Coimbatore, July 11 (IANS): The Rally of Coimbatore, the second round of FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship, was off to a flier at a local mall where the 36 vehicles, led by championship leader Gaurav Gill and his navigator Musa Sherif of Team Mahindra Adventure, were given a ceremonial flag-off here Friday.
The vehicles head to the Kari Motor Speedway racing circuit to take the start Saturday for the Special Stages that will be run about 30 Kms from the city.
Pomp and colour marked the ceremonial start as the crews were garlanded and flagged-off to the accompaniment of nadaswaram music that added a touch of local flavour.
The participants were unanimous in declaring the Special Stages as “fast and flowing” after completing the mandatory reccee in the afternoon.
“The first Stage is fast and flowing and will provide some good action, while the second Stage is very technical,” said Gill, the reigning Asia Pacific champion, who will be driving the Mahindra XUV 500.