Warmest Greetings to all Brethren, old and new...!!!
At the outset, I have been working on this intro for quite some time now... Actually I already have 4 different versions on my pc. Couldn't figure out what all to write, where to start, where to stop... Although I did just 4 events with the Team, the times that I got to spend will all seniors is very special and I got to learn so much about life (and not just motorsports). So there's a lot to express. I guess I'll write a complete diary of my years with Team Avalanche. Incidents, small and big. Will keep updating it here on the site under the appropriate topic/s.
Anyways, I've finally come up with this shortest version:
I am Ameen Shaikh. Most of the senior members would remember me (I hope) as one half of the "JUGAL JODI" (The other half being my very good friend Abhishek Kaushal). People who joined after 2002 will find me new.
Well well well… TEAM AVALANCHE... Team Avalanche means "THE WORLD" to all of us out here, I'm sure. Each one of us has his/her own special bonding with Team Avalanche and the Team holds a special place in each and everyone’s life. For me, whatever I am today is because of Team Avalanche... No..., I'm not actively into motorsports… I'm an Automobile Engineer (B.E. & M.Tech.)...!!!
My wonderful, adventurous, beautiful journey with Team Avalanche started sometime in August/September 1997. Castrol Mountain Challenge 1997 was approaching and the Team needed new marshals. So everyone came over to St. Edward's. 40 odd guys were picked up by the Team and after a grueling period of intensive training, we headed out for the Castrol Mountain Challenge 1997.
By the time Team Avalanche decided to put up Avalanche Open Challenge 1998, only 3 out of the original 40 guys felt enthusiastic enough to come back. Kaushal and I were 2 of those guys. The seniors had no option but to make the three of us Chief Marshals for the event. He he he... Just our second event and such a huge responsibility...!!? Well, we gave it our heart and soul and from then onwards, Team Avalanche was family.
Next, we went to Jaipur for the Castrol Desert Challenge 1998. Another great event. My responsibilities had multiplied since AOC-98. Again, gave it my best and scathed through the event with a few incidents.
The first Raid de Himalaya was the next event, where Kaushal and I were given our first independent post. Yet another memorable event from all aspects. This was my last event with Team Avalanche.
Studies beckoned and I had to leave Shimla. Tried to keep in touch and keep myself updated. Have seen the
www.team-avalanche.org,
www.teamavalanche.com,
www.team-avalanche.in days. Rally.Co.In helped in getting back in touch with my beloved seniors. This site is the ZENITH...
Although I am relatively inexperienced in motorsports (considering I've done just 4 events as a Marshal, never been part of a service crew, never participated in any event), I'm a diehard fan of Team Avalanche and all seniors. I'm looking forward to give in my best inputs for the development of the Team as well as its overall welfare. So eagerly awaiting guidance from the seniors, suggestions from peers and assistance from new members...
LET US PUT
TEAM AVALANCHE PROMOTOSPORTS ON THE GLOBAL MAP OF MOTORSPORTS...
Cheers...
