GANGTOK, :
Sikkim is set to host its first ever TSD (Time-Speed-Distance) car rally,
titled ‘Mountain Rush,’ from April 23. As a prelude to this event, title
sponsor JK Tyre has lined up a high-performance motorsport show to dazzle the
State with its “Indian Racing Festival-A Carnival of Total Control” here at the
Burtuk Helipad on Tuesday evening.
A
key highlight of this adrenaline packed show will be blazing showcases of
FIA-accredited Indian Formula 4 and Indian Racing league cars. The line-up
features champions across generations from 10-year-old karting sensations to
racing champions and rally legends, a press release informs.
“Enthusiasts
can look forward to jaw-dropping drifting displays in high-performance machines
like Lexus and BMW, alongside gravity-defying stunts on Superbikes and modified
stunt cars,” the organisers said.
The
event is open to the public and begins at 3:30 pm. The highlight of the evening
will be the formal flag-off of the JK Tyre Mountain Rush rally by Chief
Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay), in the presence of motorsport icons, rally
legends and young karting stars.
Sanjay
Sharma, head of Corporate Communication & Motorsport at JK Tyre, expressed
pride in being part of this landmark event.
“As
Sikkim celebrates 50 glorious years as a State of India, we are honoured to be
part of this iconic milestone by doing what we do best—bringing the adrenaline
of motorsport to the majestic hills. At JK Tyre, we salute the State’s
unmatched eco-conscious vision and applaud the enthusiasm and precision of its
leadership in curating every detail. We are here to fuel the thrill, amplify
the cheer, and wish every participant an unforgettable, action-packed journey
ahead.”
Organised
by Summit Times and Service to Mankind in collaboration with the Government of
Sikkim, the four-day rally will begin at 7 am from Ridge Park on April 23. The
route spans Sikkim’s diverse and scenic districts, with legs from Gangtok to
Lachung (Mangan district), then to Rabongla (Namchi district) on April 24,
continuing to Soreng on April 25, and concluding back in Gangtok on April 26
with a closing ceremony at MG Marg.
Summit
Times editor Puran Tamang, who is the chief organiser of Mountain Rush, thanked
Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) and JK Tyre for the encouraging enthusiasm
with which they supported the idea and made Mountain Rush possible.
“Organising
Sikkim’s first TSD Rally would have remained a daydream had the Chief
Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) not encouraged us to go ahead and promised us
all required support. His indulgence was touching, and emboldened us to go full
steam ahead. JK Tyre also came on board the moment plans for the event were
shared with the team at JK Tyre. We have also been deeply touched by the
support we have received from all other sponsors and are grateful for their
support,” Tamang said.
Over
50 teams from across India have registered for the debut edition of Mountain
Rush, which offers a total prize pool of Rs. 8 lakh. Competition categories
include National, Open Expert, Open Amateur, Sikkim Local, All Women, Best
Novice Team and Couples.
FMSCI
officials will carry out vehicle scrutiny on April 22 from 9 am onwards at
Government Law College, Burtuk.
