Vinod-Shailendra take the lead in the Dakshin Dare rally as Aieman-Sagar prepare for the ultimate showdown. Who will claim victory?
Introduction: A Thrilling Turn in Dakshin Dare 2024
The penultimate day of the 14th Dakshin Dare Cross-Country Rally brought high drama, heartbreak, and a fresh dose of excitement. As dust settled on Saturday, Indore’s Vinod Singh and Shailendra Singh of Team Ashva snatched the overall lead with a smart, calculated drive. Meanwhile, Karnataka’s Aieman Ahmed and co-driver Sagar M stayed in hot pursuit, determined to make the final day unforgettable.
What is the Dakshin Dare Rally?
If you’re new to this motorsport, think of the Dakshin Dare as the ultimate test of endurance, speed, and strategy—a battleground where man and machine fight unpredictable terrains. Spread across multiple stages, this rally pushes drivers beyond limits, making every second count.
Vinod and Shailendra: The New Leaders
When the dust cleared after Day 3, Vinod Singh and Shailendra Singh emerged on top with a total time of 05:26:19. Their drive wasn’t flashy; it was all about consistency, precision, and making no mistakes when it mattered the most.
How Did Team Ashva Pull Ahead?
The answer lies in discipline and strategy. While rivals gambled on aggressive maneuvers, Vinod and Shailendra stayed focused. Their 1300cc Maruti Gypsy, fine-tuned by Dr Perk Customs, proved to be the perfect blend of reliability and performance.
The Misstep That Cost Adith and Harish
Racing is cruel. One wrong turn, and your podium dream can vanish. That’s exactly what happened to Adith K.C. and Harish K.N. from Team VM Motorsports. After leading overnight, they suffered a brief off-route excursion, losing precious minutes and dropping to third overall.
Aieman and Sagar: Chasing Glory
If there’s one duo refusing to back down, it’s Aieman Ahmed and Sagar M. Their mantra? Controlled aggression.Sitting in second with 05:29:07, they’re only a heartbeat behind the leaders. With two 77.27 km stages left, their message is clear: “We’re ready for the final assault.”
Raunak Jana and Uday Ganguli’s Blazing Stage Win
The Kolkata pair from Bro’s Racing stole the spotlight in Stage SS4, clocking an electrifying 46 minutes, 27 seconds. Their approach? Push hard where it counts and play safe elsewhere—a smart mix of aggression and caution.
Team VM Motorsports: A Dominant Force
Even with Adith slipping to third, Team VM Motorsports showed its depth. Four of their five cars are in the overall top five—a testament to their preparation and resilience. Leading from the back is Vamcy Merla, the team principal, who battled through Friday’s mechanical troubles to finish inside the top five.
Phoebe Nongrum: Leading the Ladies Class
In a sport often dominated by men, Phoebe Nongrum is proving that talent knows no gender. Alongside co-driver Venu Ramesh Kumar, she’s not only first in the Ladies class but also sits an impressive fourth overall. That’s breaking barriers in style!
The Stage That Never Happened
Day 3 was set for fireworks, but the final stage had to be cancelled due to safety concerns. Why? Despite police presence and marshals, crowds swarmed dangerously close to the racing line. As rally promoter Jaidas Menon explained, the risk was too high to ignore.
Why Safety is a Big Concern in Rallying
Unlike circuit racing, rally stages unfold in open terrain, making crowd control a constant headache. One wrong step by a spectator can turn celebration into tragedy. Rally organizers deserve credit for prioritizing lives over laps.
Final Day: The Road Ahead
Sunday promises a grand finale—two punishing runs over a 77.27 km selective section. This is where champions are made. Will Vinod and Shailendra hold their nerve? Or will Aieman and Sagar script a heroic comeback? Stay tuned!
Full Provisional Results: Who’s Where?
Top 3 Overall (after Day 3):
- Vinod Singh / Shailendra Singh (Team Ashva) – 05:26:19
- Aieman Ahmed / Sagar M (Team VM Motorsports) – 05:29:07
- Adith KC / Harish KN (Team VM Motorsports) – 05:30:43
Stage SS4 Winners:
- Raunak Jana / Uday Ganguli – 46:27
- Vinod Singh / Shailendra Singh – 47:52
- Archit Jindal / Aashish Bhaskar – 48:07
Class Leaders:
- Ladies Class: Phoebe Nongrum / Venu Ramesh Kumar
- Group T1: Aieman Ahmed / Sagar M
- Group T2: Vinod Singh / Shailendra Singh
Why This Rally Matters for Indian Motorsport
Events like Dakshin Dare push Indian motorsport into the global spotlight. They nurture local talent, attract manufacturers, and ignite a passion that could one day produce world champions.
What to Expect After Bengaluru’s Prize Distribution
Once the engines cool and trophies are handed out, discussions will shift to future upgrades, sponsorship deals, and next year’s strategy. But for now, all eyes remain on tomorrow’s battle.
Conclusion
The 14th Dakshin Dare Rally is living up to its reputation as India’s toughest off-road challenge. With Vinod and Shailendra leading, Aieman and Sagar on the hunt, and the final showdown looming, expect nothing short of fireworks. In motorsport, the last stage can rewrite the script—who’s your pick for glory?
