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Rajendra, Overall National Rally Champ; Sarath Mohan, claims Experts class title
Nashik, 5 Feb 2023: Multiple National champion from Petronas TVS Racing team, Rajendra RE, regained the overall crown for 2022 in the top Super Bikes Pro-Expert class winning the Rally of Nashik while Sarath Mohan clinched his maiden National title in the other premier Expert class, without even shifting a gear, as the sixth and final round of the MRF MoGrip fmsci National Rally Championship for two-wheelers – 2022 concluded here on Sunday.
Sarath Mohan, claims Experts class 1A National title
Meanwhile, Sarath Mohan from Mallapuram, Kerala, clinched the National crown in the Super Bike Expert Group A Class 1A with two rounds to spare and did not take part in the Rally of Nashik, as the dates clashed with his Rally Raid cross-country training in UAE.
Other champions who clinched the National title with a round to spare are Sasi Kumar K in the Super Sport 165 Group B Class 3, TVS rider Imran Pasha, in the Super Sport 260 Group B Class 4 and VS Naresh, in the Super Sport 550 Group B Class 6.
P2 good enough for Aishwarya to clinch 6th consecutive Ladies title
Today, Bengaluru’s TVS talent Aishwarya Pissay came second behind rookie local rider Tanya Singh, who won the Ladies class. The champion took it easy, with one hand on the title, and the second place was enough to clinch her a sixth-straight title. Second in the championship standings, Kerala rider Fazeela, did not take part in the Nashik Rally.
Entering the final round with a 12-point lead, the TVS speedster, Aishwarya, avoided any risks as she navigated the technical course with deft control on her TVS TR 200R, a lean machine that rounded off her 2022 campaign. She maintained steady pace and cleverly played it easy to clock 40min, 21.597seconds for the two special stages before the final stage was cancelled today.
Oldest still the quickest – Venu claims title beating younger boys
Veteran Venu Ramesh Kumar, a privateer from Coimbatore who is the oldest competitor in the Nationals, gained points with his consistency and clinched the title in Super Sport 400cc Group B Class 5. TVS Racing star Shamim Khan, astride a NTorq won the Scooter class crown.
Going into the final round with 73 points, a third place was enough for Venu Ramesh Kumar to clinch the National title in Class 5 as his closest rival Hansraj Saikia (also 73) from Assam did not take the start as his bike did not arrive. Russell Jossy won the Nashik Rally and Amog Nag finished second.
Third Special Stage cancelled
The Rally of Nashik was organised by AW Events. The six-round MRF MoGrip fmsci National Rally Championship for two-wheelers, promoted by GodSpeed Racing, concluded with champions decided in eight classes. With time lost due to incidents in Stage 1, the final Special Stage (SS 3) was cancelled. Two other Support classes, including one for Star of Maharashtra, were also held.
Petronas TVS Racing factory rider from Shivamogga, Rajendra, began with a blistering 15min, 58.429 seconds in the first Special Stage (SS) and pelted out another fastest time in SS2 but with his teammate and nearest rival Abdul Wahid Tanveer, pulling out in the very first stage, the 2019 National champion, won the title with ease. Rajendra began with a fourth place in the first round and did not start Round 2. Later, he won all the four rounds to clinch the National title again.
Shamim Khan (80), who was leading by just three points against Pinkesh Thakkar (77) needed a victory and he did it in style clocking fastest times in both the stages today. Syed Asif Ali came second and Thakkar finished third.
Of the 49 entries, 47 took the start only 40 riders finished the course in Nashik.
National Rally Championship classes 2W) title winners for year 2022 (Provisional):
Class 1: Super Bike Pro- Expert: Rajendra RE, (TVS, Shivamogga) Points 112;
Class 1A: Super Bike Expert Group A: Sarath Mohan (Mallapuram) 100;
Class 2: Super Sport 130cc Group B: Chalass K Bose (Kottayam) 136;
Class 3: Super Sport 165cc Group B: Sasi Kumar K (Coimbatore) 108;
Class 4: Super Sport 260cc Group B: Imran Pasha J (TVS, Mysuru) 125;
Class 5: Super Sport 400cc Group B: Venu Ramesh Kumar (Coimbatore) 88;
Class 6: Super Sport 550cc Group B: Naresh VS (Bengaluru) 125;
Class 7: Group B Ladies Class: Aishwarya Pissay (TVS, Bengaluru); 118;
Class 8: Group B Scooters upto 210cc: Shamim Khan (Nashik) 105;
Provisional Results (Rally of Nashik):
Class 1: Super Bike Pro- Expert: 1. Rajendra RE, (TVS) 32min, 19.538sec; 2. Samuel Jacob (TVS) 33:25.601; 3. Nataraj R (TVS) 33:46.862.
Class 1A: Super Bike Expert Group A: 1. Badal S Doshi 37:34.399; 2. Tabish Rizvi 40:40.487; 3. Yogesh Kagale 43:10.991.
Class 2: Super Sport 130cc Group B: 1. Chalass K Bose 37:39.479; 2. Anoop Manjappa 39:37.944; 3. Nadir Khan 44:57.644.
Class 3: Super Sport 165cc Group B: 1. Niraj Wanjale 38:14.280; 2. Muzaffar Ali 41:05.577; 3. Rahul S Mokashi 41:41.440 (including 10sec penalty);
Class 4: Super Sport 260cc Group B: 1. Imran Pasha J (TVS) 33:30.616; 2. Banteilang Jyrwa (TVS) 33:40.991; 3. Sachin D 34:03.492.
Class 5: Super Sport 400cc Group B: 1. Russel Jossy35:45.979; 2. GS Amogh Nag 36:14.097; 3. Venu Ramesh Kumar 36:58.612;
Class 6: Super Sport 550cc Group B: 1. Hitesh S Ghadge 39:49.175; 2. Nilesh Y Thakare 41:46.765; 3. Santosh Sarkale 41:59.796.
Class 7: Group B Ladies Class: 1. Tanaya S Singh40:04.057; 2. Aishwarya Pissay (TVS, Bengaluru) 40: 21.597;
Class 8: Group B Scooters upto 210cc: 1. Shamim Khan (TVS) 36:07.905; 2. Syed Asif Ali 36:25.659; 3. Pinkesh Thakkar 36:54.406.
Class 9: Super Stock Group D upto 450cc: 1. Sabarish R 36:28.257; 2. Goutham Rao R 38:43.776; 3. Tanay S Kasera 39:28.858.
Class 10: Star of Maharashtra: 1. Lokesh A Bhosale 38:17.522; 2. Amarendra Sathe 39:43.636; 3. Kaustubh Machhe 45:53.070;
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Rajendra favourite for title; Tanveer takes the fight to final round
Nashik, 4 Feb 2023: Petronas TVS Factory rider Rajendra RE begins as hot favourite, as the fight goes to wire with teammate and defending champion Abdul Wahid Tanveer on Sunday for the Overall National Rally title. The Rally of Nashik, the sixth and final round of the MRF MoGrip fmsci National Rally Championship is flagged off here on Saturday and the three competitive stages will be run on Sunday.
