INDIA in F1

Category: National Championship

The event counts as the National Championship recognised by FMSCI, the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India, the governing body of motorsports in India, and the ASN recognised by FIA and FIM.

  • Young guns to challenge established stars: MMSC 2w Nationals Round 2

    Young guns to challenge established stars: MMSC 2w Nationals Round 2

    Chennai, July 6, 2023: The possibility of a new generation of riders continuing to push the seniors, like they did in the season-opener at Coimbatore last month, heightens the expectations of stirring duels in the second round of the MRF MMSC fmsci Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship 2023 which gets underway at the Madras International Circuit here on Friday with over 150 entries in the fray. 

    The three-day event with 15 races besides practice and qualifying sessions, brings together country’s top riders and bike manufacturers – Honda, TVS, Yamaha and KTM – to contest in four National championship categories – Pro-Stock 301-400cc, Pro-Stock 165cc, Novice (Stock 165cc) and Girls (Stock 165cc), apart from a support race in the 301-400cc (Novice) class. 

    The card also includes the Petronas TVS One-Make Championship comprising three categories, the Open (Apache RR 310), Rookie (RTR 200) and Girls (RTR 200), while Idemitsu Honda India Talent Cup will have a double-header in the NSF 250 class. 

    At the tight and twisty Kari Motor Speedway in Coimbatore last month, established stars had to constantly look over their shoulders as a new generation of racers announced its arrival with podium and top-10 finishes. However, the very technical MIC would be a different challenge for the young guns when they go up against their experienced peers. In this context, there is much to look forward to in the races this weekend. 

    Rajiv Sethu (RACR Castrol Power1 Ultimate) and Mathana Kumar (Pacer Yamaha) started the season with a double apiece in the two premium Pro-Stock categories, 310-400cc and 165cc, respectively, in Coimbatore, but both were tested by a pair of Petronas TVS Racing’s new recruits, Sarthak Chavan from Pune and Bengaluru’s Chiranth Vishwanath. Another teenager, Shreyas Hareesh (Rockers Racing) from Bengaluru impressed with two top-10 finishes in the Pro-Stock 165cc category. 

    In contrast, Hyderabad teenager Vignesh Goud (Race’ists Motorcycle Club) also notched a double in the Novice class quite comfortably while the ever-improving Lani Fernandez (RACR Castrol Power1 Ultimate) from Puducherry won the highly competitive Girls’ race. 

    Both the One-Make Championships also witnessed young riders excel. Chennai’s Kavin Quintal (NSF 250), Alwin Sundar (Petronas TVS Open) and Shreyas Hareesh (Petronas TVS Rookie) dominated their respective categories with a double each while Bengaluru’s Nithila Das impressed while winning the Petronas TVS Girls’ race. It will be no surprise if the quartet extend their winning run at the MIC this weekend. 

    MMSC president Ajit Thomas said: “The Coimbatore round presented a happy scenario with many young riders making a mark in various categories, and it certainly augurs well for the future. We look forward to the trend continuing in the remaining rounds at the MIC. Once again, we are grateful to our sponsors MRF Tyres, the manufacturers, the growing number of competitors and the Media who all have contributed to the success of the championship.”

    There will be live streaming of the races on various social media platforms. 

  • Tanveer wins top class; Ikshan, Shlok, Sachin bag a double too: Dirt Track Nationals

    Tanveer wins top class; Ikshan, Shlok, Sachin bag a double too: Dirt Track Nationals

    Coimbatore, 11 June 2023: Two young Satar riders, Ikshan Shanbhag and Shlok Ghorpade, won a brilliant brace to equal experienced riders Abdul Wahid Tanveer and Sachin D in the opening round of the MRF fmsci National Dirt Track Championship, promoted by Godspeed Racing, at the open grounds of Codissia, near Jenneys Club, here on Sunday.

    While multiple National champion Tanveer notched up stunning victories in both the motos of the top class, SX1, it was a battle between youth and experience as Shlok Ghorpade and Ikshan Shanbagh, both from Satara, and D Sachin also posted wins in two motos each. The ladies class was bagged by former Road Racing National champion Ryhana Bee as she put paid to the hopes of Tanya Singh, but it was Ikshan’s sister, Tanika Shanbagh, a from Hero Motosports stable, took the last spot on the podium in the new format.

    Ladies winners: (from left ) Tanya, 2nd, winner Ryhana Bee and Tanika Shanbhag (3rd).

    Nevertheless, the battle between the women will continue not just in Dirt Track Nationals but also in the 2w National Rally Championship, where Tanika has taken huge strides against established names while Ryhana continues to shine in Drag and Road Racing Nationals. With Aishwarya Pissay moving to bigger bikes and to the top class competing with male champions, Tanika is aiming for a double National title, both in Dirt Track and Rally. But a tough Ryhana Bee of Chennai got the hole shot in the first round and the momentum gets interesting as the DT Nationals move to the second round. “I am very happy to secure 1st position to begin the season on a winning note. It is good to be back on the podium after a few struggles in my INRC (2w) and INMRC. Where I used to be on the top but due to some technical issues I had bad crash in INMRC and it cost me a lot including 1st place,” said Ryhana, the 2020 Ladies champion in the Indian National Motorcycle Racing Champion (INMRC). “The track is very tricky and challenging. I feel good that I took the chequered flag with a huge lead after a healthy fight with my fellow riders. Hoping to set my bike up for a better show in the coming rounds. I must thank my team for the solid support and service. I thank MRF, Godspeed, and other organisers for giving us another safe platform to race and it was a weekend I enjoyed,” Ryhana added.

