The class of vehicles in the modified category showcased a wide range of enhancements. These included oversized MT tires, engine remapping, free-flow exhaust systems, off-road bumpers, lift kits, rock sliders, winches, and various other upgrades.
BHPian hemanth.anand recently recounted this experience with fellow enthusiasts.
Participating in the Rock N Road 4×4 Masters event with my Jimny was an exhilarating adventure.
On the 28th of January, I stumbled upon an Instagram post by Maruti Suzuki announcing the Rock N Road 4×4 Masters event. This exclusive gathering was tailored for Jimny owners, with 40 participants from 8 different locations vying for the coveted title of 4×4 master.
Eager to seize this opportunity, I promptly reached out to BHPian avinashsg to gauge his interest in joining me for the event. His initial response, “Are we prepared?” echoed my own uncertainties.
While we had traversed challenging terrains across the country, formal off-road competitions were uncharted territory for us. Delving deeper into the event details, I realized that it catered to both stock and modified Jimnys, offering a relatively accessible entry point into the world of competitive off-roading. Despite acknowledging our slim chances of clinching victory, we were driven by the prospect of gaining invaluable experience.
With Avinash’s resolute affirmation on the 1st of February, we promptly registered ourselves and my vehicle for the upcoming event.
A glimpse of the Delhi event video featuring Vijaykumar from Swastikfabs prompted me to seek insights on the event’s complexity. Vijaykumar reassured me that while the stages posed challenges, they were navigable. This assurance, albeit comforting, underscored the disparity between our novice status and the seasoned participants.
On the 6th of February, the event organizers disseminated the event guidelines, unveiling Dirty Drivez—an off-road training facility on the outskirts of Bengaluru—as the event venue. This location, familiar from a previous Jimny test drive, appeared modest, raising questions about its suitability for hosting the event.
Despite our initial plan to familiarize ourselves with nearby off-road tracks, scheduling conflicts thwarted our efforts until the weekend preceding the event. Our excursion to Achhalu Betta, an off-road hill climb near Bengaluru, alongside a Gypsy and a friend’s MT Jimny, proved less challenging than anticipated due to recent road repairs.
JiGyps at Achalu Betta base of Achalu Betta
March 5th marked the participants’ inclusion in a dedicated WhatsApp group for seamless coordination. Anticipation brimmed as we readied ourselves for the event scheduled for the following day.
Day 1, Saturday, March 9, 2024
Enthusiasm propelled me out of bed ahead of schedule, eagerly awaiting Avinash’s arrival at 0615hrs. We reached the venue promptly at 0700hrs, among the first attendees to assemble. Following brief introductions, we awaited the event’s commencement.
The Event Headquarters
Early Bird Lineup
The Impressive Monster Goat
After a brief organizational delay, registrations commenced around 0830hrs. Document verification, signing of indemnity forms, and receipt of vehicle stickers, food coupons, and rules booklets ensued. Scrutiny, an essential step following sticker application and tire pressure adjustments, preceded the driver briefing scheduled for 0930hrs.
Registration Desk Operations
Scrutiny Card and Stickers Distribution
Vehicle Scrutiny Process
Applying Vehicle Stickers
Vehicles Lined Up for Scrutiny
Amidst the registration hustle, the breakfast truck arrived, providing sustenance as Mr. Ashish Gupta from MSIL addressed the marshals. Following the briefing, drivers were primed for the day’s challenges.
Marshals’ Briefing Session
Event Stage Overview
The event comprised 8 Special Stages (SS1 to SS8) designed to test both vehicle capabilities and driver skills. Each day entailed completing 4 unique SS, with participants divided into groups of 10. Specific rules and challenges characterized each SS, emphasizing adherence to designated paths and safety gear requirements.
Noteworthy was the disparity between stock and modified Jimnys in the event. While stock vehicles adhered to standard specifications, modified counterparts flaunted substantial enhancements like oversized MT tires, engine remapping, and specialized bumpers, accentuating the diversity within the competition.
Stay tuned for the thrilling account of the SS2 challenge and its impact on participants’ performance.