The rally was flagged off at
9:00am from Club Mahindra Varka, Salcete, South Goa. Participants entered the
event in Boleros, Scorpios and Thar 4X4s- proving yet again the ruggedness of
vehicles from the Mahindra stable. These iconic Mahindra SUVs negotiated the
arduous terrain and en route, the convoy of vehicles passed through slushy rain
soaked terrain and streams. The rain soaked terrain ensured that there were
ample challenges for all off-roading enthusiasts.
Dattaraj Lawande and Krishna
Bhobe were declared winners in the Stock Category. Earl Braganza was declared
winner in the Modified Category, while Tejas Prakash Shindilkar emerged as the
First Runner-up. In the Ladies Category, Maithili Bhobe was declared the
winner.
Wrapped in a blanket of green,
with gurgling streams and rolling hills, Goa offered a picturesque setting for
a day of fun-filled off-roading. As a hub for off-roaders, Goa gave auto
enthusiasts the perfect opportunity to enjoy the monsoon and tackle the
challenging routes the state has to offer.
The Mahindra Great Escape was
first conceptualised in 1996 as a non-competitive, off-road rally meant to
encourage Mahindra customers to test the strength and performance of their
vehicles on terrain other than tarmac. Over the years, the Great Escape has
developed the reputation of being one of India’s most thrilling off-road events
with each edition seeing enthusiastic participation from die-hard Mahindra fans
and customers alike.
The first season of the
Off-Roading Trophy, Mahindra’s all-India off-road championship was held in Goa
in 2012. The best off-roaders from around the country fight for top honors and
to win a new Mahindra Thar CRDe 4x4.