    Mysuru’s Tanveer, one of the top riders from the TVS stable is a champion rider in Supercross and National 2w Rally championship but with no official entries from TVS, he took part as a privateer but his TVS 450 stood him in good stead. Though being a heavy bike is a bit of a disadvantage, the champion rider pulled out all the tricks in his repertoire to beat competition in the Dirt Track championship which is being revived after a decade.

    Ryhana Bee pumps her fist in joy as she takes the flag to win the Ladies class in the first round of the Dirt Track Nationals at Coimbatore on Sunday. INDIAinF1 image (Supplied)

    Without taking many risks, Tanveer displayed smooth and steady riding skills to win both the Motos in SX1 upto 500cc class. The TVS champion beat Shlok Ghorpade of Satara in the first Moto and went on to best teammate Rugved Barguje in the second, after getting caught in the traffic in P4 early on. But he soon made it to the front and was leading comfortably by Lap 4 and went on to clinch the 10-Lap moto with much ado. “This double win makes me very happy as it is a good beginning to the season. I did not exert much and played safe making time in the corners and pacing it when required,” said Abdul Wahid Tanveer.

    Sachin D, who races for Petronas TVS Racing in the Supercross and 2w rally Nationals was at his best. After a disappointing outing in Moto 1 of the Indian Experts Group C upto 260cc class, he came back strongly in Moto 2 to beat teammate Imran Pasha, the winner of first moto. Then he went on to make it a double winning the Indian Novice class (Group C, upto 260cc) with ease. “My first race day in the Dirt Track Nationals is really good. I enjoyed it as it is a completely different format from what I have been racing and rallying. I am riding dirt track championship for the first time and it is fun. So I am really happy with my performance and I like the 900-metre track. Hope to perform better in upcoming events and win the championship,” said Sachin.

    The revival of the Dirt Track Nationals by Godspeed Racing saw overwhelming response with 137 entries and Coimbatore is known for its two-wheeler riders and their fans.

    Provisional Results:

    Class 1: SX1 Group A (Upto 500cc): Moto 1 (10 laps):

    1. Abdul Wahid Tanveer (Mysuru), 20 points;

    2. Shlok Ghorpade (Satara) 17;

    3. Prajwal Vishwanath (Bengaluru) 15.

    SX1 Group A (Upto 500cc): Moto 2 (10 laps):

    1. Abdul Wahid Tanveer 20;

    2. Rugved Barguje (Pune) 17;

    3. Ishan Shanbhag 15.

    Class 2: SX2: Group A (Private Experts, upto 500cc): Moto 1:

    1. Shlok Ghorpade (Satara) 20;

    2. K. Manikandan (Coimbatore) 17;

    3. Sinan Francis (Ernakulam) 15.

    SX2: Group A (Private Experts, upto 500cc): Moto 2:

    1. Shlok Ghorpade 20;

    2. Abdul Latheef (Palakkad) 17;

    3. K. Manikandan 15.

    Class 3: Indian Novice (Group C, upto 260cc): Moto 1:

    1. D. Sachin (Bengaluru) 20;

    2. Mohd. Zaheer (Bengaluru) 17;

    3. Faraz Pasha (Chamrajnagar) 15.

    Class 4: Indian Experts: Group C, upto 260cc: Moto 1:

    1. Imran Pasha (Mysuru) 20;

    2. Varun Kumar (Coimbatore) 17;

    3. K. Sasikumar (Coimbatore) 15.

    Indian Experts: Group C, upto 260cc: Moto 2:

    1. D. Sachin 20;

    2. Imran Pasha 17;

    3. Faraz Pasha 15.

    Class 5: Private Experts: Group C, upto 260cc: Moto 1:

    1. J. Abhishek (Coimbatore) 20;

    2. L. Nathan (Coimbatore) 17;

    3. Mohd. Zaheer 15.

    Class 6: Indian Experts: Group C, 261-550cc: Moto 1:

    1. Rohit Shinde (Baramati) 20;

    2. Mohd. Zaheer 17;

    3. Sreekanth Komana (Kochi) 15.

    Class 7: Junior SX1: Group A, upto 250cc (Big wheels 12-16yrs): Moto 1:

    1. Ikshan Shanbhag (Satara)20;

    2. Shlok Ghorpade 17;

    3. K. Adarsh (Coimbatore) 15.

    Junior SX1: Group A, upto 250cc (Big wheels 12-16yrs): Moto 2:

    1. Ikshan Shanbhag 20;

    2. Shlok Ghorpade 17;

    3. Wilmer Valentino (Kochi) 15.

    Class 8: Junior SX2: Group A, upto 100cc (Small wheels 8-12yrs): Moto 1:

