A star-studded field of riders has lined up for the 14th edition of the Gulf Monsoon Scooter Rally, to be run around the backwoods of Mumbai on June 20. They include defending champion Shamim Khan from Nasik, 2002 champion Manjit Singh Bassan from Mumbai and the experienced Afzal Khan, Freddy Elavia, Rustom Patel and Shailesh Gala. All will be vying for prize-money of Rs 45,000 and trophies in a grueling test of man and machine, sponsored by Gulf Oil Corporation Ltd and organized by Sportscraft, under the aegis of the Federation of Motor sports Clubs of India (FMSCI - Chennai).

In India, Gulf Oil Corporation Ltd has emerged as a strong player in the motor sports arena, continuously sponsoring many motor racing events, amongst them being the Gulf Dirt Track Challenge, Gulf Autocross, Gulf Monsoon Scooter Rally and also Gulf Foster-A-Child Rally. Besides these events GULF OIL Corporation Ltd. also sponsors well-known racing drivers who participate in the Indian National Rally Championship.

Gulf Oil Corporation's forward looking initiatives is bearing fruit given the presence of top riders representing leading two-wheeler manufacturers and the high level of competition experienced in seen in all the races.

In September 2002, after a three-year break, Gulf Oil Corporation Ltd came forward to revive the Monsoon Scooter Rally, a once popular event, first staged in 1986, which was discontinued after 11 years due to paucity of sponsors. The response that event drew and success it met with has seen the company renew their association with the event for the third year running.

Indeed, this GULF Monsoon Scooter Rally, which has attracted over ­­­­­­­­25 entries, promises rich fare. Not because of the top riders it has attracted but because of the all-new route Sportscraft has chalked out. Unlike the past, when the rally was run around the backwoods of Panvel or Khandala or Khapoli, but this time it will be along the outskirts of Mumbai. The dirt tracts of Powai, Vikhroli, Mankhurd, New Mumbai and Belapur have been chosen to test the riding skills of two-wheeler daredevils and the scooters. The rally will finished at K.Star Hotel –CBD Belapur

This year Sportscraft advanced the date of the event so as to get the monsoon in its full fury.

In addition to the abovementioned riders, entries have also been received form Surat, Bhopal, Pune, Thane, Nasik and Hyderabad.

Eight entries have been received from Thane. They include those of Rahul Shelar and Umesh Rane, who are said to be excellent riders.

Besides the regular prizes, there are several other prizes up for grabs. There are Gulf Hampers and trophies for best non-sponsored Thane , New Mumbai and Mulund riders; a Hoshi Patel Trophies and gift hampers from Canson and Puff N Rolls best non-sponsored Nasik riders, Commissariat Trophies and Gulf Hampers for Best Mumbai riders and the Madhu Brothers Trophies and gift hamper for non-sponsored Bhopal participants.

Thus, with so much at stake, one can rest assured of top drawer action. With a good amount of riding to be done in unyielding terrain, it will be interesting to see how the many new scooter models in the Indian market perform and how sturdy they are to take on the elements.

Standard entry will be closed on 11th June 2004 till 17:00 hrs. Late entries will be accepted till 13:00 hrs on 17th June 2004.

For more details contact Sportscraft, Chitrakut, 3rd floor, Siri Road, Chowpatty Bandstand, Mumbai 400 006 Tel. 022 – 23677631, Fax. 022 – 23685071. Between Monday to Friday at 10:00 hrs to 17:0hrs and on Saturday at 10:00 to 12:00 noon. E- Mail – Sportscraft@hotmail.com