Ten commandments : Tips for Driving in the Desert

Rally description - Rally Desert Storm 2007 NAV version:
Now that you have been brave and taken a plunge in to world of TSD rallying we would like to share a few thought with you to help you come out a winner. While making the course of NAV rally we have increased the order of "toughness" progressively from day to day. On the first day all you have to do is cross a unmanned rail line and less than couple of kilometers of rough / sandy track. Day two will increase the hazard only slightly but it is a long day. Those who survive day two will face almost 40 kilometers of off-road drive but one that is easily passable by alert driver and crew. Some sandy stretches and increased difficulty of navigation make this intersting challange and will give you a lot to talk about. Day four will take you through further sandy stretches and then invite you on to endless salt plains of Sambhar Lake where the smoothe surface is inteerspread with bumps and ruts waiting to catch out the unwary.

Tips and tricks:
First rule for driving on sandy tracks is to try to keep maximum forward momentum. This will carry you through drifts of light sand which cover the road for stretches. Road book keeps mentioning this but you can plan to expect un-expected drifts of sand as wind re-surfaces the desert on daily basis.
Second watch out for the height of central hump! It is likely that the hump has been made by a passing camel cart with huge clerance. Your ca does not have that and if you keep your wheels in the ruts you are likely to get struck. Try to keep one wheel on the hump and the other on the side bank.
Third it is better to use the side-wall of your tyres as well. Try to drive so that the tyre wall touches the side of ruts. You need all the surface traction! Gently rock the wheel side to side while keeping the highest possible momentum. Do not climb the sand wall / side of ruts but hit them and then drift back.
Fourth keep power applied gently and consistently. Too much power / Low gears are of no use as sand does not give you traction!!
Fifth rule is not to venture off the track. The deceptively smooth surface of sand is extremely soft and can quickly embrace your vehicle to stop.
Sixth point is that you will not get sand drifts continuously as there are soft and hard patches. Use hard patch to build momentum and get through the next sand drift. If you have to stop and get a feel of track ahead, stop on firm surfaces.
Number seven is to go fast over the “crests”. Do not even think of stopping or slowing down on steep slope before the crest! If you do chances are that you will not only get stuck you will not be able to back up either.
Eighth point is stopping with care and apply brakes very very gently. Hard braking dig the front wheels in to sand making it impossible to go forward or backwards.
Ninth rule is back up whenever you feel the vehicle not able to make it to the crest or through the sand drift let it gently roll to stop. Then gently and without applying un-necessary power backup till you are on to firm ground. Do not be obstinate and just press on accelerator as if that is the solution, believe us it is not! If you are struck then powering your way is not going to get you anywhere. Stop, think and then act.
Finally if you do get stuck, dig out the sand in front and back of all the tyres to get a gentle slope. Your kit comes in hand here. Use dry bramble bushes ( you will find them every where) to pave the surface of sand and then gently try to roll out with least power while co-driver (and if you are lucky .. bystanders!) push. Sometimes trying to roll out your vehicle in third / fourth gear is better idea, as this prevents application of too much power all of sudden which will only result in digging in further -talk about digging your own grave!! Some times it helps to shut off engine and the just using starter with vehicle in gear can take you out! Remember you came here on your own to measure up to a challenge and not to keep you hands and clothes free from sand.
DO NOT PANIC!
Organisers will eventually arrive and help you get to nearest village where you can organise a tractor to pull your vehice out. All stages are closed by sweep vehicle to give you help. Use the communication signs in your road book to inform controls with help of competitors. Keep enough water (Plan what you can drink and then double the amount) and stay out of sun while you wait and enjoy watching others struggle through!
Happy storming!!!