7 oct : ‘Team Sky Hawkz’ – the Indian Air Force (IAF) team of three reconfigured Gypsy vehicles roared-off from the precincts of 412 Air Force Station, New Delhi today, to participate in ‘Raid-de-Himalaya’ that begins from Shimla, on October 9. The rally is ranked amongst the toughest motor rallies in the world. The team was flagged off by Air Marshal JN Burma, Air Officer-in-charge Administration.
The IAF team is led by Gp Capt MK Abrol. Other members include Sqn Ldr Ashish, Sqn Ldr Choudhary, Fg Offr Kunal, Sqn Ldr A Kapoor and JWO AK Singh. The rally will run through Shimla, Manali, Rohtang, Lahul & Spiti Valley, Keylong, Sarchu valley and will head back through a different route to Manali. The competition will run through rivers, river-beds, gravel, mud tracks and snow including black ice on high mountain passes.