    1. J. Sujan (Coimbatore) 20;

    2. Darshit Chavan (Pune) 17;

    3. Bhairav Chowdegowda (Bengaluru) 15.

    Junior SX2: Group A, upto 100cc (Small wheels 8-12yrs): Moto 2:

    1. Darshit Chavan 20;

    2. Sahil Shelukar (Pune) 17;

    3. Bhairav Chowdegowda 15.

    Class 9: Scooters: Group C, upto 260cc: Moto 1:

    1. Pinkesh Thakkar (Pune) 20;

    2. Kishore Jadhav (Pune) 15;

    3. Prem Kumar (Coimbatore) 15.

    Class 10: Ladies: Group C, upto 260cc: Moto 1:

    1. Rhyana Bee (Chennai) 20;

    2. Tanaya Singh (Pune) 17;

    3. Tanika Shanbhag (Satara) 15.

    Demo Class:

    1. Rayan Shakkir;

    2. Thanin T;

    3. Sumiran Narayan.

  • MRF Tyres helps Godspeed revive popular fmsci Dirt Track Nationals

    MRF Tyres helps Godspeed revive popular fmsci Dirt Track Nationals

    Coimbatore, 8 June 2023: The MRF Dirt Track fmsci National Championship 2023 will be launched here on Sunday, June 11. Thanks to Godspeed, the Dirt Track Nationals are back after a gap of over a decade on the calendar of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (fmsci). The Championship sponsored by MRF, with MX Store as associate, will run the first round at the open Codissia Park Grounds, Opposite to Jenneys Club on Sunday, the 11th of June, from 9.30 a.m.

    Adding another off-road racing discipline under its umbrella, Godspeed Racing, Pune, now promotes three flagship Nationals, after gaining the National rights to organise all the three top off-road two-wheeler National Championships in India, namely National Supercross, National 2w Rally and Dirt Track Nationals.

    With the aim of providing a safe and controlled environment for the new riders and upcoming rookies, Godspeed set up the platform to test their skills with a machine and again brought to life the forgotten but popular form of racing, the Dirt Track Nationals. The new event provides riders a safe platform for testing their speed, control, agility and bike-handling and gives them an avenue to push their adrenaline. “We will strictly adhere to all the strict guidelines and norms laid down by fmsci, the governing body of motorsports in India. We also have the ambulances and safety equipment in place and a fleet of trained officials and marshals, said Shyam Kothari, a seven-time National champion and the man behind the whole show.

    “Unlike other motorsports, Dirt Track or flat track racing requires minimum modifications to the machine and therefore is more accessible to the masses and this in the racing language is referred to as ‘Group C’ where riders need to make a minimum change or alteration to their motorcycles in order to race,” added Shyam, who was instrumental in promoting many youngsters.

    The Dirt Track Nationals will have six categories for Group C and will also have the premier four classes for Group A which are for foreign-made motorcycles, making it 10 classes in the National Championship. “Godspeed is introducing these10 categories to provide a chance to riders across the spectrum, to participate irrespective of the motorcycle they own, or their past experience, age and sex. Separate classes for children aged 8-plus,  a scooter class, and an exclusive woman class are the highlights.

    Worldwide, Dirt Track Racing or Flat Track Racing is identified as a stepping stone to graduate into serious form of racing disciplines like Supercross, Motocross and Rallying. Godspeed will help these riders to hone their skills, test their abilities and find their niche for the future.

    The 900-meter track with 18 corners is prepared on Black Cotton soil. Coimbatore with its rich culture provides great conditions and has enthusiastic and knowledgeable people aware of the nuances of the competitive sport. The event will be one-make Tyre Championship and runs only on MRF Tyres. The scrutiny and admin checks will be on Friday and Saturday.

    2023 Calendar (Dates and venues to be confirmed)

    Round 1: Coimbatore, June 10 & 11.

    Round 2: Bengaluru, July 1 & 2.

    Round 3: Kolhapur, August 12 & 13.

    Round 4: Satara, August 26 & 27.

    Round 5: Pune, September 9 & 10.

  • Nithila, Shreyas, Sartak… Young brigade on new path; Sethu, Mathana excel

    Nithila, Shreyas, Sartak… Young brigade on new path; Sethu, Mathana excel

    Coimbatore, June 04, 2023: Rajiv Sethu, Mathana Kumar and Vignesh Goud notched a double apiece in their respective categories as the Rolon Round of the MRF MMSC fmsci Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship 2023 concluded at the Kari Motor Speedway here on Sunday. 

    NextGen riders, Shreyas Hareesh, the India MiniGP 2022 champ, Nithila, the school girl from cycling fame, slowly demolishing the motorcycle world, and the MotoX magnet

    Rajiv Sethu (RACR Castrol Power 1 Ultimate), determined to resurrect a sagging career, swept the honours in the premier Pro-Stock 301-400cc Open category while Mathana Kumar did much the same in the other top-end class, the Pro-Stock 165cc Open. Both had won Race-1 on Saturday quite comfortably and it was a virtual re-run in the second outing today. 

    Hyderabad’s 19-year-old Vignesh Goud (Race’ists Motorcycle Club) was equally commanding in the Novice (Stock 165cc) category as he won both the races this weekend while Puducherry’s Lani Fernandez (RACR Castrol Power 1 Ultimate) took the honours in the Girls (Stock 165cc) class after starting from P5 on the grid. 

