Sikkim gears up for first statehood car rally, top national champions to compete

Sikkim will host its first-ever car rally this week as part of the state’s 50th statehood anniversary celebrations, with the event set to bring unprecedented attention to both motorsport and tourism in the region. The rally, titled Mountain Rush, will officially begin from Ridge Park in Gangtok on April 23.

Organised under the supervision of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI), the rally will follow the Time, Speed, Distance (TSD) format. According to officials, it has drawn the largest number of national champions to ever participate in a single rally of its kind.

“This rally holds great potential to promote tourism in the state,” said Yougan Tamang, press secretary to Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang. “According to the FMSCI, Sikkim's terrain offers immense potential for motorsports.”

The multi-day event will span all six districts of Sikkim, covering key locations including Lachung, Ravangla, Soreng, Namchi, and Pakyong before looping back to Gangtok. Organisers say the route has been carefully designed not only to challenge drivers but also to showcase the state’s landscapes and promote rural tourism.

Sikkim, which was a monarchy until 1975, became India’s 22nd state on May 16 that year. The rally is one of several events planned throughout 2025 to commemorate the milestone.

Officials see this as a chance to place Sikkim firmly on the motorsports map. The state’s mountainous terrain, remote locations, and winding roads present a unique environment for competitive driving, and the FMSCI’s involvement ensures adherence to national racing standards. (PTI)