Shamim Khan of Nasik will be bidding to complete a hat-trick of titles in the 15th Gulf Monsoon Scooter Rally to be held in Mumbai on July 2 and 3.

The defending champion is expected to face tough challenge from former champions Manjeet Singh Bassa of Thane and Mumbai's Rustom Patel, Shailesh Gala and Badal Doshi, said Shrikant Karani of Sportscraft, which is organising the event.

Twenty-five riders have already confirmed their participation in the 89-km event of which 35-km would be the competitive stretch to be held in neighbouring Navi Mumbai. The last date for entries is June 29.

"We have received enquiries from riders in Bangalore and Bhopal too, but will restrict the event to 40 riders," Karani said and added that the event was being held under the aegis of the government-recognised Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI).

"The riders would start off from Andheri (northwest Mumbai) and proceed to Vashi in Navi Mumbai via Powai, Vikhroli and Ghatkopar," he said, adding the event carried a prize money of Rs 50,000 with the winner receiving Rs 5,000.

In addition, there will be special prizes for riders of Mumbai, Thane, Nasik and Pune, he said.

"On the dirt track there would be time limits with the time clocked treated as the riders' penalty points," he added.

Competitions are to be held in above 80cc to 110 cc (2-stroke), above 110cc upto 160cc (2-stroke) and upto 160 cc (4-stroke) machines.