    Sethu, 24, who moved from Honda to Yamaha this season by joining multiple champion Rajini Krishnan’s RACR Castrol Power 1 Ultimate team, immediately made his mark on debut in the 301-400cc category by winning both the races. 

    In fact, Sethu, who started from pole position, had more than enough straight-line pace as he again held off Pune’s upcoming teenager Sarthak Chavan who joined Petronas TVS Racing team this season, while Hyderabad’s Rahil Pillarisetty (KTM Gusto Racing) completed the podium for a repeat of yesterday’s Race-1. 

    “This double means a lot to me. I won just one race last season (in the Pro-Stock 165cc Open category). And now, I have started 2023 with two wins! In a way, this weekend could be a turning point in my career and I hope I will enjoy more success going forward,” said Sethu who has had an up-and-down career with forays at the Asian level fetching desired results. He went winless in the 2021 National championship season though finishing on podium in eight of the 10 races and scored just one win in 2020 that was in contrast to the six in 2019 when he ended second in the championship. 

    In the Pro-Stock 165cc Open race today, the Pacer Yamaha duo of Mathana and Prabhu Arunagiri, who had finished in that order in yesterday’s Race-1, looked poised for another 1-2 finish. However, Arunagiri packed up after nine of the 14 laps due to mechanical issue while Sarthak Chavan who was running second, also retired with clutch problem in the 11th. It left Mathana all on his own in the front as he finished a comfortable winner ahead of Bengaluru youngster Chiranth Vishwanath who did well to hold off his Petronas TVS Racing team-mate and the more experienced KY Ahamed. 

    Earlier, Vignesh Goud did as he pleased for another fine win in the Novice (Stock 165cc) category for a double. He enjoyed a good start from pole position and quickly opened up a handsome lead that kept increasing as the race progressed. He eventually spared almost four seconds to Mysuru’s Tasmai Cariappa (Pacer Yamaha) who was followed home by Savion Sabu (Axor Sparks Racing) from Bengaluru.  

    The fast-improving Puducherry rider Lani Fernandez rode a fine race to win quite handily after starting from P5 as she sliced through the top half of the field to hit the front and never looked back. Finishing second behind her was pole-sitter Ann Jennifer (Alpha Racing) and Jagathishree Kumaresan (One Racing) was third. 

    Petronas TVS One-Make Championship: Alwin Sundar (Chennai) started the day’s proceedings with a comfortable win in the 301-400cc Open (Apache RR310), starting from pole position. Finishing second behind him was Manoj Yesuadiyan (Chennai) who made five spots while Senthil Kumar C (Coimbatore) was third. Alwin went on to win Race-2 to also score a double with Senthil Kumar coming in second and Yesuadiyan third. 

    Bengaluru schoolboy Copperam Hareesh Shreyas also achieved a splendid double in the Rookie category with another comfortable victory. Fellow-Bengalurean Savion Sabu finished second ahead of Nandanan (Chennai). 

    Idemitsu Honda India Talent Cup: Chennai’s Kavin Quintal, for the second time this weekend, destroyed the NSF 250 field to complete a double. Having won the first race yesterday with great ease, Kavin’s dominance was even more pronounced in the second outing today over 14 laps.  Finishing a distant second was Rakshith Dave (Chennai), while Prakash Kamath (Steel City) was third. 

    The results (Provisional): 

    National Championship – Pro-Stock 301-400cc Open (Race-2, 14 laps): 1. Rajiv Sethu (Chennai, RACR Castrol Power 1 Ultimate) (17mins, 10.905secs); 2. Sarthak Chavan (Pune, Petronas TVS Racing) (17:15.035); 3. Rahil Pillarisetty (Hyderabad, KTM Gusto Racing) (17:18.203). 

    Pro-Stock 165cc Open (Race-2, 14 laps): 1. Mathana Kumar S (Tiruchi, Pacer Yamaha) (18:16.308); 2. Chiranth Vishwanath (Bengaluru, Petronas TVS Racing) (18:18.409); 3. KY Ahamed (Chennai, Petronas TVS Racing) (18:18.812). 

    Novice (Stock 165cc) (Race-2, 10 laps): 1. Vignesh Goud (Hyderabad, Race’ists Motorcycle Club) (14:38.296); 2. Tasmai Cariappa PC (Mysuru, Pacer Yamaha) (14:42.038); 3. Savion Sabu (Bengaluru, Axor Sparks Racing) (14:45.305). 

    Girls (Stock 165cc) (8 laps): 1. Lani Fernandez (Puducherry, RACR Castrol Power 1 Ultimate) (11:49.553); 2. Ann Jennifer AS (Chennai, Alpha Racing) (11:52.201); 3. Jagathishree Kumaresan (Chennai, One Racing) (11:52.295). 

    Petronas TVS One-Make Championship – Open (Apache RR 310) (Race-1, 10 laps): 1. Alwin Sundar A (Chennai) (12:51.163); 2. Manoj Yesuadiyan (Chennai) (12:56.063); 3. Senthil Kumar C (Coimbatore) (12:58.807). Race-2 (10 laps): 1. Alwin Sundar (12:55.616); 2. Senthilkumar C (12:56.035); 3. Manoj Yesuadiyan (12:59.942). 

