Nazir Hoosein Memorial Drive Kicks Off In Delhi, Retraces The Original Route Of The Himalayan Rally

The Nazir Hoosein Memorial Drive kicked off in Delhi earlier today, paying tribute to one of the most influential names in Indian motorsport. The 100 car field kicked off from Greater Noida and will be retracing their steps through the original route of the Himalayan Rally. Nazir Hoosein was a racing driver and a motorsport administrator who put India firmly on the map when it comes to international motorsports. He was the founder of the iconic Himalayan Rally.

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The Nazir Hoosein Memorial Drive pays tribute to the legend and includes the Himalayan Rally community comprising ex-participants, volunteers and officials. The Memorial Drive starts from Greater Noida moving towards Lansdowne. The convoy will then move to Mussoorie on November 9 and Kufri on the 10th. The drivers will then head to the iconic route of the original Himalayan Rally - the Jalori Pass before halting in Manali. The final day will see participants cross over the Rohtang pass before concluding the memorial drive in Manali.

(L-R) Late Nazir Hoosein and the route of the memorial drive from Delhi to Manali via Rohtang Pass

Hoosein was the founding member of the Indian Automotive Racing Club (IARC) and the former President of the Federation of MotorSport Clubs of India (FMSCI)  in 1984/85. He was the Vice President of the FIA for Sport, chief steward of the World Rally Championship and a member of the World Motor Sport Council. Apart from starting the Himalayan Rally, Hoosein also organised the Great Desert-Himalaya Rally in 1988.

The original Himalayan Rally took place in 1980 and was based on a safari rally format. The rally covered a 4000 km long route through some of the most treacherous terrains at a height of 10,000 ft. The first edition of the Himalayan Rally saw about 90 entries, of which about 30 were foreign entries. The Himalayan Rally has since gone to become one of the most challenging and rewarding motorsport events to take place in India.

Nazir Hoosein passed away in 2019 after a prolonged battle with illness at the age of 78.