With Champions already decided in many classes, the entries fell to 49 (including two ladies) and there are only four factory bikes in the Super Bike Pro-Expert Class here making it a family affair. However, the compact field has high competition with Rajendra, the 2019 National champion, leading by eight points and he needs to just finish ahead of Tanveer. But the reigning champion, who began with a win this year, could only garner three second place in the next three rallies (all TVS riders did not participate in Round 2). Thus to win the title, Tanveer not only needs to win the rally outright, but hope that Rajendra finishes third or behind.
In four classes, champions were decided before the final round here. They are Sarath Mohan, Sasikumar K, Imran Pasha and VS Naresh.
Sarath Mohan, Expert class National champion
Sarath Mohan from Kerala, who met with a serious accident in the 2021 Chikmagalur round, made a stunning comeback with a clean sweep of all the first four rounds. Having garnered an unbeatable lead and winning the title in the Super Bike Expert (Group A) Class 2 by fourth round itself, the aggressive rider skipped the next two rounds opting to train in the dunes of Dubai preparing for bigger Rally Raid international events.
165cc National champ is Sasikumar
Sasikumar K also became the National champion in the Super Sport 165 Group B Class with a round to spare. He took an unbeatable 47-point lead over second-placed Francis PV. Both these top riders are not present in Nashik and the class has only four entries.
Imran Pasha bags Class 4 title – 260cc Group B
Imran Pasha, another Petronas TVS Racing team rider, has pocketed the Super Sport 260 Group B Class 4 title on his RTR 200 with 100 points beating his nearest rival Adnan Ahmed who has only 70 points. He won all the four rallies he took part.
Naresh is 550cc Group B champion 2022
VS Naresh, also captured the National crown astride a Himalayan in the the Super Sport 550 Group B Class 6.
Aishwarya all set for 6th consecutive title
In other classes, Aishwarya Pissay looks set to lay her hands on the sixth consecutive National crown in the Ladies class. The Women in Motorsports campaign reduced from 8 lady riders in ‘Round 1 to only two in the final round. (Read a detailed report here).
Veteran rider and the oldest among the lot in the entire 2W rally field, is locked in a tough battle with Hansraj Saikia of Assam in the Super Sport 400cc Group B class 5. Despite missing Round 2, he garnered 73 points, the same as the Saikia. Amog Nag in third has 64 points and has an outside chance to sideline the top guns.
In the Scooter class 8, Shamim Khan on an NTorq has a slender lead of three points from Aprilia riders Pinkesh Thakkar (77) and Subramanya T (58).
The MRF Rally of Nashik will have a 17.5-Km Special Stage (SS) run thrice from Nandgaon Kolikharwal, all in forward direction, for a combined competitive distance of over 52.5Km, mostly broken tarmac. Along with a transport section of about 70Km, the total rally distance will be 122.5Km.
The six-round MRF Mogrip fmsci National Rally Championship for two-wheelers 2022 promoted by GodSpeed Racing is one of the 12 Nationals conducted in various motorsports disciplines by fmsci, the National Federation.
Start Order for the final rally:
#
BIB
NoRIDER
VEHICLE CONTEST TEAM 1 1 RAJENDRA RE RTR450 CLASS 1 HOSUR 2 2 ABDUL WAHID RTR450 CLASS 1 HOSUR 3 3 SAMUEL JACOB RTR450 CLASS 1 HOSUR 4 4 NATRAJ R RTR450 CLASS 1 HOSUR 5 5 IMRAN PASHA RTR 200 CLASS 4 HOSUR 6 6 SACHIN D RTR 200 CLASS 4 HOSUR 7 7 BANTEILANG JYRWA RTR 200 CLASS 4 HOSUR 8 8 BADAL S DOSHI KTM 500 EXCF CLASS 1A NAVI MUMBAI 9 9 TABISH RIZVI EC 350F CLASS 1A MUMBAI 10 10 VENU RAMESH Kr DUKE390 CLASS 5 COIMBATORE 11 11 HANSRAJ SAIKIA KTM DUKE 390 CLASS 5 GUWAHATI 12 12 GS AMOGH NAG KTM 390 DUKE CLASS 5 BENGALURU 13 13 RUSSELL JOSSY DUKE 390 CLASS 5 NAVI MUMBAI 14 14 AISHWARYA P M RTR200 CLASS 7 HOSUR 15 15 CHALASS K BOSE STUNNER CLASS 2 KOTTAYAM 16 16 ANOOP MANJAPPA STUNNER CLASS 2 BENGALURU 17 17 NIRAJ WANJALE IMPULSE CLASS 3 PUNE 18 18 JEEVARATHINAM J APACHE RTR 180 CLASS 4 BENGALURU 19 19 MUZAFFAR ALI IMPULSE CLASS 3 BHOPAL 20 20 RAHUL S MOKASHI IMPULSE CLASS 3 PUNE 21 21 SAMPATH GOWDA C APACHE RTR CLASS 3 BENGALURU 22 22 YOGESH KAGALE DUKE 200 CLASS 1A KOLHAPUR 23 23 NADIR KHAN YBX CLASS 2 BHOPAL 24 24 HITESH S GHADGE HIMALAYAN CLASS 6 PUNE 25 25 NILESH Y THAKARE HIMALAYAN CLASS 6 NASHIK 26 26 SANTOSH SARKALE HIMALAYAN CLASS 6 NASHIK 27 27 SHAMIM KHAN NTORQ 124 CLASS 8 HOSUR 28 28 PINKESH THAKKAR APRILIA SR 150 CLASS 8 PUNE 29 29 SUBRAMANYA T APRILIA SR 150 CLASS 8 PUNE 30 30 GOUTHAM N APRILIA SR 125 CLASS 8 PUNE 31 31 KARTHIK N NTORQ 124 CLASS 8 HOSUR 32 32 SYED ASIF ALI NTORQ 124 CLASS 8 HOSUR 33 33 VENKATESH SHETTY APRILLA SR 150 CLASS 8 MUMBAI 34 34 AAKASH SATPUTE APRILIA SR 150 CLASS 8 PUNE 35 35 HITEN THAKKAR SR150 CLASS 8 NASHIK 36 36 SABARISH R RTR200 CLASS 9 BENGALURU 37 37 GOUTHAM RAO R RTR 200 CLASS 9 BENGALURU 38 38 ABHIMANYU RAY XPULSE CLASS 9 PUNE 39 39 TANAY S KASERA ADVENTURE CLASS 9 NAVI MUMBAI 40 40 ROHIT TIWARI HIMALAYAN CLASS 6 PUNE 41 41 LOKESH A BHOSALE XPULSE CLASS 10 PUNE 42 42 AMARENDRA SATHE XPULSE 200 CLASS 10 PUNE 43 43 KAUSTUBH MACHHE XPULSE 200 4V CLASS 10 NASHIK 44 44 SURYA K TATINENI XPULSE 2004V CLASS 10 NASHIK 45 45 PURSHOTTAM MATE XPULSE CLASS 10 PUNE 46 46 SHRIDHAR PANDEY XPULSE RALLY CLASS 10 PUNE 47 47 TANYA S SINGH XPULSE 2004V CLASS 7 PUNE 48 48 GAURAV PATHARE GLADIATOR CLASS 2 MUMBAI 49 49 HARSHAL KADBHANE** XPULSE CLASS 10 NASHIK -
Petronas TVS Racing talent Aishwarya Pissay, eyes her 6th straight National title
Nashik, 4 Feb 2023: PETRONAS TVS Racing factory rider, Aishwarya Pissay, the only FIM World Cupper from India is all set for the final round of the MRF MoGrip FMSCI National Rally Championship (INRC-2w) 2022 .
