Here goes a bit more detailed description about Leg One of Desert Storm 2013.

Xtreme:
After ceremonial start from New Delhi the rally proper would begin from Sardarshahar. Starting at midnight Xtreme would be flagged off to traverse some back of beyond countryside. The competition will pass through sandy tracks with enough cross country drive to seriously challenge the driver and their vehicles. With the moon almost a day or two shy of the “amavasya” there would be almost no light apart from the glowing starry sky. Maximum attrition took place here last year.

To be precise maximum attrition took place in nearby areas last year. The sections that are being run this year are totally new and cover much longer distance. We are hoping that competitors would have learnt lessons from last year and our officials will no have too much recovery work but just in case we have put some tractors on standby to assist.

After two sections, run in darkness, the rally will have a short re-group halt at Sardarshahar at break of dawn. It can get quite chilly.

After re-group there are two more sections.

The first is a special treat of cross country sand driving. This really short section, by standards of Desert Storm, is extremely tough with sand dunes climbs and drops. The second stage will be one of the longer stages of the rally. The crews will welcome their exit near Lunkaransar on to National Highway 15. From there the rally heads towards Bikaner for well deserved night halt.

Xplore:
Rally will start at night from Sardarshahar and go through back country roads and villages dotting Churu district. Last year many competitors were caught out by combination of darkness and surprise placements of TC’s. Be prepared. The rally returns to Sardarshahar for breakfast re-group at end of Leg #1A.

After re-group, for Leg #1B, the rally will move towards Bikaner on what are officially described as tarmac roads. Some of these roads are prone to sand drift that can seize a vehicle in no time if careful line is not taken. And at places the tarmac disappears.

Another small regroup for lunch would take place at Sheruna, on National Highway 11. After that there is a short but extremely challenging sand run during Leg #1C. The sand segment will have a very challenging time limit and to help crews recover their car’s some standby tractors will be located strategically. If you do get struck you would have to run and locate the tractors for hellp as the time clock would be ticking and penalties accruing.

Accommodation:
There are limited number of rooms available through the organizers at Sardarshahar. These are on first come first serve basis. If you need to book a room contact Philip George via email at philip@motorsport.in