UAE: Yohan Poonawalla Wins ‘Hero of the Rally’ at Mille Miglia 2024

Yohan Poonawalla Wins ‘Hero of the Rally’ at Mille Miglia UAE 2024

Industrialist Yohan Poonawalla has achieved a major milestone in the motorsports industry by winning the prestigious “Hero of the Rally” title at the Mille Miglia UAE 2024. As part of the prestigious rally, automobile enthusiast Poonawalla drove his classic 1974 Jaguar E-Type Roadster V12 through the difficult terrain of the United Arab Emirates, including the treacherous Jebel Jais mountains.

“Participating in the Mille Miglia UAE 2024 on behalf of India further demonstrates Poonawalla’s commitment to automotive history. I am honored to receive the ‘Hero of the Rally’ award, one of the most prestigious events like the Mille Miglia UAE Rally,” he said, expressing his gratitude for the mention. This honor is evidence of my dedication to conserving the history of automobiles.

Known for his rare and historic car collection, Poonawalla’s fleet includes a number of extraordinary vehicles, one of the most notable being the 1964 Lincoln “Popemobile.” This car has significant historical value, having been used during Pope Paul VI’s visit to India in 1964 and later gifted to Mother Teresa.During the Mille Miglia event, Narain Karthikeyan, India’s first Formula One driver, also drove the car.

In addition to his recent success, Poonawalla has received several prestigious global accolades, including recognition as ‘Classic Car Ambassador of the Year 2023’ and among the ‘Top 100 Classic Collectors in the World.’ This honor further cements his reputation as a leading figure in the world of classic car collecting and preservation.