The Bengaluru racing star, is eyeing her record sixth consecutive National Rally crown when action begins after a gap of over two months with the Rally of Nashik, the sixth and final round of the GodSpeed Racing’s MRF MoGrip FMSCI National Racing Championship – 2W 2022 here on Sunday.
The 2019 FIM Bajas World Cup champion in the Ladies class, after her brief stint in the ‘Big Boss Kannada’, was back in November to do what she loves the most – biking, and won the fifth round in Pune to set-up a grand finale. Later, the final round here was put off and the multiple-National title holder, Aishwarya Pissay is leading the championship table in her class, despite missing a round earlier, and is raring to go to defend her title once again. She has put in over a month’s training on her reliable TVS TR 200R, including on tarmac sessions, and is ready for the final hurrah.
Supported by PETRONAS TVS Racing, Aishwarya, who is also backed by Micro Labs, IIFL and Surana College, won the first round in Chikkamagaluru by a mile after which the 27-year-old missed the second round. Pissay then came back strongly to reclaim the title-lead with splendid victories in the next three rounds in Coimbatore, Bengaluru, and Pune respectively.
“I am eagerly waiting to get back into competitive racing. The terrain will be broken tarmac and very technical. I have trained hard during this long break on my much-accomplished TVS TR 200R that is based on the TVS Apache RTR 200. I thoroughly enjoyed riding the motorcycle, all thanks to which I am going strong into the last race of the season. I will be giving my 100 per cent to win one more National title,” said the talented Bengaluru rider.
The MRF Rally of Nashik will have a 17.5-Km Special Stage (SS) run thrice from Nandgaon Kolikharwal, all in forward direction, for a combined competitive distance of over 52.5 km, mostly broken tarmac. Along with a transport section of about 70 km, the total rally distance will be 122.5 km. The ceremonial flag-off from Amboli Holiday Home, Opp Amboli Dam, Tal Trimbakeshwar will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday while the Special stages will be held on Sunday.
The six-round MRF MoGrip FMSCI National Rally Championship for two-wheelers (INRC-2w)2022 promoted by GodSpeed Racing is one of the 12 Nationals conducted in various motorsports disciplines by FMSCI.
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Champions 2022 – Sai Sanjay: MRF Formula 2000 class
Chennai, 2 Feb 2023: Young racing talent Sai Sanjay dished out dominating performance in the top category for the fastest Formula cars in India to be crowned the National champion in the MRF Formula 2000 class, in the MRF MMSC FMSCI Indian National Car Racing Championship 2022, at the Madras International Circuit here on Sunday.
Sai Sanjay, the 20-year-old from Salem, won his maiden National title in his debut season in the premier open-wheel Formula category. He notched up three race wins, and displayed mature driving skills and consistent performance throughout the season that got him eight podium places. He garnered 201 points from the 12-race, four-round Nationals and won with a race to spare beating second-placed Ryan Mohamed by (165) 36 points.
“I am very excited and the moment feels surreal. It’s an honour to be crowned the Indian National Champion of the fastest national car racing series in India. We’ve had a great season, the pace was consistently there and the hard work of my team, mechs, finally paid off. Thanks to JA Motorsport and MRF Racing for giving us an opportunity to race in these cars,” Sai Sanjay said.
A Mechatronics student at VIT Chennai, Sai, made his motorsports debut in 2015 and after gaining some international exposure racing in the karting championships in the UAE and also became the Rotax Senior Max UAE vice-champion in 2018. He made the switch to formula cars the same year and raced in the LGB Formula 1300 and MRF 1600 championships. He also has experienced racing the well-known Volkswagen Polo Cup in 2021. All along, he notched up many podiums and dished out many fastest laps and made the switch to faster Formula cars for a successful winning debut in the top class of the country. Sai is currently a part of NK Racing Academy and is being mentored by India’s first Formula 1 driver, Narain Karthikeyan.
“Coaching by Aditya Patel and Armaan Ebrahim during the season also helped polish my skills,” he added. And the restart of the MRF Formula 2000 class after two years of pandemic, gave a huge opportunity for the consistent performer.
“I thank my family for being the biggest and best support in this huge journey. I will continue to push limits and try reaching new heights,” he concluded and had a special word of thanks for Rajarajan, the race mechanic, for pushing and encouraging him. Sai will continue in the Formula races and hopes to go racing abroad in pursuit of his dreams.
In the other championship classes, Viswas Vijayraj won the LGB F1300 National title while veteran Arjun Balu bagged the ITC crown, his 11th National title. Ritesh Rai (Super Stock) and Akkineni Anand Prasad (IJTC) were the other National champions.
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Al-Balooshi eases into slender lead: Bikes; Al-Attiyah in control: Cars
HAIL (SAUDI ARABIA), 3 Feb 2023: Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah and French co-driver Mathieu Baumel cruised into a lead of 12min 05sec after a 230km loop stage through the deserts to the west of Hail on the 2023 Saudi Baja-Hail on Friday.
The Qatari stopped the clocks in 2hr 24min 48sec and beat closest rival Krzysztof Holowczyc by 9min 50sec to comfortably lead the Mini John Cooper Works Rally Plus driver and his Polish co-driver Lukasz Kurzeja.
Toyota driver Al-Attiyah said: “It was good. We did not have a big push. We just wanted to have a day without any problems. We have a good time. We decide last week to do this one and we will do Qatar and, if we have the time, we will do Baja Spain and I would like to do Jordan Baja for the first time and then Dubai.”
Holowczyc had suffered a blow after the opening Prologue stage when it came to light that the Pole had strayed slightly off the designated course and the result was a two-minute time penalty that dropped him to the foot of the rankings at the start of Friday morning’s timed stage.
Yasir Seaidan was the class of the T3 lightweight prototype category and the Saudi managed to beat defending FIA Bajas T3 World Champion Fernando Alvarez by 6min 17sec to lead the class and hold third overall.
“It was a good stage, the best ever,” said Seaidan. “We were fast from the beginning and we continued pushing to the end. We didn’t have the top speed but it was a good day and a good start to the Middle East programme.”
Fellow countryman Saleh Al-Saif was second fastest in his Team Black Horse Can-Am, despite missing his designated refuelling time because of congestion at the refuelling zone, and slotted into fourth in the overall rankings and second in T3. Dania Akeel climbed through the field to hold sixth place, behind Alvarez, and fourth in T3 in her South Racing Can-Am.
