For Hem Raj who had been driving a taxi for a decade now for tourists in Manali, a passion for car rallies was deeply hidden.
He loved what he did but had to curb his speed for the safety of his passengers. And when he got the chance to drive in cross-country events, he grabbed it with both hands. With ten-time Raid De Himalaya champion Suresh Rana backing his efforts, he started to raid the mountain ranges across India and even went on to win a few.
Rana was quite surprised with his skills and wanted him in the INRC. So, when the Rally of Coimbatore Talent Hunt programme was announced, he got Hem Raj enrolled and booked his flight tickets and even took care of his board and lodging.
