Guwahati, Apr 17 (UNI) Former Indian National Rally Champion Amanpreet Ahulawalia emerged as the undisputed king of the mountains as he claimed the JK Tyre Arunachal Festival of Speed crown here at the spectacular Dirang Valley today.
The Noida-based veteran rallyist and his navigator Ajay Kumar were virtually unbeatable on each of the three days, conquering eight of the ten stages to pocket a major chunk out of the total prize money of Rs 10 lakh.
On the third and final day too, he won the first three Special Stages before easing up on the last one.
He finished all the stages, including the Super Special Stage on Day 1, in just over an hour to win with an impressive 27 second lead.
“It was an honour to compete against so many good drivers and good cars. But as a driver I am more comfortable in the hills, especially where it’s more about technique than speed, and I guess that’s where I scored,” Amanpreet said.
Amanpreet, who owns one of the largest rally car workshops in India, gave all the credit to his 1300cc turbo charged Gypsy.
“I worked on it for three months, and was managing to produce close to 150-odd bhp power that is pretty good for a gypsy. I guess that was the only good and best part of my car: the engine,” he said, flashing a triumphant smile.
Coorg’s INRC regular KM Bopaiah went all out in his 1600cc Vento but still had to settle for the second place.
He was barely 2 or 3 seconds off the leader in each of the stages, and even claimed the final stage, but the 28 second deficit over the first two days proved to be a bridge too far to cross.
Delhi’s Sandeep Sharma held on to his position to take the third place. His feat was particularly laudable as he was driving a stock car, and it was clear on the second day itself that it was struggling. In the Autocross for local talent, Babit Lyngdoh continued his good run to win the last two sprints on Monday to become the local hero.
Maninder, wife of Sandeep Sharma and the only lady driver in this category, slipped from her second place to finish fourth. UNI