    Rookie (Apache RTR 200) (Race-2, 10 laps): 1. Copparam Hareesh Shreyas (Bengaluru) (13:58.187); 2. Savion Sabu (Bengaluru) (14:02.196); 3. Nandanan (Chennai) (14:02.500). 

    Media (Apache RTR 200) (8 laps): 1. Deepak Vishnu D (Kochi) (12:27.379); 2. Ananya Aswathi (Pune) (12:27.462); 3. Alshin K Thomas (Pune) (12:29.841). 

    Idemitsu Honda India Talent Cup (Open, NSF 250) (Race-2, 14 laps): 1. Kavin Quintal (Chennai) (17:11.908); 2. Rakshith S Dave (Chennai) (17:50.057); 3. Prakash Kamath (Steel City, Rourkela) (17:51.107). 

  • 10-time National champ Hemanth Muddappa begins 2023 in style with a double

    Chennai, 30 April 2023: Reigning National champion in his class, Hemanth Muddappa, displayed his masterclass once again to begin his 2023 campaign in style as he bagged a double in the opening round of the MMSC fmsci Indian National Motorcycle Drag Championship 2023 powered by Vamci Merla at the Madras International Circuit (MIC) here on Sunday.

    The Mantra Racing rider, a 10-time Indian National Drag Champion is the defending champion in the 1051 to 1650cc Superbikes class. Today, he claimed the honours as the ‘Fastest Rider’ of the day. On way to victory in the Four-stroke 1051 to 1650cc Super Sport class he defeated Sidharth Parmar of Mumbai with a handsome margin and then set the quickest time of Round 1, as he went on to win the Blue Ribbon event, the four-stroke Unrestricted class beating Mohammad Riyaz of Hyderabad by three-tenths of a second, a big boost for his 2023 season.

    “When you touch rock bottom, it teaches you lessons that reaching mountain-tops never will,” was how the fitness freak explained his exploits today. Last year, he set out his focus on three titles but was able to win the Championship in only one class, which may have disappointed the Indian record holder, but nevertheless Muddappa got his 10th National title in 2022.

    The second of the four rounds will be organised by Madras Motor Sports Club (MMSC) at the MIC on July 1 and 2.

    Provisional Results: (4stroke National Championship classes on Sunday)

    4s 361 to 550cc Super Sport Indian: 1. Shah Rukh Khan, Mumbai (Mantra Racing) 11.891; 2. Mohammad Fazil, Bengaluru, 12.066; 3. Jason D Souza, Mumbai (Mantra Racing) 12.122.

    4s 551 to 851cc Super Sport: 1. Mohammad Riyaz, Hyderabad, 8.461; 2. Sidharth Parmar, Mumbai, 8.611; 3. Hemanth Muddappa, Bengaluru (Mantra Racing) 8.772.

    4s 1051 to 1650cc Super Sport: 1. Hemanth Muddappa, Bengaluru (Mantra Racing) 7.689; 2. Sidharth Parmar, Mumbai, 8.097; 3. Mohammad Riyaz, Hyderabad, 8.382.

    4s Unrestricted: 1. Hemanth Muddappa, Bengaluru (Mantra Racing) 7.616; 2. Mohammad Riyaz, Hyderabad, 7.915; 3. Sidharth Parmar, Mumbai, 8.024.

    PS. All privateers, if team name is not mentioned.

  • Photo feast: MMSC fmsci Drag National 2023 Round 1 at MIC

    Photo feast: MMSC fmsci Drag National 2023 Round 1 at MIC

    Photo Gallery. IndianMotorsports.in Commissioned photos from Srinivasa Krishnan, photojournalist and Karan Ravi photographer. Videos by Sathya M.

    [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”24″ gal_title=”Drag National 2023 Ro1″]
  • Abdul Shaikh starts title defence in style; adds one more win; Jagathishree tops

    Abdul Shaikh starts title defence in style; adds one more win; Jagathishree tops

    Irungattukottai (Chennai), 29 April 2023: Champion rider Abdul Shaikh began with a bang scoring a double in the first round of the MMSC fmsci Indian National Motorcycle Drag Racing Championship 2023 at the Madras International Circuit here on Saturday.

    In the Girls’ section, Jagathishree sprang a surprise winning the 4Stroke up to 165cc Novice class with ease and grace.

    The Drag Nationals are powered by Vamsi Merla, a businessman from Andhra Pradesh and successor to well-known philanthropist and businessman Later Merla Chandrasekhar Rao of the Kalyani group.

    Organised and promoted by Madras Motor Sports Club, the Drag Nationals are run on a dedicated quarter-mile strip for most of the classes except the feature races where the distance is reduced to 303 metres to provide for a longer run-off space.

    Abdul Shaik, on his winning run in the Super Sport up to 130cc class.

