Nagaland Hornbill Car Rally

Dimapur duo Along, Hatba win rally:

Dimapur, Dec 7: Dimapur-based driver and co-driver Along Aier and Hatba Wangnao consolidated their first leg lead in the Hornbill Rally 2007 to emerge overall winner of the Hornbill Rally 2007 at Kohima on Friday.

“We had a brilliant run today and finished comfortably on top,” said a smiling Along at the end of the rally at Tourist Lodge here.

The winners had a minute and 44 seconds to spare as they finished the rally with a total penalty of 2:15:22. They also won the first place in the T1 (modified) category and the top spot in the Regional class. The duo received a total cash prize of Rs 2 lakh for the three top spots.

Lima Jamir and Imkong Yapang from Mokokchung continued to run third in the overall placing and won the T2 (un-modified) class coming second in the Regional class also. "We are a happy lot today after the Hornbill Rally", said a visibly elated Lima, who became richer by Rs 1, 30,000 after the victory.

The leads from the first leg almost continued to be the same, except for Prakash Momin and Daniel Sangma who climbed one position to finish 5 th overall. 12 finishers of the first leg started the second leg of the Hornbill Rally 2007 today morning at 7.30 a.m. and went on the stages.

There were two drop outs, namely Sandeep Sharma and Ashwin Naik, who pulled out with engine problems, and Toshi and Mar Aier who went off the road. Ten teams finished the Hornbill Rally 2007 at around 3 p.m.

The evening followed with a glittering prize distribution function at the Heritage Bungalow in Kohima, attended by Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.

The Hornbill Rally 2007 was sponsored by the Government of Nagaland and supported by JK Tyre and Industries Limited. The rally will be an annual event according to the Government of Nagaland and the organizers Nagaland Adventure and Motorsports Association (NAMSA).

Results:
(Overall) (Provisional) at the end of rally
1. Along Aier and Hatba Wangnao (2:15:22)
2. Khushwanth Randhawa and Amritpal Singh (2:17:06)
3. Lima Jamir and Imkong Yapang (2:25:47)
4. Anil Wadia and Harpreet.S Bawa (2:26:24)
5. Prakash Momin and Daniel Sangma (2:35:33)
6. Tinku Marak and Henry Bryan (2:36:42)
7. Lanu Jamir and Takatong Lkr (2:42:15)
8. Lipok and Lima (2:46:07)
9. Kashito and Itsato (2:50; 42)
10. Lhakpa Tsering and PVS.Murthy (3:10:45)

Source: The Morung Express