Young Spaniard Pau Navarro and his French co-driver Michael Metge delivered an impressive performance to lead the FIA T4 category in an FN Speed Team Can-Am, while the French duo of Jeremie Warnier and Loic Minaudier were second in a Polaris RXR Pro R. Overnight leader Cristiano Batista lost time with technical issues.
T3 driver Meshari Al-Thefiri hit trouble before the stage started. The Kuwaiti said: “After service, we started the road section and, after 25km, the fuel pump died. After 10km, the spare one also died and we came back. We find some connector problem and we didn’t have the parts and, once we had fixed it, it was too late.”
Local driver Saeed Al-Mouri was also in trouble. He said: “Unfortunately, at the start of the stage, after 4km, two rocks came through the windshield, the glass broke and the debris came into the car and into my eyes and we could not continue. I discussed with Ata (Al-Hmoud) and we decided to stop and continue on Saturday.”
Argentina’s Juan Cruz Yacopini was running strongly early in the stage in the second of the Overdrive Toyotas until he had an accident near the end of the special and slipped to seventh overall. He said: “It was not the best day. We had an accident 15km from the finish, but all is okay.”
MX Ride Dubai’s Mohammed Al-Balooshi was in a class of his own on the stage in the motorcycle category and the Emirati won on the day by 2min 22sec to move into an overall lead of 4min 57sec over the Prologue-winning Jordanian Abdullah Abu Aishah.
“Today was good until km16 and I realised I had jumped from eighth to first,” said Al-Balooshi. “For me, I thought I would only catch them after 80km, or before the refuel, so I was surprised. That meant I had to navigate and open the route. I was not prepared for this but I managed and took up the challenge. I led the rest of the stage and won. I am happy with this. Tomorrow, I take it easy and make sure we arrive on the finish line.”
Abu Aishah added: “Yesterday, I had a problem with the starter motor and the battery and I tried to fix it. Today, I had the same problem but my friend helped me to push the bike. The stage was good. Ater refuelling, it was tricky navigation, but I am happy with my result. We will keep pushing until the end.”
Kuwait’s Abdullah Al-Shatti came home in second place on the day and climbed to third, while Al-Balooshi’s brother Sultan and Saudi rider Anass Al-Rehyani rounded off the overall top five. Australian Martin Chalmers was the best of the non-GCC riders in sixth.
Al-Shatti said: “I start 18 position and I finish third today. I am happy. More fast tomorrow.”
Abdulaziz Ahli increased his lead over Haitham Al-Tuwaijri in the quad category by 4min 17sec to 4min 25sec. Hani Al-Noumesi was a distant third.
Abdulaziz Al-Yaeesh and Omar Al-Lahim led the Saudi National Baja in their Nissan Patrol.They were 9min 21sec ahead of Al-Mashna Al-Ramali and Rady Al-Shammeri.
The Baja is being managed by the Saudi Motorsport Company, in conjunction with the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) and the Ministry of Sport and in partnership with Abdul Latif Jameel (ALJ) Motors.
Saturday
The opening round of the 2023 FIA World and Middle East Cups for Cross-Country Bajas, the FIM Bajas World Cup and the Saudi Toyota National Rally Championship continues with a second selective section that runs for 184km through the An Nafud desert and starts at Farhaniyah, 57km from the bivouac. The ceremonial finish will take place from 19.30hrs on Saturday evening at Maghwat.
2023 Saudi Baja-Hail – positions after SS1 (unofficial @ 15.45hrs):
Cars
1. Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah (QAT)/Mathieu Baumel (AND) Toyota Hilux Overdrive 2hr 27min 45sec
2. Krzysztof Holowczyc (POL)/Lukasz Kurzeja (POL) Mini John Cooper Works Rally Plus 2hr 39min 50sec
3. Yasir Seaidan (SAU)/Alexei Kuzmich (ARE) Can-Am Maverick X3 (T3) 2hr 42min 47sec
4. Saleh Al-Saif (SAU)/Nasser Al-Kuwari (QAT) Can-Am Maverick (T3) 2hr 44min 55sec
5. Fernando Alvarez (ARG)/Xavier Panseri (FRA) Can-Am Maverick (T3) 2hr 49min 08sec
6. Dania Akeel (SAU)/Laurent Lichtleuchter (FRA) Can-Am Maverick (T3) 2hr 52min 31sec
7. Juan Cruz Yacopini (ARG)/Daniel Oliveras (ESP) Toyota Hilux Overdrive 2hr 53min 10sec
8. Pau Navarro (ESP)/Michael Metge (FRA) Can-Am Maverick XRS Turbo (T4) 2hr 53min 30sec
9. Jeremie Warnia (FRA)/Loic Minaudier (FRA) Polaris RXR Pro R (T4) 2hr 54min 06sec
10. Santiago Navarro (ESP)/Adrien Metge (FRA) Can-Am Maverick (T3) 2hr 55min 29sec
11. Otavio Sousa (BRA)/João Ferreira (PRT) Can-Am Maverick X3 (T3) 2hr 58min 05sec
12. Michele Cinotto (ITA)/Maurizio Dominella (ITA) Polaris RXR Pro R (T4) 2hr 59min 59sec
13. Kees Koolen (NLD)/Wouter Rosegaar (NLD) G Rally Team OT3 (T3) 3hr 03min 16sec
14. Abdullah Al-Shegawi (SAU)/Waleed Al-Shegawi (SAU) Can-Am Maverick XRS Turbo (T3) 3hr 09min 38sec
15. Ricardo Ramilo Suarez (ESP)/Andrei Rudnitskiy (ANA) Can-Am Maverick XRS Turbo (T4) 3hr 11min 22sec
16. Hamad Al-Harbi (SAU)/Dmytro Tsyro (UKR) Can-Am Maverick (T3) 3hr 17min 02sec
17. Cristiano Batista (BRA)/Fausto Mota (PRT) Can-Am Maverick XRS Turbo (T4) 3hr 21min 47sec
18. Ahmed Al-Shegawi (SAU)/Marc Serra (ESP) Nissan Patrol (T2) 3hr 46min 34sec
T1 unless stated
Bikes (top 18)
1. Mohammed Al-Balooshi (ARE) KTM 450 Rally 3hr 34min 35sec
2. Abdullah Abu Aishah (JOR) KTM EXC-F 450 3hr 39min 32sec
3. Abdullah Al-Shatti (KWT) Husqvarna 450 Rally 3hr 42min 01sec
4. Sultan Al-Balooshi (ARE) TM 450 3hr 44min 32sec
5. Anass Al-Rehyani (SAU) KTM 450 3hr 46min 54sec
6. Martin Chalmers (AUS) Beta 450 3hr 53min 27sec
7. Hamdan Al-Ali (ARE) KTM EXC F 450 3hr 59min 16sec
8. Abdullah Lanjawi (ARE) Husqvarna FE 450 4hr 01min 47sec
9. Abdulhalim Al-Mogheera (SAU) KTM EXC F 450 4hr 02min 49sec
10. Alex McInnes (GBR) Husqvarna FE 450 4hr 03min 39sec
11. Jonathan Finn (CAN) Honda CRF 450 RL 4hr 08min 44sec
12. Mishal Al-Ghuneim (SAU) KTM 450 Rally 4hr 19min 29sec
13. Brett Hunt (GBR) Husqvarna FE 450 4hr 24min 49sec
14. Andrew Houlihan (AUS) Husqvarna RFR 450 4hr 26min 55sec
15. Ehab Al-Hakeem (LEB) Yamaha WR 450F 4hr 34min 07sec
16. Barry Howe (GBR) KTM SXF 450 4hr 41min 11sec
17. Marwan Al-Ramani (ARE) KTM 450 Rally 5hr 35min 14sec
18. Yaghoob Azadi (QAT) Husqvarna FE 501 5hr 36min 18sec
Quads
1. Abdulaziz Ahli (ARE) Yamaha Raptor 700 3hr 46min 58sec
2. Haitham Al-Tuwaijri (SAU) Yamaha Raptor 700 3hr 51min 21sec
3. Hani Al-Noumesi (SAY) Yamaha Raptor 700 5hr 59min 47sec
Ends
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Indian karting star Jaden Pariat to race in British F4 for 2023
Bengaluru, 31 Jan 2023: A 14-year-old karter, sat in shock and disbelief in a corner, away from everyone and tried to let the disappointment sink in as he just lost the Championship by a whisker after a fierce fight in the last race and intense battle throughout the season. But just after about 8 minutes, Jaden Pariat got up, consoled himself and put up a composed self and went in search of his arch-rival Rohaan Madesh, to whom he just lost the title. Finding him in the parking lot, he congratulated him and his mother.