    The 29-year-old Bengalurean Abdul Shaikh topped in the 2-Stroke 131-165cc and up to 130cc categories. He is the defending champion in the up to 130cc class and is looking for two titles this year. “I am so happy today. It was a hectic day and I am tired. It really took some time to get into the groove as both the tyre temperature and track temperature fell after the short spell of rain. The rain is welcome but adjusting to weather challenges has its own pitfalls. I am glad, I did well in my class and also got enough points in the next class ie 131 to 165cc category.”

    Jagathishree, beat many stars to win the first round of the Drag Nationals at Madras International Circuit on Saturday. Photos by Srinivasa Krishnan

    Jagathishree of One Racing team from Chennai emerged winner in the Girls’ class beating a host of experienced riders in Ryhana Bee, Soundari Sindy, and defending champion Lani Zena Fernandes, who did not attend the podium ceremony due to a family emergency. Lani came second followed by Sindy, as she is popularly known at the circuit. Sindy lost the National title in the last round last year after a powerful run in the first three rounds. Today, her third place is enough to bag crucial points and both Lani Zena, Sindy, and the fourth-placed Czimhy will be in contention for the championship in the four-round Nationals.

    But Saturday was Jagathishree’s. With a display of immense control and despite a slow reaction time (which has no impact on the final time due to the 3-second window), she pelted the fastest time both in the practice run and the final run. Riding a bike tuned by Dilli Babu for Team One Racing run by Mohamed Hanif, who is also her coach, she is here to stay. “The wet conditions presented a challenge but I was confident and we did clinch the first victory,’’ said a happy Jagathishree.

    Another local rider Saravanan E claimed the honours in the 4-Stroke Up to 165cc Super Sport Indian category as he clocked 14.346 seconds beating Mohammed Fazil of Bengaluru by a fraction of a second. Fazil clocked 14.360. Madhan Kumar R, also of Chennai timed 14.562 to take the final spot on the podium.

    Saravanan E claimed the honours in the 4-Stroke Up to 165cc Super Sport Indian category.

    The day’s proceedings were delayed by about two hours due to heavy showers but the promoters, Madras Motor Sports Club, stepped up to the challenge and completed the day’s scheduled programme by putting off any category races to the next day.

    The event concludes on Sunday and will see the “big boys” on their superbikes competing for the honours with practice runs in the morning followed by the final runs in the afternoon.

    The first round saw lukewarm response with only about 100 entries all the 2022 National champions except a couple, on hand to defend their titles. Reigning Bharatraj who did not take part today is expected to join in Round 2.

    The results (Provisional):

    4-Stroke Up to 165cc (Super Sport Indian): 1. Bike #79 Saravanan E (Chennai) (14.346secs); 2. #82 Mohammed Fazil (Bengaluru) (14.360); 3. #84 Madhan Kumar R (Chennai) (14.562).

    Girls (4-Stroke Up to 165cc, Novice): 1. #2 Jagathishree (Chennai, One Racing) (16.515); 2. #9 Lani Zena Fernandez (Puducherry, RACR Castrol Ultimate 1) (16.965); 3. #13 Soundari Sindy A (Chennai, AS Motorsports) (16.992).

    2-Stroke 131-165cc (Super Sport): 1. #47 Abdul Shaikh (Bengaluru) (13.072); 2. #39 Shashi Kiran (Bengaluru) (13.425); 3. #38 Manoj Kumar (Chennai) (13.515).

    2-Stroke Up to 130 (Super Sport): 1. #24 Abdul Shaikh (Bengaluru) (13.468); 2. #20 Mohamed Rafiq (Bengaluru) (13.505); 3. #23 Mohammed Arfath (Bengaluru) (13.800).

  • Hemanth Muddappa going for ‘Dream-Dozen’: 2023 Drag Nationals on April 29, 30

    Hemanth Muddappa going for ‘Dream-Dozen’: 2023 Drag Nationals on April 29, 30

    Chennai, 28 April 2023: Bengaluru speed maestro Hemanth Muddappa is all set to begin another year as he attempts to better his records in the MMSC fmsci Indian National Motorcycle Drag Racing Championship 2023 powered by Vamcy Merla at the Madras International Circuit here on Saturday and Sunday.

    The CEO of a Nutrition brand 1up, joined the exclusive club of National champions who have 10 titles in Motorsports. However, his dreams of notching up three titles had to wait as he clinched only one title and the ‘dream-dozen’ is the target this year. “Last year itself we were well-prepared and the fourth round provided us a golden chance but we could not get our act together. Alimon (Saidalvi) did very well and I congratulate him. This year is a new beginning and the urge is even stronger and we have put in hardwork and with the team’s dedication, we all gunning for more this year,” quipped Muddappa.

    The 2023 Championship, comprising four rounds, has received a big boost with Vamcy Merla offering support. This has greatly benefitted the competitors as the top three finishers in various categories will receive start-money from promoters Madras Motor Sports Club.

    About 100 entries have been received for the first of the four rounds of the championship that will be held on the drag strip at the MIC aided by imported timing equipment. The list includes a record 14 entries in the Girls’ category.

    All the 2022 National champions in various categories are back to defend their titles and they include – Alimon, Hemanth Muddappa (Mantra Racing), Abdul Shaikh and Prashanth (all from Bengaluru), Bharath Raj (Chennai, Rockers Racing) and Lani Zena Fernandez (Puducherry, RACR Castrol Power Ultimate 1).

