Desert Storm - Scrutiny

My Competitor ID card...

Lovely view while waiting for takeoff...

The competitors...

Our scrutiny in progress...

The day started off very early at 0300 hrs. How? This is not because
of lack of sleep. It was due to job failures in office setting the
cell phone off.
Damn.

Tried to sleep, and thankfully, i did manage to get decent sleep this
time around. As is the norm, woke up a few minutes before the alarm
got off, and was well on my way to the airport before my planned time.

Manoj (henceforth called MV) drove in on time and we were on our way
to saddi Dilli. All of the trip was uneventful and managed to reach
Delhi on time. Walked out of the airport directly to the red beauty.
The Punto still manages to take my breath away every time i see her.

Checked into the Mosiac hotel at Sector 18, Noida. Its very close to
the scrutiny point, and ceremonial flag off point - which is The Great
India Place - a huge mall.

Once we checked in and settled down, we went for the scrutiny check,
which is mandatory before we are eligible to race. This was a taxing
experience since we had to go all over Noida searching for the
recovery kit, which is, a spade, a rope, a few stickers, and emergency
rations. Finally, we did manage to get the scrutiny done only to get
stuck while installing the GPS logger. The organisers have promised to
show real time locations of the car on their website.
So, as of right now, we are all set for the rally..

The PUNTO is such a head turner. Everyone from kids to oldies have a
second look at the beauty. Just standing at a distance from the car,
and overhearing conversations about the car, makes my day. "Kitni
pyaari car hai" is the most commonly used statement, across all ages.
Participants from the Xtreme category come over, and have a look see,
and walk away with a wistful look on their faces. (And this is where I
try unsuccessfully to hide my grin :)

Its a real carnival atmosphere, with people showing off their
beauties, and blipping the throttles for the audience. And for the
first time, i am on the other side of the table. All my life, i have
been a part of the audience. An anonymous face, with an awed
experience on my face. However, this time, I am a part of this. Kids
come up and asked questions. Tie wearing slaves have come up and
started a conversation... Its so different and nice.
Im loving it!!!

Following are a few pics from today's experience.