This ‘gentleman’ quality at such a young age has made Jaden Pariat, a class apart. His aggressive driving and inherent talent shaped his skills and urge for speed and despite lack of experience, he became vice-champion in the Junior class (X30 2021) and made his presence felt. The flamboyant youngster from North East studied in a Boarding school in Delhi and raced in Bengaluru. Racing blood is in his genes. His father, Atikur Rehman who took part in Indian National Racing Championship (This reporter witnessed his creditable overall 2nd in K1000 1997 with co-driver Sanjeev Shah) in late nineties, brought him a buggy, after seeing the interest of his son, and the young Jaden used to drive around in the the farm near their Tea estates back home. After cutting his racing teeth at Meco Kartopia in 2020, and dabbling with open-wheel Formula cars at Chennai and Coimbatore for a few rounds, Jaden moved to international events in just 18 months, taking part in the last two rounds of the British F4. Now he signed up for a full season.
Multi-faceted talent
Jaden was also a skilled football player and has played for the Delhi team in the Under-14 Subroto Cup against Uzbekistan. He is a multi-faceted talent, with a flair for drama and dance and was a member of the Model United Nations, where he won an award in debate. He also used to play basketball and badminton besides being a good swimmer but motorsports, now, leaves him no time, for any of these childhood pass-times. The love for driving, which he first tasted “first hand” having laid his hands on the steering wheel, sitting on the lap of his dad’s long road trips from their business headquarters Guwahati, to ‘Pariat home’ in Laitkor Peak, Shillong, has taken over. Having entered the tough ‘grooming zone’, in Europe, at the right age, this talented racer is bound to go places if nurtured properly.
Jaden joins Phinsys by Argenti
Jaden Pariat, file photo by Jakob Ebrey Jaden will join leading UK single-seater team Phinsys by Argenti, for his first full F4 British Championship season in 2023, info received here from Torque said on Tuesday. This makes it, two Indians in the British F4 this season. Another Indian-origin driver, Bengaluru-born Singaporean Dion Gowda, will be racing with Carlin team.
An excited Jaden took to social media and announced his 2023 British F4 campaign. “After driving the F4 British Championship for the last two rounds of the 2022 season it only made sense to return to new British F4 season. The amount I learned on and off track during those two rounds of the championship was really incredible. With the level of teams and drivers on the grid and the technicality of the circuits in the calendar, it makes for one of the best driver development and experience gaining championships in the world,” he said.
Full F4 season in EnglandAfter turning 16 years of age last week, he is set to move from his native Shillong in India to take up full time residence in the UK, focusing on building his international racing profile after an impressive debut weekend podium appearance last season. “We chose Phinsys by Argenti as the team have had a great few years in the championship, bagging nine wins and multiple podiums. Michael’s vision to support and develop drivers in their first steps into single seaters was also very fitting to our needs. I am super excited for the upcoming season and look forward to what we can achieve together,” added Jaden.
Jaden began his motorsport career in 2020, competing in the Meco FMSCI X30 National Karting Championship, becoming the first Indian karting rookie to gain a podium on his debut race. Returning for his second season, the youngster finished runner up, alongside parallel campaigns in MRF Challenge FLGB 1300 and the JK Tyre Championship.
In 2022, after testing MRF 1600 and F2000 machinery in India, Jaden travelled to the UK to sample the Tatuus T-421 and completed the final two rounds of the F4 British Championship at iconic venues Silverstone and Brands Hatch.
Stunning international debut podiumGaining silverware to commemorate his first international race weekend, the then 15-year-old impressed with a highest finish of seventh overall and second of the Rookies at Silverstone, a clear showing of his natural talent and potential.
Last year saw Pariat testing in the Tatuus T-421, which resulted in him competing in the last two race weekends of the 2022 ROKiT British F4 Championship. His best result from the six races was a very credible seventh place and second in the Rookies at Silverstone Round 26.
Pariat is the third driver to sign for Argenti’s 2023 campaign, joining Isaac Barashi and Patrick Heuzenroeder. Since joining the Championship in 2020, Argenti has claimed nine race victories, most recently with drivers Aiden Neate, and Daniel Guinchard.
Having competed in fewer than three race meetings, Jaden will be eligible for the Rookie Cup in addition to the Drivers’ Championship, giving the young racer further opportunities to fight for podiums in an ultra-competitive grid.
Michael Meadows, Team Principle, Phinsys by Argenti
“Having tested Jaden last year, we were impressed with his performance but also his ability to learn and take on information. As a rookie this is a hugely important factor as they make the transition to F4.
“The team are very much looking forward to working with Jaden, helping him develop as a driver and achieving strong results in the F4 British Championship.”
Jaden will be joining teammates with the Northamptonshire outfit, Argenti, having celebrated nine race victories and multiple podium appearances since joining the F4 British Championship in 2020.Donington Park, Leicestershire hosts the season opener on 22-23 April, 2023.
Want to go racing abroad?
Torque Motorsport is a marketing agency based in the heart of the UK’s ‘motorsport valley’, in Silverstone, just a stone’s throw from the home of the BRDC and British Grand Prix.
