Summary This year, more than 130 cars participated in the 15th annual Desert Jeep Rally race
CHOLISTAN (Reuters) - Once a year in Pakistan, some half a million people who share a love for off-roading gather at the sprawling Cholistan desert to watch drivers in their powerful four-wheel drive vehicles roar out onto the sandy track.
This year, more than 130 cars participated in the 15th annual Desert Jeep Rally race -- which despite its name is not exclusive to using the Jeep vehicle.
The winner of the inguaral rally in 1994, Ronnie Patel, is still a racer 26 years after first taking the wheel. The competion took a 10-year hiatus after the first race due to the security situation in Pakistan and was restarted in 2005.
Patel, his wife and son all take part in the sport. But despite placing in the top three for every jeep rally, the 57-year-old Patel insists that he does not do it for the accolades.
"All the respect, all the love, all the recognition that I have earned is because of this sport; and it is this which keeps me going," Patel said.
Along with its popularity, the route of the rally has expanded from 100 to 464 kilometres (62 to 288 miles) over the years. The race is lined with several forts and even a palace, attracting some 500,000 domestic tourists annually according to organisers.
While there are wealthier enthusiasts willing to spend on such vehicles for the race, a ‘stock category’ - featuring participation at a nominal rate for those who can only afford normal cars - was introduced to keep the race accessible for the masses.
