Opinion: One-off events like Raid, Desert Storm need more promotion

Unlike racing, there are fewer barriers to entry in rallying - making it easier for newcomers to enter motorsport. For instance, a TSD rally allows a team of two to experience competitive conditions in a stock car, without reaching dangerously high speeds.

While the National TSD Rally Championship got decent interest, it varied. Dakshin Dare, Desert Storm and Raid de Himalaya all have a separate TSD category for gentleman rally drivers and it is immensely popular.

These three cross-country rallies generate huge participation from families and friends, providing them with the thrill of motorsport at an affordable cost.

Already, the number of competitors in cross-country rallies is thrice as compared to National-level single-seater championships, but there’s scope for more. Widescale promotion from the organisers and the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) will go some way in boosting entries in off-roading events and rallies.

Moreover, participation in such events may evoke their interest to take part in more hardcore categories against some of the top rally drivers and riders in the country.

Another reason to promote rallying in India is the sheer variety of terrain available. From the heights of the Himalayas to the deserts of Rajasthan, India offers all sorts of venues for rallying.

During its heyday, Raid de Himalaya used to boast about foreign entries in its Xtreme Cars category. While it has since lost some of its prestige, the very location of this rally means it can be brought back to its old glory days.

Locals living in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir can easily participate in the Raid using their stock car - be it a Maruti Alto or a proper off-roader like the Thar and the Gypsy.

But only when all associated parties join hands together for common good can we can expect a surge in rallying in India.