-35 cars and 15 motorcycles to participate
-The ceremonial flag-off will take place from St John's High School at 5 pm on October 2
Chandigarh, September 30, 2026: The Hero SJOBA TSD (Time Speed Distance) Rally-2026 is all set to bring together motorsport enthusiasts in a competition featuring a new Bikers Class, a first-ever Night Stage and challenging new tracks across Punjab.
The rally, being organised by St John's Old Boys Association(SJOBA), under the aegis of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI), will have a ceremonial flag-off from St John's High School at 5 pm on October 2, followed by the formal start from Doaba Group of Colleges on October 3. The rally will return on October 4 and conclude with the prize distribution ceremony at the Chandigarh Golf Association (CGA).
Sharing details at a press conference, SJOBA President Nikhil Deep Singh Jaspal said the introduction of the Bikers Class was aimed at making the event more inclusive and providing motorcycle enthusiasts an opportunity to participate.
“Introducing a Bikers Class for the first time will bring a new dimension to the SJOBA TSD Rally and provide motorcycle enthusiasts with an opportunity to participate in the event,” Jaspal said.
Clerk of the Course (COC) SPS Ghai said a Time-Speed-Distance (TSD) rally requires competitors to follow a prescribed route while maintaining specified average speeds and reaching designated checkpoints at stipulated times. “Unlike conventional speed rallies, where outright speed is central, TSD rallies place emphasis on navigation, time management, accuracy and coordination between the driver and co-driver,” said Ghai.
Additional COC Dr Rahul Dutta said, “The Night Stage is being introduced for the first time this year. Driving and navigating at night will present a different challenge for the competitors, testing their concentration, coordination and decision-making abilities.”
Deputy Clerk of the Course (DCOC) Nagendra Singh said new tracks had been identified for the rally. “We have explored and identified new tracks for this year’s rally. These sections will feature sharper turns and unfamiliar challenges, requiring competitors to demonstrate greater precision, control and adaptability,” said Nagendra.
It is worth noting that the rally will traverse parts of Mohali, SBS Nagar, Rupnagar, Hoshiarpur and Garhshankar, taking competitors through varied terrain and changing road conditions.
SJOBA Secretary and Competitor Relations Officer (CRO) Danish Singh Mangat said the event had received strong participation this year.
“We have 35 cars and 15 bikes participating in this year’s rally, which is a huge response. The participation reflects the enthusiasm surrounding the SJOBA TSD Rally and makes this edition particularly exciting,” Mangat said.
Club Steward Nipun Mehan said the organisers were focused on ensuring that participants received a challenging but well-regulated rallying experience, with all rules and procedures being followed properly.
Safety arrangements have also been strengthened for the event. Chief Medical Officer Dr Utkarsh Singh Anand said, “Coordination had been undertaken with Fortis to ensure ambulance support, while First Intervention Vehicles(FIV’s) would carry medical kits and oxygen cylinders.”
Dr Vivek Kapoor, who is part of the medical team said “We are overseeing the deployment of ambulances and FIV’s along the route to ensure that immediate medical assistance is available whenever required.”
Chief Safety Officer Navkiran Singh said safety remained the foremost priority, adding that the organisers have coordinated with local hospitals and the district administration. Local hospitals have been put on alert and an evacuation plan has also been prepared.
In reply to a question, Jaspal said that Hero is the title sponsor of the rally, while Bridgestone is the tyre sponsor. Punjab Tourism is the co-sponsor and Vamcy Merla the additional sponsor. Kandhari Beverages, Fortis, Doaba Group of Colleges, Tynor & Paul Merchants are among the other partners, he added.
The SJOBA president said that the event will culminate on October 4 with the prize distribution ceremony at the Chandigarh Golf Association, where winners will be presented with cash prizes and trophies.
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