Suresh Babu scored second position in Raid De Himalaya Rally oh his Suzuki RMX450Z

Riding his Suzuki all terrain Suzuki RMX450Z, Suresh Babu, a Suzuki Motorcycles India Private Limited employee, bagged second position in the Xtreme (Motorcycles) category of the 16th Raid de Himalaya Rally.

A legend among racing and biking enthusiasts, Suzuki Motorcycle India Private Limited (SMIPL), a subsidiary of one of the world’s leading two-wheeler manufacturers, Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, is extremely proud of the achievements of this member of the Suzuki family.

The rallyists started from Shimla, and rode for a grueling 8 days (3-11th October), through Manali, Kaza and the fabled Spiti Valley and treacherous Bara Lacha La pass to Srinagar. The 16th Raid De Himalaya had 50 competitors in Rally Moto Quad (motorcycles and quads), 41 teams in Rally Xtreme (4X4) and 51 teams in Rally Adventure. Traditionally, only 25% of the starters can withstand the harsh cold, the high altitude and hostile terrain to finish the race.

Mr. Atul Gupta, Executive Vice President - SMIPL, congratulated Suresh Babu on his success, “I am delighted at Suzuki’s victory in what is considered one of the most difficult races in the world. We are extremely proud of Suresh and his accomplishment. This win is a testimony to Suzuki’s world-class motorcycle technology and the indomitable spirit of Suzuki employees!’

Suresh Babu, the elated second place winner and National Head – Product Planning – SMIPL, said “This is a great moment for me. I had to stay alert every second of the ride because the terrain is so different from what we are used to and the altitude is so high. Raid de Himalayas is of course the only motorsport rally to be staged at such a high altitude-6000 meters above sea level! However, the difficulties involved made me determined to conquer this race. It’s a great personal victory for me and also a win for all of us at Suzuki.”

Suresh Babu has been an avid racer since 1991 when he started participating in National Rally Championships and National Motocross and Auto cross championships. He has also participated in various international rallies as well, such as Qatar and Italy rounds of World Cross Country Rally Championship. In India, he has participated in Desert Storm Rally held in Rajasthan where he stood 3rd.