It works with teams, drivers, championships, organising bodies, suppliers, sponsors, and more, providing a range of services, including PR, video, social media, web design and hosting, guest management, and livery design.Editor’s note: Drivers or parents who are looking to go abroad can contact Torque Motorsports.
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25 riders from 12 Nations for Saudi Baja: WORLD CUP
HAIL (SAUDI ARABIA), 30 Jan 2023: Thirty-one motorcycles, five quads and competitors from 12 nations have entered this weekend’s Saudi Baja-Hail, the opening round of the 2023 FIM Bajas World Cup, in addition to four riders taking part in a national event running behind.
There will be no Indian riders at the first round of the FIM Bajas World Cup this year.
While two-time event winner Mohammed Al-Balooshi of the MX Ride Dubai team heads the field on his TM 450, two other former Hail winners feature on the international entry.
Al-Balooshi’s brother Sultan also represents the MX Ride Dubai team and is a two-time former winner of the longer Hail International Rally (2018 and 2019), while Saudi rider Mishal Al-Ghuneim reached the top step of the podium on a Husqvarna in 2021.
There is strength in depth across the entry, with several riders more than capable of challenging for victory, while others will be hopeful of scoring points in the FIM Womens’ and FIM Veterans’ categories.
Young Jordanian rider Abdullah Abu Aishah (KTM) has pushed Al-Balooshi close on several occasions in the past and will be hopeful of starting his FIM challenge in winning style. He finished fifth on the 2022 Saudi Baja last November, behind the triumphant Al-Balooshi, Kuwait’s Abdullah Al-Shatti (Kawasaki), Al-Ghuneim and fellow Saudi Anass Al-Reheyani. All three of those rivals will be challenging for top honours again this weekend.
FIM Junior hopeful Alex McInnes is seeded at four and the Briton is more than capable of finishing on the podium, while Qatar-based Australian was sixth last year and will be aiming for a top three finish. Other international riders likely to challenge for top honours are Kiwi Philip Wilson, Australia’s Andrew Houlihan and the British duo of Barry Howe and Brett Hunt.
The neighbouring State of Qatar will be represented by Sheikh Mohammed Al-Thani (Gas-Gas), Mohammed Al-Kaabi (KTM), Mahanna Rashid Al-Naimi (Honda) and Abdulrahman Al-Sheeb (KTM). Yaghoob Azadi will ride a Rasen Racing Team Husqvarna in the national category.
Kuwait’s Sarah Khuraibet (Duust Rally Team Husqvarna) and Indian rider Sarah Kashyap (Beta) will decide the outcome of the Womens’ category.
Last year’s quad winner Haitham Al-Tuwaijri faces Saudi rivals Hani Al-Noumesi, Abdulaziz Al-Atawi and Sultan Al-Masoud and Emirati Abdulaziz Ahli to decide the honours on four wheels.
The Baja is being managed by the Saudi Motorsport Company, in conjunction with the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) and the Ministry of Sport. The event is running under the chairmanship of H.R.H. Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, the President of the SAMF and in partnership with Abdul Latif Jameel (ALJ) Motors.
The weekend weather forecast is for dry, sunny conditions but cool daytime temperatures in the deserts surrounding the city of Hail. The on-stage timetable of events fires into life with a three-kilometre Qualifying Stage on Thursday (February 2nd) afternoon that takes place after the traditional ceremonial start adjacent to the Maghwat conference facility.
2023 Saudi Baja-Hail – leading entries:
Bikes
1. Mohammed Al-Balooshi (ARE) TM 450
2. Abdullah Abu Aishah (JOR) KTM EXC-F 450
3. Abdullah Al-Shatti (KWT) Kawasaki KC 450
4. Alex McInnes (GBR) Husqvarna FE 450
5. Mishal Al-Ghuneim (SAU) KTM 450 Rally
6. Anass Al-Rehyani (SAU) KTM 450
7. Martin Chalmers (AUS) Beta 450
8. Hamdan Al-Ali (ARE) Husqvarna FE 450
9. Abdulhalim Al-Mogheera (SAU) KTM EXC F 450
10. Sultan Al-Balooshi (ARE) TM 450
11. Yasir Al-Khuraif (SAU) KTM SFX 450
12. Ehab Al-Hakeem (LEB) Yamaha WR 450F
13. Ahmed Al-Jaber (SAU) KTM 450
14. Fawaz Al-Toaimi (SAU) Yamaha WR 450F
15. Mohammed Jaffar Meshari (KWT) KTM 450 RFR
16. Mohammed Al-Kaabi (QAT) KTM 450
17. Sheikh Mohammed Al-Thani (QAT) Gas-Gas 450
18. Philip Wilson (NZL) KTM 450 Rally
19. Gerard Lubbinge (NLD) KTM EXC F 450
20. Jonathan Finn (CAN) Honda CRF 450 RL
21. Barry Howe (GBR) KTM SXF 450
22. Brett Hunt (GBR) Husqvarna FE 450
23. Andrew Houlihan (AUS) Husqvarna RFR 450
24. Mahanna Rashid Al-Naimi (QAT) Honda 450
25. Sohaib Al-Barade (SAU) Honda CRF 450 X
Quads
100. Hani Al-Noumesi (SAU) Yamaha Raptor 700
101. Abdulaziz Al-Atawi (SAU) Yamaha YFZ 450
102. Abdulaziz Al-Ahli (ARE) Yamaha Raptor 700
103. Sultan Al-Masoud (SAU) Yamaha Raptor 700
111. Haitham Al-Tuwaijri (SAU) Yamaha Raptor 700
2023 Saudi National Baja-Hail – leading entries:
Bikes
60. Bader Al-Bader (SAU) KTM EXC-500
61. Simon Francis (AUS) KTM EXC-F
62. Yaghoob Azadi (QAT) Husqvarna FE 501
63. Abdulwahab Al-Mana (SAU) KTM EXC-F
Ends
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Mumbai Falcons claims first win of 2023 at Kuwait: F4 UAE
Kuwait, 30 Jan 2023: Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited continued to score wins and podiums at Kuwait Motor Town this weekend extending the Indian outfit’s lead in both championships, as the brand-new 5.6-kilometer venue hosted the second round of the Formula Regional Middle East and Formula 4 UAE championships.
In F4 UAE, Mumbai Falcons got up to a blistering start, with James Wharton achieving one pole position and a win. The 16-year-old Ferrari Driver Academy racer, determined to bounce back from a challenging opener, quickly accomplished the goal in race 1 with his first win of 2023.
“It was good to be back to where we should be – said Wharton – But now it’s time to get our head down and try to get to the front of the championship as well.”
Wharton then finished a close second in race 2, edging fellow Mumbai Falcons team-mate and FDA member Tuukka Taponen, who was the best rookie. Indian racer Muhammad Ibrahim showed solid improvement and battled for points to confirm his consistent growth. Mumbai Falcons maintain the lead in the Team’s Championship.
