India’s ace rider Harith Noah to make Dakar Rally debut with TVS
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Indian rider Harith Noah, a familiar name among the local motorsports fraternity, is set to make his debut at the Dakar Rally 2020, as his name was announced in a squad of four riders. Noah will be the only Indian rider representing Sherco TVS Rally Factory Team, while the remaining riders are from France and Spain.
The team includes seasoned racer Michael Metge of France, Enduro Champion Lorenzo Santolino of Spain and Johnny Aubert of France, beside India’s ace rider Noah. The Sherco TVS Rally Factory Team, has had an impressive year with strong performances at all international events in 2019 including Merzouga Rally, Desert Storm, Baja Aragon, and aims for a strong finish at Dakar 2020. The team recently won Baja Aragon Rally 2019 held in Spain.
Noah, a seven-time winner of the India National Motorcross Championship, competed in Sri Lanka under the TVS Racing Team flag at Gajaba Supercross, Vijajaba Supercross and Gunners Supercross events on several occasions. K.P. Aravind, another Indian rider who has the honour of claiming the Sri Lanka National Championship, was a finisher of the Dakar Rally in 2019.
Aravind sustained a leg injury during his practice session earlier in the year, due to which he will not be participating in Dakar Rally 2020. He successfully completed the 2019 edition of Dakar making him the only Indian to finish the gruesome rally at 37th position. His absence will give Noah, the debut of the most anticipated rally in the world.
Sherco TVS Rally Factory Team, lead rider Michael Metge is gearing for his seventh outing at this gruelling rally, and Lorenzo Santolino will make his second appearance at a Dakar Rally. The team welcomes Johnny Aubert, who finished sixth in Dakar 2018, bringing with him 35 years of racing experience. The fourth rider, Noah is one of the brightest talent from India and has shown tremendous performance in the international rallies.
Dakar 2020 is the 42nd edition of the annual international Rally-Raid which will be taking place in the dunes of Saudi Arabia. It will be a journey through unknown landscapes, unexpected challenges, untold stories and unbelievable memories, commencing at Jeddah passing through Riyadh and culminating at Al Qiddiya. This is Sherco TVS Rally Factory Team’s sixth consecutive year of participation in the Rally. The Dakar Rally 2020 is scheduled to take place between January 5 and 17.