Prepared-A Category: A Spectacular Win
In the highlight of the event, Asif Fazal Chaudhary, along with his co-driver Saeed Tiwana, secured victory in the Prepared-A category, clocking in an impressive time of 18 minutes and 3.36 seconds. It was a neck-and-neck competition, with Faisal Shadikhel taking the second spot with a close finish of 18 minutes and 12.08 seconds, followed by Shahibzada Sultan, who completed the race in 18 minutes and 16.44 seconds.
Prepared-B Category: A Close Call
The Prepared-B category saw fierce competition, with Asad Shadikhel emerging as the winner with a time of 18 minutes and 20.39 seconds. Arbaz Khan clinched the second position with 19 minutes and 25.54 seconds, while Nauman Sarnajam Khan secured third place, finishing in 19 minutes and 58.23 seconds.
Prepared-C & D Categories: Dominant Performances
In the Prepared-C category, Bevragh Mazari outshined his rivals, finishing with a time of 21 minutes and 16.66 seconds, narrowly beating Asif Ali, who clocked in at 21 minutes and 18.59 seconds. Dr. Haris Khan rounded out the top three, finishing in 23 minutes and 50.36 seconds.
For the D-Prepared category, Main Shakeel Burchandi took the top spot, completing the track in 21 minutes and 8.59 seconds. He was followed closely by Umer Iqbal Kanju at 21 minutes and 19.91 seconds, with Taj Khan Mahar finishing third in 21 minutes and 35.14 seconds.
Stock Categories: Raw Talent on Display
The A-Stock category was a test of endurance, with Hassan Ali Magsi claiming victory with a time of 1 hour, 16 minutes, and 31.60 seconds. Zohaib Hassan secured second place at 1 hour, 18 minutes, and 22.88 seconds, followed by Syed Asif Imam in third place with 1 hour, 19 minutes, and 3.05 seconds.
In the B-Stock category, Bismillah Magsi emerged as the winner, completing the race in 1 hour, 18 minutes, and 7.83 seconds. He was followed by Sultan M Bahadur Aziz with a time of 1 hour, 18 minutes, and 48.55 seconds, and M. Umar Younas, who finished in 1 hour, 24 minutes, and 31.78 seconds.
The C-Stock category saw Mir Berbrack Rind dominate with a final time of 1 hour, 24 minutes, and 58.32 seconds. Rao Hammad Ur Rehman came in second, clocking 1 hour, 25 minutes, and 59.96 seconds, while Rashid Abdullah took third place with 1 hour, 27 minutes, and 28.23 seconds.
In the D-Stock category, Usama Hiraj (aka Usama Ameer Hayat) clinched the first position with a time of 1 hour, 21 minutes, and 18 seconds. Falak Sher Baloch followed in second with 1 hour, 23 minutes, and 57.82 seconds, and Jameel Baqir finished third in 1 hour, 24 minutes, and 21.87 seconds.
Veteran & Women Categories: A Celebration of Experience and Grit
The Veteran category was a testament to experience, with M. Anish Khakwani leading the pack with a time of 1 hour, 19 minutes, and 49.72 seconds. Afzal Haq secured the second spot, finishing in 1 hour, 39 minutes, and 30.79 seconds, while M. Amir Jhandir took third place with 2 hours, 14 minutes, and 59.21 seconds.
The Women’s category was dominated by Laleen Akhunzada, who completed the race in 1 hour, 43 minutes, and 10.06 seconds. Ambreen Faraz secured the second position with a time of 2 hours and 47.60 seconds, showcasing the increasing talent and participation of women in off-road racing.
Conclusion
The 9th Thal Desert Rally 2024 was a grand display of speed, skill, and resilience, with each participant pushing their limits to conquer the challenging desert track. The event not only highlighted the competitive spirit of the drivers but also brought together racing enthusiasts from across the country to witness thrilling off-road action.
With the rally growing in popularity each year, it continues to be a key event in Pakistan’s motorsport calendar, promising even more excitement and tougher competition in the years to come.