The Mahindra Scorpio, one of India’s most iconic SUVs, recently created a hat-trick at the 12th Raid-de-Himalaya which is one of the most gruelling events on the Indian motorsports calendar. The Scorpio emerged the winner in a record three segments under the Adventure Trial – SUV category.
Mahindra Scorpio’s domination of the Indian SUV segment has reached new heights with this achievement. The Scorpio also won Raid De Himalaya in 2009 and 2008 in the Adventure Trial – SUV category, making this a hat-trick win! Sanjay Takale & Rahul Sancheti came overall first in the Adventure Trial – SUV Category as well as first in the Stock Expert segment.
The brother duo of K Prasad and K Pradeep came first in the Pro Stock Expert segment and Raj Singh Rathore and Chandrashekhar were the winners in the Stock Amateur segment: all these adding up to a triple treat for the Mighty Muscular Scorpio.
Commenting on the success of the Scorpio, Mr. Vivek Nayer, Sr. Vice-President, Marketing, Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. said, “This win further reaffirms the tough and rugged ‘Mahindra DNA’ of the iconic Scorpio which is a much loved, much admired brand. It is a very proud moment for us as winning the 3rd time in a row is a testimony to the spirit of adventure of the Scorpio as well as the people who drive it so passionately! ”.
Raid de Himalaya 2010 witnessed 164 participating teams grappling with subzero temperatures, highly inhospitable weather and forbidding terrain. The robust and rugged Scorpios however dominated the six-day long competition from the flag-off at Shimla on Day 1, to the close of the rally at Manali on Day 6, maintaining their poise and position through some of the most challenging conditions on earth.
Commenting on the win, Mr. Sanjay Takale, Winner, Adventure Trial-SUV category, Raid De Himalaya 2010 said, “Finishing the Raid de Himalaya is an achievement in itself. This is a team sport and we couldn’t have pulled this off if we did not work together.
Team Mahindra had a job to do. The rally saw a very high casualty rate due to the treacherous and unforgiving terrain and only the cars with the best technical setup were able to pull through. My biggest advantage was my navigator, Rahul Sancheti, who was spot on with direction and the Mahindra Scorpio which never gave up, no matter what the terrain was. The roads this time tested our mettle and by winning it, we just answered it right”.
