By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The first of its kind, a 4×4 off-roading event held in Ri-Bhoi on Saturday witnessed as many as 36 motorsport enthusiasts from all over the North East who brought their four-wheel drive vehicles out on the treacherous and challenging tracks of Kharsati Park and Phi Ro Sha Park in Ri-Bhoi district.
Conducted by Mahindra Great Escape in association with the Indian Motor Sports Club, the event was divided into three sections – Extreme Competitive (which had 22 participants), Adventure Normal off-roading (10 participants) and Vintage (four participants).
In Extreme Category among the ladies, Sabrina Wahlang and her navigator, Eugene Niangti, (both prominent motorsport enthusiasts from Meghalaya) in their Mahindra 540, emerged as winners while in the men’s category, Md. Aslam and his navigator secured first place in their modified Bolero.
Meanwhile, Chiborlang Wahlang and his navigator Bhakupar Wahlang (from Jaintia Hills), in their Mahindra Pickup, came second while Gagann Jain and his navigator Munish Singh, in their Thar, came third.
In the Vintage Category, Ashok Lyngdoh in his Ford secured first place.
The four winners of the Extreme Category will be representing the state in the all India 4×4 Off Roading Championship in Lonavala (near Pune) in December.
Mahindra Adventure will sponsor the travel and stay of the winners and vehicles will also be provided to them for taking part the competitive event.
The winner of the Lonavala event will take home a Mahindra Thar Jeep.