NewZNew (Chandigarh) : The 29th SJOBA- sub Himalyan Open Rockberg Rally-2016 was flagged off by UT SSP Sukh Chain Gill from St. John’s school, sector 26 at 7.15 am on Sunday for the first leg of this adventurous motorsport event. As many as 75 vehicles are participating in the rally which has two major categories this year viz. the Challenge and the Endurance Trial.

The Endurance Trial category is based on the time -speed -distance (TSD) format, whereas the Challenge is the extreme category based solely on speed. Gypsies, cars and bikes traversed through Thapli-Badisher-Naina Tikkar-Kangar-Dilman-Gaura-Chail-Kalog and the race culminated at Kaithalighat on Day 1.The route is a challenging and adventurous one covering fast tarmacs with winding hairpins, unmetalled surfaces and exhilarating hilly terrain in Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. The rally will conclude on May 9 at Chandigarh itself after covering a distance of around 500 Kms. The rally is also witnessing participation from many women and 70 years old Bindu Khanna, mother of Chef Vikas Khanna is taking part in TSD category.

Talking about the first day of mega event, SPS Ghai, Clerk of Course (COC) of the rally, said, “It was a challenging day for the participants as they had to face many hurdles. Moreover the route was ardours and many of rallyists could finish the first leg. However, many displayed exemplary driving skills”.