at Bikaner & Jaisalmer. The event ends at Ahemdabad with a grand prize distribution ceremony and a gala ball.

How do I enter the 11th Maruti Suzuki Rally Desert Storm 2013?

You need to download, print & fill the Entry Form, available for download from our website, www.motorsport.in or collect it from our office.
The entry process is largely self explanatory and detailed notes are available which will further help you fill all the columns correctly and details all the attachments required. Submit the completed form with the required entry fees.
In case of any further clarifications you are welcome to visit our office

What is the Fee for participation?

The entry fees for this years Storm in Xplore & Ndure category is:

• Early Entry : INR 45,000/- (upto 1700 hrs on 15 Nov’12)
• Standard Entry : INR 55,000/- (Up to 1700 hrs on 31 Dec’12)
• Late Entry: INR 75,000/- (Up to 1700 hrs on 31 Jan’13)
• Very Late Entry : INR 95,000/- (upto 1700 hrs on 10 Feb’13)

How many persons are allowed in each car ?

There have to be a minimum of 2 persons in each car. For 3 or more crew per car the Entry Fee stands doubled. More than 4 crew per car are NOT permitted.

What does the entry fee include?

The entry fees include an opportunity for the crew to participate in the Maruti Suzuki Rally Desert Storm 2013 with

•   One set of Road Books, Route Maps.
•   An invitation for the driver and co-driver to the Prize Distribution function and Rally Ball.
•   Basic accommodation only for the Driver & Co Driver at the Night Halt for the leg that the start has been taken.

What does “TSD” stands for?

TSD stand for “Time”, “Speed” & “Distance”. Refer to our separate section for a detailed explanation.

Can I use a GPS ?

Yes, In fact we would giving GPS tracks for some sections of the event and a lack of a GPS can be a great disadvantage. You are also free to use any kind of calculator, speed charts etc. Computers and Laptops are not advised as they constitute loose objects in the cabin and can cause injury in case of an accident.

Can I participate even if I do not have a Maruti vehicle?

Yes, the event is open to all cars of any make and model.

What happens if my car gets stuck in middle of nowhere?

We are there to look after you. We will help you get to the nearest repair point, but this will entail a delay and you will loose points or you might have to drop out. Stay with the car till the “sweep” official reaches you.

What is difference between XTREME, NDURE & XPLORE ?

The routes followed by each are different. XTREME and NDURE will go through a much more challenging and rougher route where 4 wheel drive vehicles are essential.
The emphasis of the XTREME is on speed. The test is of the drivers and navigators skill and endurance. The vehicles participating in the XTREME would require many more safety modifications.

Do I need any special changes to my car?

For Xplore & Ndure NO,  just ensure that your car is in proper running condition.

Can I make special changes to my car?

Yes, but they are really not required and will not be of any great help.

Can I bring my family along?

Sure, Up to 4 persons can participate per vehicle. But sorry we will not allow infants or children below 18 years of age.

What is a “FMSCI” license and how do I get it?

FMSCI licence is issued by the national sporting authority i.e. Federation of Motorsports Clubs of India and certifies the holder to participate in any Motorsport activity. You require a regular drivers and entrant licence, the procedure is extremely easy.

•   Just download the form from our website or from www.fmsci.in.
•   Fill in the form; get your regular doctor to fill out the basic form.
•   Send the form with the fees to FMSCI or to us.

What is “Rally insurance”? Where do I get it?

A personal accident policy of at least Rs. 2 lacs and including hospitalization benefits which is extended to cover “HIGH RISK”. This can be provided by any insurance agent. It is important to note that NORMAL MOTOR POLICIES ISSUED IN INDIA DO NOT PROVIDE COVER FOR RALLYING. A special Rally Insurance can be taken with a payment of an additional fees from the company where your vehicle is already insured

I do not have a driving license / My driving license has expired?

Sorry, Complete valid documentation of the driver and the car is essential to participate.

How much driving will be I be expected to do in a day?

Anywhere from 8 to 18 hours covering 300 to 700 kms every day.

Will we be driving at “high speeds”?

No! At no point will you be required to exceed the legal speed limit.

What is the rally route like? Will we also go off road? Is there any chance of my car getting damaged?

A majority of the time you will be on National & State highways. Some off road sections have been included to test your skills and increase your enjoyment; however, these have been carefully selected to ensure that they are not excessively rough or dangerous

Who are my competitors?

Like minded – Adventure loving people like you from all walks of life. They love driving and adventure. An opportunity to make great friends.

Are there any special driving tips

Please refer to our sand driving tips article.

What if any of my crew member falls ill?

Two specialized Life Saving Ambulances will be accompanying the entire rally. They will be assisted by 4~5 smaller ambulances along the route. All officials and the doctors are connected by wireless. So just find the nearest rally official and he will take over from there.

Will we drive at night also?

Night driving is very much part of the plan. Some days will start very early and some nights you will just keep driving.

Are free zones and free run same?

Free Zones is term used in a TSD rally to signify to the competitor a zone in which no Time Controls will exist. This means that in the area the competitor may stop and or go fast before taking a break. As explained in an earlier FAQ the purpose of free zone is to give a rest to competitor while he is still under the TSD regulations. Typically during free zones speeds given are very low in order for competitors to be able to snatch a small rest stop without loosing time or incurring penalties.

Free Run on the other hand is typically given from the last control point to the end of leg. Again during the free run there is assurance of no time controls and the time of reaching the end is also not specified. This is typically used to allow time to competitors to fuel up and stock up before checking in to the night halt.

So at end of Free Zone you are still running under TSD format and time calculations apply. In case of free run no penalties apply and you can check in early.