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Tag: Drag Nationals
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Triple for ‘King of Drag’, Hemanth Muddappa; Jagathishree triumphs
Chennai, 28 July 2024: Bengaluru ace, Hemanth Muddappa (Mantra Racing), continued to dominate the MMSC fmsci Indian National Motorcycle Drag Racing Championship 2024 as he claimed a triple crown in the third round at the Madras International Circuit, here on Sunday.
Consistently crossing the 200 Kmph speed barrier, Muddappa, the 12 times National champion, swept to victories in the Unrestricted, 1051-1650cc and 851-1050cc categories besides finishing second behind Hyderabad’s Mohammed Riyaz in the 551-850cc class.
In the process, Muddappa emulated his triple success in the previous round at the same venue last month and looked set to retain his status as the “King of Drag”.
Later, Chennai’s Jagathishree Murugesan led a 1-2 finish for One Racing in the Girls (Stock 165cc) category with SP Shuria from Bengaluru placed second ahead of Coimbatore challenger Aisvariya.
Provisional results (all 4-Stroke unless mentioned):
Chennai’s Jagathishree Murugesan Unrestricted: 1. Hemanth Muddappa (Bengaluru, Mantra Racing) (08.110secs); 2. Attaulla Baig (Bengaluru, Pvt) (08.112); 3. Mujahid Pasha (Bengaluru, Fast Track Racing) (08.385).
1051-1650cc (Super Sport): 1. Hemanth Muddappa (Bengaluru, Mantra Racing) (07. 970s); 2. Attaulla Baig (Bengaluru, Pvt) (08.196s); 3. Aymaan Baig (Bengaluru, Pvt) (08.227s).
851-1050cc (SS): 1. Hemanth Muddappa (Bengaluru, Mantra Racing) (08.006s); 2. Niranjan R Kumar (Bengaluru, Pvt) (08.805s); 3. Khaja Awais Ahmed (Hyderabad, Pvt) (08.866s).
551-850cc (SS): 1. Mohammed Riyaz (Hyderabad, Pvt) (08.407s); 2. Hemanth Muddappa (Bengaluru, Mantra Racing) (08.418s); 3. Altaf Khan (Hyderabad, Pvt) (08.684s).
361-550cc (SS Indian): 1. Jason D’Souza (Mumbai, Mantra Racing) (12.136s); 2. Mujahid Pasha (Bengaluru, Fast Track Racing) (12.456s); Iqbal Shaikh (Bengaluru, Pvt) (12.458s).
166-225cc (SS): 1. Prashanth S (Bengaluru, Pvt) (13.719); 2. Prashanth K (Chennai, Pvt) (14.023); 3. Govardhan R (Chennai, Pvt) (14.154).
Up to 165cc (SS Indian): 1. Shashi Kiran V (Bengaluru, Pvt) (14.143s); 2. Bharathraj J (Chennai, Rockers Racing) (14.281s); 3. Abdul Basim (Chennai, Rockers Racing) (14.319s).
Girls (Stock 165cc): 1. Jagathishree Kumaresan (Chennai, One Racing) (16.781s); 2. SP Shuria (Bengaluru, One Racing) (17.305s); 3. Aisvariya (Coimbatore, Motul Sparks Racing) (17.449s).
2-Stroke (131-165cc, SS): 1. Syed Imran (Bengaluru, Fast Track Racing) (13.019); 2. Prashanth S (Bengaluru, Pvt) (13.286); 3. Balasubramanian (Chennai, ACCSYS India Rookies Racing) (13.315).
2-Stroke (Up to 130cc, SS): 1. Shahrukh Khan (Mumbai, Pvt) (13.488s); 2. Syed Imran (Bengaluru, Fast Track Racing) (13.499); 3. Ashok S (Bengaluru, Pvt) (13.650).
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Shah Rukh Khan, Arfath, Madhan Kumar clinch 2023 title each; Jagathishree bags Ladies crown
Chennai, 23 Dec 2023: Winning all the four races in four rounds, Mumbai’s Shah Rukh Khan (Mantra Racing) and Jagathishree Kumaresan from Chennai (One Racing) annexed the 2023 championship title in the 4-Stroke 361-550cc and Girls (4S 165cc, Novice) categories respectively, in the MMSC fmsci Indian National Motorcycle Drag Racing Championship 2023 at the Madras International Circuit, Irungattukotta, near here on Saturday.
Meanwhile, two Bengalureans, Mohammed Arfath (2-Stroke 131-165cc Super Sport), Mohammed Fazil (2S 165cc Super Sport India), and Chennai’s Madhan Kumar R (2S Up to 130cc Super Sport) also topped the championship in their respective categories.
Jagathishree wins Ladies Class. All photos by Karan Ravi It was hectic action at the MIC as the backlog of races from Round 2 in September that was affected by rains, were conducted along with the third and fourth rounds. The championship will conclude tomorrow (Sunday) when races of Rounds 3 and 4 in the remaining categories will be run.
