October 30, 2018, Wayanad: The 154th edition of the Mahindra Great Escape, one of India’s most popular off-roading adventures, concluded successfully in Wayanad with over 40 vehicles from the Mahindra stable maneuvering the challenging route.
The rally was flagged off at 9:30am on October 27th 2018 from Arrapetta Estate Staff Club Ground, Wayanad. Participants entered the event in Boleros, Scorpios and Thar 4X4s- proving yet again the ruggedness of vehicles from the Mahindra stable. Set amidst the tea plantations and thick foliage, Wayanad offered a challenging setting for a day of fun-filled off-roading. Incessant rains further made the off-road environment more stimulating making the route and obstacles slippery and challenging. The rain soaked terrain ensured that there were ample challenges for all off-roading enthusiasts.
Mr Sujeesh Kolothody grabbed the first place in the Stock Category, Mr Navas Shareef won the Modified Category, while Mr Athul Thomas and Mr. Alan K Abraham emerged as the First Runner-up and Second Runner-up in the Modified Category respectively.
Wrapped by lush, forested region with areas of high altitude, Wayanad, which is home to animals including Asiatic elephants, tigers, leopards and egrets offered a perfect setting for a day of fun-filled off-roading. As a hub for off-roaders, Wayanad gave auto enthusiasts the perfect opportunity to tackle the challenging routes the district has to offer.
The Mahindra Great Escape was first conceptualized 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 winners of the Wayanad Off-Roading Trophy Round are set to compete against the winners from other Great Escapes at the grand finale which will be held at the Mahindra Adventure Off-Road Training Academy, in Igatpuri. The winners in turn will stand a chance to win a new Thar CRDe.
