The registration of adventure-hungry drivers would begin from February 6 for participation in third annual Cholistan desert jeep rally to be held on March 9-11 near Derawar Fort, Bahawalpur.
Tourism Development Corporation Punjab (TDCP) has added another category of vehicles having 4000 cc plus powerful engines to accommodate international racers, said TDCP Multan Regional Manager Shoaib Ahmad on Sunday.
In 2006 jeep rally, Dubai car rally champion had registered for the contest but he voluntarily withdrew for his four-wheeler was powerful and well equipped than the other participants.
Past two events, held in 2005 and 2006, had witnessed participation of three categories of vehicles, Shoaib said.
Participants would be required to deposit Rs 15000 as entry fee and Rs 10,000 as security (refundable) to the organisers of the rally.
It would be a 275-kilometre long rally, some 50 kilometres longer than the 2006 rally.
According to the schedule, the registered vehicles would participate in a cavalcade to take a round of Bahawalpur city on March 9 after checking fitness of their vehicles.
They would also attend a tea party at Sadiq Public School and dinner at Darbar Mehel the same day. On March 10, drivers would get their vehicles fit if they had any problem, will have stickers bearing numbers pasted on vehicles. Then, they would proceed to Derawar Fort the same day where they would be able to inspect route.
Accommodation facilities have also been made there for the participants. The race will begin on March 11 at 6:30 am with a flag-off signal and is expected to conclude at 4 pm.
Prize money has been enhanced from Rs 100,000 last year to Rs 150,000 for first position holders in all categories. Second position holders will get Rs 100,000 each and third Rs 75000 in each of the four categories.
Cultural programmes have been arranged and a food street would be set up at the venue.
TDCP has also arranged a tent city at Derawar Fort where people can hire a four-person-capacity tent for three days for only Rs 1200. The prize distribution ceremony would be held at Derawar Fort that will follow a grand musical show.
Shoaib said that multinational companies were welcome if they wish to sponsor the mega event.