Manjit Bassan of Mumbai wins Gulf Mansoon Scooter Rally

Mumbai, July 29 (UNI) Overcoming tough conditions created by heavy monsoon showers in the last two days and a strong field, former champion Manjit S Bassan emerged victorious in the 18th edition of the Gulf Mansoon Scooter Rally, organised by Sportscraft here today.

If Bassan got away with the prestigious trophy, another former champion Shamim Khan from Nashik, astride a Kinetic Marvel, finished second in 39:41 seconds, while Badal Doshi from Navi Mumbai finished third clocking 40:41 seconds, a release said.

Earlier, in the morning, the gala sporting event was flagged off from 'Our Lady's Home' at Dadar by Ravi Chawla, president, Lubes Gulf Oil Corporation Ltd.

In a field of 30 rode, Bassan on his LML Vespa rode judiciously over the dirt tracts of Navi Mumbai to win the gruelling 50-km race in a timing of 38:24 seconds in penalties.

The heavy rain that Mumbai experienced over the last few days made driving on the gravel-laden, winding course dicey. It was lucky that a competitive sector was cancelled because of water logging.

Under the circumstances, riders had to exercise extreme control while negotiating the steep inclines and hairpin bends. Practically all of them took a tumble or two and some even damaged their scooters.

While all the participants performed admirably, only 24 of the 30 starters completed the rally. Nikunj Gala was adjudged the best first-timer and awarded the late Firdosh Vajifdar trophy for his spirited riding.

Manjit Bassan won the overall title and topped in the 110 to 160 cc class, Shamim Khan bagged the honours in the 80cc to 110cc class.

Badal Doshi won in upto 160 cc 4-stroke class.

The annual even is conducted by Mumbai-based motor sports organisation Sportscraft under the flagship of the country's apex motor sports body-Federation of Motor Sports Club of India, which is sponsored by Gulf Oil Corporation Limited.

UNI