Gaga Sethi of Delhi wins JK Tyre Hornbill Rally

Delhi-based Gagan Sethi and navigator Dhiraj Arora emerged champions among the professionals while local challengers Vizosielie Rupero and Zakiezotuo Lhoungu topped in the amateur category in the JK Tyre Hornbill Motor Rally which concluded at the Heritage Village, Kisama, near Kohima in Nagaland on December 5, 2014.

There were 43 competitors taking part in this rally which tackled a challenging terrain that was a mix of dirt and broken tarmac. It put to test not just the driving skills but also navigation skills with Time Controls. “It was a good result for us and the route was quite easy for us, after having won the Raid de Himalaya earlier this year in our category,” said Sethi who returned a penalty time of four minutes.

Finishing second in the professionals category were Tali Akang and Moulinath Ghosh (00:06:11) while Biju Awomi and Mrinla Kalita (00:06:38) completed the podium.

However, it was the amateurs who performed better as Rupero and Lhoungu incurred a penalty time of two minutes and five seconds as against four minutes that Sethi and Arora were docked.

Vime Solo and Khrielezo Keretsu came in second with a penalty time of three minutes, 18 seconds as they finished ahead of Khosazo Sazo and Vekhozo Medeo who were docked 03:49secs.

Caption: Nagaland Chief Minister Mr TR Zeliang presenting the trophy to Dhiraj Arora (centre) and Gagan Sethi who won the JK Tyre Hornbill Rally in Kohima

Chief Minister of Nagaland  TR Zeliang gave away the prizes at the Heritage Village, Kisama.

Tyre major JK Tyre have been involved with the annual Hornbill Festival by way of supporting the Hornbill Rally in an effort to provide experience and exposure to local talent who get an opportunity to compete with some of the top rally crews of the country. JK Tyre has been promoting motor sport in the country in a big way.

The results:

Professionals: Gagan Sethi / Dhiraj Arora 1 (00:04.00mins penalty); Tali Akang / Moulinath Ghosh (00:06:11); Biju Awomi / Mrinla Kalita (00:06:38).

Amateurs: Vizosielie Rupero / Zakiezotuo Lhoungu 1 (00:02:05); Vime Solo / Khrielezo Keretsu 2 (00:03:18); Khosazo Sazo / Vekhozo Medeo 3 (00:03:49).