Jeep rally kicks off with parade

More than 50 drivers exhibited their skills at the warm-up show

LAHORE: The City’s first off-road jeep rally kicked off on Saturday with a warm-up event where more than 50 drivers showcased their skills.

The event is being organised by the Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP).

The Lahore Off-Road Challenge will formally open on Sunday (today) on a 17-kilometre track developed in River Ravi’s bed.

The warm-up event, titled Lahore Cavalcade, aimed to promote the main show.



Drivers rode their jeeps in a cavalcade from the Football Stadium at Ferozepur Road and ended the drive at The Mall going via Gulberg’s Main Boulevard, Jail Road and Canal Road.

As many as 50 drivers, including award-winning drivers of the Cholistan Jeep Rally, took part in the cavalcade.

The Lahore Off-road Jeep Rally will start at 9:00am at River Ravi.

The corporation has divided jeep drivers in three categories and is offering cash prizes ranging between Rs40,000 and Rs100,000 for the winners. The corporation has designated five areas for spectators.

Simultaneously, the government has organised a fiesta to promote strawberry cultivation along the river.

The Punjab Sports Board Director General Usman Anwar told newsmen that jeep racing was gaining popularity among masses as a professional sport.



“Soon the government will introduce Formula One racing in the country,” he said.

The city district government, the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA), the Sheikhupura DCO, Rescue 1122 and the Health Department are collaborating for the event.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 27^th, 2016.