2023 CHAMPIONS: From left Madhan Kumar, Shahrukh Khan, Jagathishree, Mohammed Fazil, Shahinsha (runner up), Mohammed Arfath. Photo by Srinivasa Krishnan While the championships were being decided, the attention was on the “big boys” of drag racing. Bengaluru’s Hemanth Muddappa (Mantra Racing) notched a double by topping the Round-2 races in the Unrestricted and 1051-1650cc (Super Sport) categories ahead of his main rivals, Hyderabad’s Mohammed Riyaz and Mirza Jahangir, and fellow-Bengalurean Sugan Prasad.
The results (all 4-Stroke unless mentioned):
Madhan Kumar wins 2-Stroke 130cc Super Sport National title for 2023 ROUND-4
361-550CC: 1. Sharukh Khan (Mumbai, Mantra Racing) (11.380secs); 2. Jason D’Souza (Mumbai, Mantra Racing) (11.869); 3. Mohammed Fazil (Bengaluru) (12.044). National champion: Shah Rukh Khan. Team champions: Mantra Racing.
165cc (Super Sport Indian): 1. Saravanan E (Chennai) 13.806); 2. Shainsha R (Chennai) 13.953); 3. Bharathraj Jayaraman (Chennai, Gulf Rockers Racing) (14.016). National champion: Mohammed Fazil (Bengaluru). Team champions: Gulf Rockers Racing.
Girls (165cc, Novice): 1. Jagathishree Kumaresan (Chennai, One Racing) (16.131); 2. Soundari A (Chennai, AS Motorsports) (16.641); 3. Elakkiya (Coimbatore, AS Motorsports) (16.705). National champion: Jagathishree Kumaresan. Team champions: One Racing.
2-Stroke 131-165cc (Super Sport): 1. Mohammed Arfath (Bengaluru) (12.828); 2. Abdul Shaikh (Bengaluru) (12.890); 3. Ashok S (Bengaluru) (13.017). National champion: Mohammed Arfath.
2-Stroke Up to 130cc (Super Sport): 1. Aravind Ganesh (Chennai, ACCSYS India Rookies Racing) (13.221); 2. Madhan Kumar R (Chennai) (13.318); 3. Suresh Kumar R (Chennai) (14.508). National champion: Madhan Kumar R. Team champions: ACCSYS India Rookies Racing.
Support Race (166-225cc): 1. Balasubramaniam R (Chennai) (13.757); 2. Badhusha M (Chennai) (14.079); 3. Madhan Kumar R (Chennai) (14.683).
ROUND-3
Madhan Kumar in action. Photo by Karan Ravi 361-550cc (Super Sport Indian): 1. Shah Rukh Khan (Mumbai, Mantra Racing) (11.409); 2. Jason D’Souza (Mumbai, Mantra Racing) (11.929); 3. Abdul Shaikh (Bengaluru) (12.229).
165cc (Super Sport Indian): 1. Shahinsha R (Chennai) (14.088); 2. Mohammed Fazil (Bengaluru) (14.181); 3. Bharathraj Jayaraman (Chennai, Gulf Rockers Racing) (14.187).
Girls (165cc, Novice): 1. Jagathishree Kumaresan (Chennai) (16.089); 2. Soundari A (Chennai) (16.676); 3. Lani Fernandez (Puducherry) (16.722).
2-Stroke 135-165cc (Super Sport): 1. Mohammed Arfath (Bengaluru) (12.933); 2. Mustafa Siraj Khan (Bengaluru) (12.988); 3. Ashok S (Bengaluru) (13.046).
2-Stroke 130cc (Super Sport): 1. Madhan Kumar R (Chennai) (13.118); 2. Aravind Ganesh R (Chennai, Accsys India Rookies Racing) (13.426); 3. Mohammed Arfath (Bengaluru) (13.523).
Support Race (166-225cc): 1. Balasubramaniam R (Chennai) (13.603); 2. Badhusha M (Chennai) (13.813); 3. Madhan Kumar R (Chennai) (14.510).
ROUND-2
Unrestricted: 1. Hemanth Muddappa (Bengaluru, Mantra Racing) (07.808); 2. Mohammed Riyaz (Hyderabad) (07.972); 3. Sugan Prasad SP (Bengaluru) (08.239).
1051-1650cc (Super Sport): 1. Hemanth Muddappa (Bengaluru, Mantra Racing) (07.779); 2. Mohammed Riyaz (Hyderabad) (08.012); 3. Mirza Jahangir (Hyderabad) (08.210).
551-850cc (Super Sport): 1. Mohammed Riyaz (Hyderabad) (08.504); 2. Mirza Jahangir (Hyderabad) (08.748); 3. Mehanth Muddappa (Bengaluru, Mantra Racing) 08.850).