The Formula Regional Middle East Championship turned out to be hard-fought and unpredictable, but Mumbai Falcons still managed to retain the lead in both the driver and team championships. Swede Dino Beganovic punched another ticket to victory in race 1, in a Mumbai Falcons 1-2 finish in front of Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The Italian sensation is still at the top of the charts with a double P2 finish, although an issue forced him to retire in race 2.
“Mumbai Falcons are committed to proving that an Indian Team can win Internationally. We are leading both championships and are giving a fantastic opportunity for Indian racers to work closely with the world’s best drivers & engineers.” Said CEO – Moid Tungekar
For the third round of the season, both series will stay in Kuwait before finally moving back to the Emirates. After Muhammad Ibrahim was given the opportunity to race for the first 2 rounds, Indian Karting Champion – Rishon Rajeev will race the upcoming two rounds in Kuwait & Dubai.
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Salem’s Sai Sanjay clinches MRF F2000 crown; 11th National title for Arjun Balu
Chennai, 29 Jan 2023: On a day of twists and turns, Salem’s Sai Sanjay pocketed the title in the premier MRF Formula 2000 category as the MRF MMSC fmsci Indian National Car Racing Championship 2022 concluded at the Madras International Circuit here on Sunday.
While Sai Sanjay gathered enough points this weekend in the three races to seal the championship, Bengaluru’s Sohil Shah, winner of Race-1 yesterday, won both the races today to complete a triple crown. The 21-year old Sohil, who missed two of the four rounds, finished fourth in the championship behind Sai Sanjay, Ryan Mohamed (Chennai) and Divy Nandan (Gurugram).
Also sealing the titles in their respective categories were: Viswas Vijayraj (Nellore, DTS Racing) in the Formula LGB 1300; Ritesh Rai (Chennai, Performance Racing) in Super Stock; Akkineni Anand Prasad (Chennai, Performance Racing) in Indian Junior Touring Cars; Justin Singh (Gurugram) in the MRF Saloon Cars (Toyota Etios) and Pratik Sonawane (Mumbai) in the Volkswagen Polo Cup.
Polo Cup winner Pratik Sonawane is flanked by National championship winners Vishwas Vijayraj, left, (Formula LGB1300) and Sai Sanjay (F2000) at MIC on Sunday. Photo by Anand Philar. Meanwhile, the popular Indian Touring Cars category witnessed as many as three disqualifications for technical infringements. Arjun Balu (Race Concepts) and Arjun Narendran (Arka Motorsports), both from Coimbatore, were disqualified from yesterday’s Race-1. Narendran suffered the same fate in Race-2 today, but later won Race-3. However, the revised results fetched Balu the National title ahead of Narendran in the provisional championship standings.
Viswas Vijayraj sealed the title in the Formula LGB 1300 category though finishing second behind Bengaluru’s Tijil Rao (Momentum Motorsports) in the final race today. The other championship leader Raghul Rangasamy (MSport) dropped out of contention after he was disqualified for ignoring a black flag.
Defending champion Arjun Balu, retains his ITC National championship at MIC, to earn his 11th National title on Sunday. File photo by Anand Philar. “I don’t know what to say. It is such an emotional moment for me. After missing the championship a few times in the past, it is great to finally win it in my fifth season. I owe everything to my parents who I know are watching the live streaming, and MRF Tyres for their support,” said Viswas.
Mumbai’s Zahan Commissariat, hailing from a family of racers, scored an impressive win starting from P10 in the MRF Saloons (Toyota Etios) category, and the victory helped him to finish fifth in the championship. Gurugram’s Justin Singh failed to finish following an incident, but had sufficient cushion to annex the title ahead of Angad Mathroo (Chandigarh) by five points. Mathroo came in second behind Commissariat and ahead of Pune’s Diana Pundole, who ended up third in the championship.
Ritesh Rai, who won the National title for 2022 in Super Stock class. The results (Provisional – all 10 laps unless mentioned):
MRF F2000 (Race-2): 1. Sohil Shah (Bengaluru) (15min, 36.462sec); 2. Mohamed Ryan (Chennai) (15:40.983); 3. Dillon Thomas Zachariah (Chennai) (15:42.064). Race-3 (8 laps): 1. Sohil Shah (Bengaluru) (12:28.545); 2. Sai Sanjay T (Salem) (12:33.894); 3. Chetan Korada (Chennai) (12:52.777).
Indian Touring Cars (Race-2, 12 laps): 1. Arjun Balu (Coimbatore, Race Concepts) (25:00.290); 2. Sandeep Kumar (Chennai, Rayo Racing) (25:08.270); 3. Jeet Jabakh (Hyderabad, Rayo Racing) (25:11.802). Race-3: 1. Arjun Narendran (Coimbatore, Arka Motorsports) (18:58.937); 2. Arjun Balu (Coimbatore, Race Concepts) (19:12.399); 3. Sandeep Kumar (Chennai, Rayo Racing) (19:14.297).
Indian Junior Touring Cars (Race-1, 12 laps): 1. Raja Rajan (Chennai, Performance Racing) ( 25:27.541); 2. Akkineni Anand Prasad (Chennai, Performance Racing) (25:27.700); 3. Deepak Ravikumar (Chennai, Performance Racing) (25:27.997). Race-3: 1. Raja Rajan (Chennai, Performance Racing) (19:36.876); 2. Gurunath Meiyappan (Chennai, Race Concepts) (19.38.441); 3. Akkineni Anand Prasad (Chennai, Performance Racing) (19:40.541).
Super Stock (Race-2, 12 laps): 1. Narendran S (Chennai, Redline Racing) (26:19.871); 2. Ritesh Rai (Chennai, Performance Racing) (26:23.033); 3. Jason Deepak Saldanha (Mangaluru, DB Motorsports) (26: 28.874). Race-3 (9 Laps): 1. Ritesh Rai (Chennai, Performance Racing) (19:01.675); 2. Narendran S (Chennai, Redline Racing) (19:07.807); 3. Dilijith TS (Thrissur, DTS Racing) (19:12.675).
Formula LGB 1300 (Race-2, 10 laps): 1. Tijil Rao (Bengaluru, Momentum Motorsports) (20:10.154); 2. Viswas Vijayraj (Nellore, DTS Racing) (20:10.291); 3. Dhruvh A Goswami (Bengaluru, MSport) (20:10.865).
Volkswagen Polo Cup (Race-3, 8 laps): 1. Ritesh Rai (Chennai) (15:50.470); 2. Pratik Sonawane (Mumbai) (15:54.571); 3. Raaj Bakhru (Mumbai) (15:57.079). Race-4: 1. Ojas Surve (Mumbai) (19:42.853); 2. Avik Anwar (Dhaka) (19:49.034); 3. Pratik Sonawane (Mumbai) (19:52.460).
MRF Saloons (Toyota Etios – Race-2): 1. Zahan Commissariat (Mumbai) 20:49.191; 2. Angad Mathroo (Chandigarh) 20:53.991; 3. Diana Pundole (Pune) 20:54.112.
