SHILLONG: the 111th edition of the Mahindra Great Escape, one of India’s most popular off-roading events, concluded successfully on Saturday with more than 30 4-wheel drive, vehicles from the Mahindra stable tackling the challenging route.
The first Mahindra Great Escape of the season saw participation from Mahindra customers from Shillong and other neighbouring areas and the event received an overwhelming response from off-roading enthusiasts.
The event was flagged off from Orchid Lake Resort, Umiam, in Ri-Bhoi district and presented an opportunity to explore the area’s scenic terrain with vehicles from the entire Mahindra stable.
In the stock class, Bishar Passah finished first, with Meet T Tariang second. The winner of the modified class was Eugene Niangti, while Shan Ker Swer was runner-up.
Nestled amidst the rolling hills, Ri-Bhoi offered a perfect picture postcard setting for the first Great Escape of the season.
Popularly known as the Abode of the Clouds, the undulating hilly terrain of Meghalaya with streams and obstacles was a challenge for the experienced and amateurs alike.
Every vehicle and its participants had their share of challenges. Participants also got a chance to soak in the cool climate and enjoy the one of a kind scenic beauty – whether it was the verdant landscape, mountainous gorges, forest wilderness or gurgling rivulets.
Speaking on the occasion, Vivek Nayer, Chief Marketing Officer, Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra said, “We are delighted to host the first Mahindra Great Escape of season 4 in Shillong and give a chance to our customers to enjoy the marvels of nature, while testing the tough and enduring nature of the vehicles.
“This is one of the most coveted destinations amongst off-roading enthusiasts, for its unexplored terrain. Over the years, the Great Escape has developed the reputation of being one of India’s most thrilling off-road events and this one was no different as it tested the limits of both man and machine to the extreme,” he said.
Initiated in 2013, the concept of an all-India Mahindra Off-Road Trophy has seen fierce competition as participants get a chance to demonstrate their off-road driving skills through different stages of obstacles.
Winners from various regional Great Escapes, including Meghalaya, Goa, Lonavala (Maharashtra), Hyderabad, Vagamon (Kerala), Chandigarh, Ooty, Sakleshpur (Karnataka), Gurgaon and Pushkar (Rajasthan), will compete against each other for the trophy at the finals.
