Gulf Monsoon Scooter Rally

Rustom Patel, riding a Honda Activa, overcame unyielding conditions and a strong field to emerge triumphant in the 23rd Gulf Monsoon Scooter Rally, sponsored by Gulf Oil Corporation Ltd. organised by Sportscraft, on Sunday 8th July.

In a field of 39, Rustom came up with judicious riding over the dirt tracts of Navi Mumbai to win the grueling 35 km race with a penalty of 29 minutes & 54 seconds.

While Muzaffar Ali from Bhopal who participated for the first time came in creditable second with a penalty of 30 minutes & 15 seconds, astride a Suzuki Access, while Kunal Rao had to settle for third position with a penalty of 33 minutes & 07 seconds.

The popular annual event was flagged off by Bijoy Paul, General Manager – Marketing Gulf Oil Corporation Ltd from Our Lady’s Home in Parel after which the riders rode to the eastern side of the city for competition along the backwoods of Vashi, Targhar, Bombaypada, Vovale.

Riding on the gravel-laden, slushy course difficult and dicey. The riders had to exercise extreme caution while negotiating the steep inclines and hairpin bends. Practically all of them took a tumble or two and some even damaged their scooters.

It was also difficult riding through water logged areas but almost all riders went through the exercise rather efficiently.

While congratulating Rustom on his victory Mr. Shrikant Karani mentioned “It was highly commendable by Muzaffar Ali who was over all 2nd just 21 seconds behind Rustom. He had practiced only two day before the event, while as Rustom had stated during the Prize distribution he had been on the route 15 times.  More over the concept of Rally and reading the tulip was very new to Muzaffar who is used to racing on tracks only”.

Talking about his unexpected position, Ali said: “This is the first time that I participated in a scooter rally. It was very tough and challenging and I am happy that I could prove.  I knew there were some big names participating, but I kept my cool and just rode on.”

Apart from winning the overall prize Rustom Patel was 1st in his class in the 110 to 160 cc class (4 strokes), while Muzaffar. Ali and Nikunj Gala were second and third respectively in the class.

While Manjit Singh topped in the 111cc to 160 cc class (2 strokes), followed by Chinmay Bisht & Freddy Elavia on send & third position respectively

In the 80cc to 110cc class (2 stroke), Kunal Rao lead, Ashish Nair was second  while Shashank Shewale was third.

Mr. Bijoy Paul while giving away the prizes to the winners congratulated them on their victory & efforts and said “The Gulf Oil is very happy sponsoring this event from last 11 years and looking at the interest and the challenge of the event will continue to support this event in future too”.

Detailed result attached

 About Gulf Oil Corporation Ltd.-
Gulf Oil Corporation Ltd is a Hinduja Group company and is a well established and leading Lubricant Company in India. The Iconic Gulf Brand is more than 100 years and is present in more than 90 countries word wide. Gulf Brand had been promoting Motorsports in India as well as internationally with the participation in the famous Le Mans 24hrs Endurance Race, World Drag Bike Championship. Gulf Dirt Track races in India are being sponsored since last about 10 years. Gulf Oil has the best and top quality lubricants meant for all types of vehicles – Passenger Cars, Two Wheelers and Commercial vehicles.

If you need to contact the riders / winners appended below is their contact numbers