    On view for two-wheeler enthusiasts will be a mix of powerful superbikes like the BMW, Hayabusa and Kawasaki Ninja, along with a clutch of home-grown machines specially prepared for the drag competition.

    The two-day event has practice runs on Saturday followed by the final runs in four classes including the women’s event and the rest of the final runs will be on Sunday including the feature race where superbikes and stars like Hemanth Muddappa, Riaz and Alimon will showcase their skills.

    2022 MMSC FMSCI Indian National Champions; Promoter: MMSC, Chennai.

    1. 2022 National Drag Racing Champion Rider: 2 Stroke upto 130 cc Super Sport: Abdul Shaikh, Bengaluru.

    2. 2022 National Drag Racing Champion Team: 2 Stroke upto 130 cc Super Sport: AP Motorsports, Chennai.

    3. 2022 National Drag Racing Champion Rider: 2 Stroke upto 165 cc Super Sport: Prashanth, Bengaluru.

    4. 2022 National Drag Racing Champion Team: 2 Stroke upto 165 cc Super Sport: Rockers Racing,

    5. 2022 National Drag Racing Champion Rider: 4 Stroke 165 cc Girls Stock: Lani Zena Fernandez, Puducherry.

    6. 2022 National Drag Racing Champion Team: 4 Stroke 165 cc Girls Stock: Axor Sparks Racing,

    7. 2022 National Drag Racing Champion Rider: 4 Stroke upto 165 cc Super Sport Indian: Bharathraj J, Chennai.

    8. 2022 National Drag Racing Champion Team: 4 Stroke upto 165 cc Super Sport Indian: Rockers Racing,

    9. 2022 National Drag Racing Champion Rider: 4 Stroke Unrestricted Super Sport: Alimon Saidalvi,

    10. 2022 National Drag Racing Champion Team: 4 Stroke Unrestricted Super Sport: Mantra Racing, Bengaluru.

    11. 2022 National Drag Racing Champion Rider: 4 Stroke 361 cc to 550 cc Super Sport Indian: Bharathraj J,

    12. 2022 National Drag Racing Champion Team: 4 Stroke 361 cc to 550 cc Super Sport Indian: Rockers Racing,

    13. 2022 National Drag Racing Champion Rider: 4 Stroke 551 cc to 850 cc Super Sport: Saurabh Parab

    14. 2022 National Drag Racing Champion Team: 4 Stroke 551 cc to 850 cc Super Sport: Mantra Racing, Bengaluru.

    15. 2022 National Drag Racing Champion Rider: 4 Stroke 1051 cc – 1650 cc Super Sport: Hemanth Muddappa

    16. 2022 National Drag Racing Champion Team: 4 Stroke 1051 cc – 1650 cc Super Sport: Mantra Racing, Bengaluru.

  • Aniruddha Rangnekar fastest; Ruthuparna bags a triple: Autocross Nationals

    Aniruddha Rangnekar fastest; Ruthuparna bags a triple: Autocross Nationals

    Pune, 2 April 2023: Talented Pune driver Aniruddha Rangnekar clinched the Overall honours as he won the fastest driver tag and led his team Slideways Industries to a rich haul in the IARC fmsci Indian National Autocross Championship promoted by Bangalore Motorsports Club at the Nanoli Speedway on April 1 and 2. Rangnekar clocked 1min, 15.265 seconds in the INAC2 open covering about 1 Km, of a lap on the dirt track in his Chettinad Sporting prepared Polo shod on JK Tyres.

    Promoter Umesh Pandey of Bangalore Motorsports Club said: “We saw new talent and a lot of enthusiasm in the first round and the championship is becoming bigger and better. This year we have eight rounds in different regions of the country and the finals are likely in Bengaluru again in December.” Pandey, the brain behind the whole Championship, made it a truly ‘National’ event, in geography too, by spreading the Zonal rounds around the country including one round in North East. The Pune round is the first of the eight rounds and the qualified drivers will fight it out for National Championship titles in eight classes. A non-championship support event, “Time Attack” was also held to promote the sport.

    Aniruddha won INAC2 Open with a faster time than Rutuparna Vivek, who won the INAC1 Open. But Ruthuparna Vivek of Snap Racing clinched three big victories as he claimed all three INAC1 categories. However, Aniruddha bagged the INAC3 Open too, and clocked the fastest time beginning 2023 on a grand note.

    Another INRC lady driver Shivani Parmar displayed enough skills in this shorter format which calls for precise movements and car control and won the INAC2 upto 1650cc class beating both Ruthuparna Vivek and Aniruddha Rangnekar to hoist the Women in Motorsports (WIM) flag. Nikeeta Takkale, who scored points in the APRC Asia Cup round earlier in Chennai, was the other woman who notched up four podiums. Competing with men and beating them is a huge achievement for these women behind the wheel.

