Racing with a difference
Times News Networks
Bangalore
April 7, 2002 --
It’s motor racing with a difference. Two cars start simultaneously on two different lanes next to each other. They cross tracks with one going over the bridge and other down the tunnel.
It’s a kind of action you can not get tired of even if you see it a 100 times according to Jaidas Menon and Sujith Kumar of Bangalore Riders Sports Club, who are organizing this Maruti Autocross track attack at the palace grounds from 9.30 am today.
WDC Solutions provided a SMS contest where the spectators could send out a message “Playtowin” to the branded mobile number 98440 20206 to win exciting prizes and merchandise. Over a period of just 4 hours, more than 300 messages were exchanged and a large database of mobile numbers was built for the organizers. |
The even has been organized with spectators in mind. Jaidas and Sujith have virtually recreated the Langley Park stage from the Rally of Australia at the palace ground.
The specifically created track with fast corners, short straights and hairpin bends is approximately 1.2km long and will see two categories of racing. One where anyone with a yen for racing can give it a try and the other an invitation one for present and past champions called Champion of Champions race.
The Champion of Champions race will feature the crème de la crème of Indian racing including the likes of N. Leelakrishnan, VR Naren Kumar, Farad Bhathena, Vikram Mathias, Karandip Singh, Sagar Muthappa and Jagat Nanjappa to name just a few.
Almost all participants ran some practise sessions on Saturday morning. The novelty adds to the thrill and excitement, said Vikram Mathias, from Coimbatore, the current 1400cc class National Champion.
There are many contenders for the crown in the general category. Rahul Kanthraj from Chickamagulur, the Patil brothers from Bangalore, Teertha & Shreshta, the Jouhari brothers Deepak & Ravi, Lohit V Urs from Mysore, Dr. Bikku Babu and P G Abhilash from Kerala to name a few.
The event is being run under the aegis of the Motorsports Association of India. Maruti division of Maruti Udyog Limited to promote the sport in the country are the main sponsors, while Pepsi India and Hotel Vintage Residency are chipping in with support. Servo Lubricants, Team Kadur, Auto Cop XS are the other sponsors. MRF Limited is providing two rally prepared Maruti Balenos to the organizers for running the race.
Impressive trophies and cash awards and gift hampers have been planned for the participants.