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Sohil wins but Sai Sanjay on course for title; Diana back on podium in Saloon cars’ race
Chennai, Sat, 28 Jan, 2023: For the second-day running, Bengaluru’s Sohil Shah became the fastest driver of the day as he roared to a big win, his second of the season, in the premier MRF Formula 2000 category in the fourth and final round of the MRF MMSC fmsci Indian National Car Racing Championship 2022 at the Madras International Circuit here on Saturday.
Coimbatore veteran Arjun Balu (Race Concepts) who hardly played a false note while orchestrating a massive victory, his fourth of the season, in the top-end Indian Touring Cars category.
Nellore’s Viswas Vijayraj (DTS Racing) also notched a fluent lights-to-flag win in the Formula LGB 1300 race to move within eight points of championship leader Raghul Rangasamy (MSport) from Mamallapuram who took the second spot ahead of Kolkata’s Arya Singh (Momentum Motorsports).
The win notwithstanding Sohil, 21, will not be fighting for the title as he missed the first two rounds of the championship. Sohil is the only driver to dip under the one minute, 32-sec mark in the compact field driving the F2000 machine, the fastest formula car in India. The Indian Racing League driver missed five races from the first two rounds.Salem’s Sai Sanjay finished second behind Shah. Divy Nandan, a late starter from Gurugram, who made his racing debut in the karting Nationals a couple of seasons ago under the tutelage of Narain Karthikeyan, has worked hard not only to shed a huge amount of weight to become fighting fit but improved his racing skills admirably to take a podium again, finishing third. Earlier, Divy also got himself a birthday gift with a maiden win on Jan 7 in Round 2, two days after he turned 20. Sai Sanjay’s 34-point lead means, a fifth-place in both the remaining races is enough for the Salem lad, even if second-placed Mohamed Ryan wins the last two races. With his parents watching the race, Sai did a commendable job once again with a cool head, knowing that Shah’s win will not deter his chances. Chennai’s Ryan finished fourth in today’s race.
Later, Balu was in a league of his own as he built up a commanding lead of about six car lengths by the third corner itself and halfway into the first of the 10 laps extended his lead, after starting from pole position to make up for a disappointing third round a week back, where he scored a second (18) and zero points from the two races that saw his 39-point lead dwarf to 8 points. Behind him, Arjun Narendran (Arka Motorsports), also from Coimbatore, came in second, but remained 14 points adrift of Balu in the championship standings with two races to go on the final day on Sunday. In third was Rayo Racing’s Sandeep Kumar, the lawyer from Chennai, the reigning Polo Cup champion. However, the ITC race is under review after post-race scrutiny,but the 10-time National champion came out unscathed from the Stewards meeting to retain full points.
Chennai racers dominated the Indian Junior Touring Cars category with Gurunath Meiyappan (Race Concepts) finishing ahead of Performance Racing pair of Akkineni Anand Prasad and Deepak Ravikumar. Consequently, Anand Prasad extended his championship lead to 22 points ahead of team-mate Raja Rajan.
Another Chennai driver, Ritesh Rai (Performance Racing) came through untroubled in the Super Stock category with Narendran S (Redline Racing) and Diljith TS (DTS Racing) following home in that order. Rai, thus, opened up a commanding 38-point lead over Narendran on the leaderboard.
Ritesh Rai and Avik Anwar from Dhaka, Bangladesh recorded their maiden win each in the Volkswagen Polo Cup double-header today. After winning the first race, Ritesh sat out the second that was won by Anwar, who has raced in the UAE and Malaysia, and is in his second season here. The win took Anwar (79 points) to third place in the championship behind Pratik Sonawane (89) and Raaj Bakhru (83) with two more races to be run on Sunday.
Later, Gurugram’s Justin Singh scored his fifth win of the season in the MRF Saloons (Toyota Etios) category that gave him a 23-point advantage with just one more race to be run on Sunday and a maximum of 25 points on offer. But the highlight of the race is the return of “Racing Queen”, after a disappointing third round. The lady driver from Pune, who has been giving a tough fight to all the men, and to Justin at the top, all through the season, finished a creditable second. The lady cut her teeth in karting and later earned a free drive in the JK Nationals in an open-wheel formula car, before a stint in the polo cup in 2021. Starting on P2, she maintained a close distance with the leader and even pelted a best lap (02:02.021) mid-way through to reduce the gap from 0.7 ,to 0.5 seconds, (about a car’s length in actual distance) but decided to play safe to salvage a podium and deservedly took second, beating a handful of male drivers to promote FIA “Women in Motorsports” concept at the domestic level. Among other ladies, Sravanthika Lakshmi, another graduate from karting did well, and both the ladies were given Special prizes for finishing first the second among women.
Sunday will be the last day of the National Championship with all the title-fight for all the five National classes going to the wire. The champions will be decided in Indian Touring Cars class, Indian Junior touring Cars, Super Stock and the Formula classes MRF Formula 2000 and Formula LGB 1300. Apart from these, two one-make, non-championship classes for the VW Polo Cup and MRF Saloon class.
The results (Provisional – all 8 laps unless mentioned):
MRF F2000 (Race-1): 1. Sohil Shah (Bengaluru) (12min, 31.381sec); 2. Sai Sanjay T (Salem) (12:36.091); 3. Divy Nandan (Gurugram) (12:39.156).
Indian Touring Cars (Race-1, 10 laps): 1. Arjun Balu (Coimbatore, Race Concepts) (18:53.861); 2. Arjun Narendran (Coimbatore, Arka Motorsports) (18:57.871); 3. Sandeep Kumar (Chennai, Rayo Racing) (19:13.150).
Indian Junior Touring Cars (Race-1, 10 laps): 1. Gurunath Meiyappan (Chennai, Race Concepts) (19:37.194); 2. Akkineni Anand Prasad (Chennai, Performance Racing) (19:38.495); 3. Deepak Ravikumar (Chennai, Performance Racing) (19:44.652).
Super Stock (Race-1, 9 laps): 1. Ritesh Rai (Chennai, Performance Racing) (19:00.108); 2. Narendran (Chennai, Redline Racing) (19:09.762); 3. Diljith TS (Thrissur, DTS Racing) (19:10.429).
Formula LGB 1300 (Race-1): 1. Viswas Vijayraj (Nellore, DTS Racing) (15:06.216); 2. Raghul Rangasamy (Mamallapuram, MSport) (15:13.825); 3. Arya Singh (Kolkata, Momentum Motorsports) (15:13.984).
Volkswagen Polo Cup (Race-1): 1. Ritesh Rai (Chennai) (15:49.646); 2. Pratik Sonawane (Mumbai) (15:52.970); 3. Raaj Bakhru (Mumbai) (15: 53.869). Race-2 (10 laps): 1. Avik Anwar (Dhaka, Bangladesh) (19:51.961); 2. Prashanth Tharani Singh (Chennai) (19:54.052); 3. Munjal Savla (Mumbai) (19:55.725).
MRF Saloons (Toyota Etios – Race-1): 1. Justin Singh (Gurugram) (16:29.741); 2. Diana Pundole (Pune) (16:30.531); 3. Zahan Commissariat (Mumbai) (16:36.259).