    Munjal Savla and Umesh Rane were the other National Category winners while another veteran Mazdayar Vatcha, a yesteryears star from Hyderabad, showed glimpses of his talent, with a podium in INAC3. Zahan Commissariat, another racing talent, and a regular podium finisher at Madras International Circuit took second in the INAC 4×4 Class. Amey Desai, a former champ who represented India in Gymkhana Asian competitions, and 2019 National Champion, Sanjay Lall and Altaf Hussain were the others who took podium spots.

    The next Regional qualifier round will be held in Goa on April 29 and 30.

    Provisional Results: West Zone Qualifier for INAC final 2023: Round 1:

    INAC1 Open: 1. Ruthuparna Vivek 1:15.555; 2. Aditya Kousgi 1;15.780; 3. Nikeeta Takkale 1:15.995.

    INAC1 Upto 1650cc: 1. Ruthuparna Vivek 1:16.175; 2. Nikeeta Takkale 1:17.600; 3. Aniruddha Rangnekar 1:17.710.

    INAC1 Upto 2400cc: 1. Ruthuparna Vivek 1:16.105; 2. Aniruddha Rangnekar 1:17.440; 3. Nikeeta Takkale 1:18.120;

    INAC2 Open: 1. Aniruddha Rangnekar 1:15.265; 2. Ruthuparna Vivek 1:15.880; 3. Nikeeta Takkale 1:16.950;

    INAC2 Upto 1400cc: 1. Munjal Savla 1:22.430; 2. Altaf Hussain 1:36.735;

    INAC2 Upto 1650cc: 1. Shivani Parmar 1:16.200; 2.  Ruthuparna Vivek 1:16.750; 3. Aniruddha Rangnekar 1:17.835;

    INAC3 Open: 1. Aniruddha Rangnekar 1:19.255; 2. Amey Desai 1:20.630; 3. Mazdayar Vatcha 1:21.615;

    INAC 4×4 Open: 1. Umesh Rane 1:19.210; 2. Zahan Commissariat 1:20.100; 3. Sanjay Lall 1:21.695;

  • Slideways Industries team dominates INAC Round 1 & Time Attack at Pune

    Slideways Industries team dominates INAC Round 1 & Time Attack at Pune

    Pune, 21 April 2023: Experienced rally driver from Team Slideways Industries, Maharashtra, Aniruddha Rangnekar won the Overall honours taking home the coveted “Fastest Driver” award in the first round of the 8-round fmsci* Indian National Autocross Championship (INAC) here on April 1 and 2.

    At the Nanoli Speedway round in Pune, Slideways Industries, one of the largest teams in Maharashtra and one of the oldest teams in India, bagged 15 trophies and is the West Zone qualifier including in the Time Attack. All the zonal qualifiers will compete for the National Champion tag at the Grand Finale to be held in December. The finals are likely to be in Bengaluru once again but the venue is yet to be confirmed. The 15 trophies include the victories in the Support event.

    Sponsored by Pune-based Pinnacle Group, Slideways, a household name in Indian Motorsport, won multiple National championships over the years. Supported by JK Tyre and Gaurav Gill Advanced Driving Academy (GGADA) in their preparations, the team put on a stellar show at the event. And Aniruddha Rangnekar, one of the founding members of the team, and currently the co-driver for Gaurav Gill in the Indian National Rally Championship (INRC), the longer version of rallying, taking the top honours is a bonus. Just like INRC, INAC is one of the dozen National Championships of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (fmsci) the governing body for the sport in India.

    While the team has been a regular over at INRC, they are now also exploring other forms of motorsport. Trained and mentored by Arjun Awardee, the three-time Asia Pacific and seven-time National rally champion, Gaurav Gill, the team is growing from strength to strength. Since its inception in 2010, the Slideways Industries rally cars have been built by Coimbatore-based Chettinad Sporting, one of the leading Motorsport tuning houses in India led by Thiagarajan and Roshan, the driver-navigator pair in late nineties. The rally cars run on a 1.6-litre engine that has been upgraded according to the Sporting Regulations of the championship. Running on specially-designed 15-inch JK Rally tyres, the drivers acclaim the excellent grip on varied surfaces.

    Shivani Parmar, one of the few female drivers in the National championship also had a good outing, winning in one category against experienced drivers and bagged a couple of other podiums in different classes. The biggest surprise of the weekend came in the form of rookies, Priyanandana Varma and Aditya Vikram Bose, who are fresh graduates from GGADA, bagging a class win and a couple of podiums over the weekend.

    “Winning is a great feeling, but doing so on home turf is even more special,” said Aniruddha, who set the fastest time in the INAC, won as many as three categories and bagged multiple other podiums in Round 1. “It’s sad that we don’t have a round of INRC in Maharashtra anymore, but this is the closest we can get and we are glad to have taken home so many trophies from the weekend” added Shivani. Nashik used to be a regular round of the INRC for many years, until the clubs ran out of tracks where closed-road time Special Stages can be held.

    “Being a rookie and entering the first event is always nerve-racking but the support from Slideways and GGADA made this event much easier for us,” said Bose, who bagged two podium finishes. “Training with Gaurav Gill and his team of experienced coaches has transformed my driving. It has not only made me a faster driver but safer and smarter too,” said a delighted Priyanandana Varma who won a class, apart from two other top-3 finishes.

    *fmsci took a decision to write its short form in small letters a few years back.