361-550cc (Super Sport): 1. Shahrukh Khan (Mumbai, Mantra Racing) (11.505); 2. Mohammed Fazil (Bengaluru) (11.937); 3. Altaf Khan (Hyderabad) (12.134).
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Md Arfath, fastest rider on Day 1; Jagathishree wins girls’ race
Chennai, Sept. 16: Mohammed Arfath became the fastest rider on Day 1 in the second round of the MMSC FMSCI Indian National Drag Championship at the Madras International Circuit (MIC) here on Saturday.
Arfath, won the Super Sport 2-stroke 131cc to 165cc class and also bagged two more podium places on Saturday. Mohammed Fazil won the Super Sport Indian 4-stroke upto 165cc class and Abdul Shaik claimed the Super Sport 2-stroke upto 130cc class. All the three riders are from Team G1Racing and their bikes are tuned by Waseem Akram.
Mohammed Arfath, fastest rider In the Girls 4-stroke upto 165cc event, Jagathishree beat defending champion Lani Zena Fernandes to win the class.
“I am happy with the race. It is a big confidence booster for the upcoming Nationals. Want to come back stronger after a forgettable Round 2 and 3. I was recovering after a bad chicken pox attack. But having finished in the top-5 among 36 male riders in Nationals stock category as the only girl, I am looking forward to the next Sunday,” said Jagathishree.
Muddappa raring to go
Ten-time Indian National champion, Hemanth Muddappa of Mantra Racing will begin his campaign on Muddappa holds both the National records in ‘851 to 1050cc class’ and the ‘1051cc and above class’ which he bettered last season. Apart from these two classes, he will take part in the 550-850cc class, and re-introduced Unrestricted Open category. The 851 to 1050cc class is now a support category and will not count for the National championship.
On Sunday, the top four classes will be held. “We started well in the first round and we are well prepared as we aim to go for three National titles this year,” said a confident Muddappa of Mantra Racing team.
Saturday’s Provisional Results (Roud 2):
Girls 4-stroke upto 165cc: 1 Jagthishree 16.650 seconds; 2. Lani Zena Fernandes16.920; 3. Soundari A 16.949;
Super Sport 2-stroke upto 130cc: 1. Abdul Shaik 13.438; 2. Mohammed Arfath13.715; 3. R Sirajuddin 14.140;
Super Sport 2-stroke 131 to 165cc: 1. Mohammed Arfath 13.187; 2. Mustafa Siraj Khan 13.268; 3. Abdul Shaik 13.283;
Super Sport Indian 4-stroke upto 165cc: 1. Mohammed Fazil 14.327;2. Aravind Ganesh 14.335; 3. Mohammed Arfath 14.482.
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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).
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Alimon sets record; Strong comeback by Hemanth Muddappa: Drag Nationals
Chennai, 29 Dec 2022: Bengaluru riders Alimon and Hemanth Muddappa scored dominating wins in their respective superbike categories in the third round of the MMSC fmsci Indian National Motorcycle Drag Racing Championship 2022 at the Madras International Circuit, here on Thursday.
Alimon continued his win-spree to clinch the National Championship with a round to spare in the Unrestricted category as he took the honours on a Kawasaki Ninja H2, and also set a track record of 07.556 seconds over 302 metres. He won all the three rounds thus far and, today he finished ahead of Hemanth Muddappa (Mantra Racing) and Attaulla Baig, also from Bengaluru. The Unrestricted class was introduced this year and the 851-1050cc class was made as a Support Race.
Alimon, thus, set the fastest time at the MIC, bettering the previous best of 07.749 by Muddappa. The victory also gave Alimon an unassailable 32-point lead over Baig in the championship standings with a round to spare.
Alimon Saidalvi who won the Championship in the Unrestricted class at the Madras International Circuit on Thursday. Photo for INDIAinF1.com “With strong contenders in fray, it’s been a challenging field in the Nationals for this class. Perseverance and dedication helped me and the team to achieve this incredible feat. I would like to thank Topgun Racing team for the support and motivation throughout my racing career. Highlighting motorsport in India is my vision and I hope to set an example for many aspiring talents who look to enter motorsport in India,” said Alimon.
Earlier, Muddappa, the multiple National champion, was in his elements in the 1051-1650cc category astride a Suzuki Hayabusa, with a winning time of 07.910 seconds while Mujahid Pasha (Bengaluru) and yesterday’s Round-2 winner Md Riyaz (Hyderabad) came in second and third, respectively. After three rounds, Muddappa leads Riyaz by 20 points in the championship and needs just six more points to clinch the title, he is set to take his 10th National Championship title.
Another Bengaluru rider, Anish Damodara Shetty (PRN Motorsports) notched a splendid win in the 361-550cc class on a KTM RC-390 bike while Chennai rider Mohan Babu of Rockers Racing won the Super Sport Indian upto 165cc class.
In the Stock 165cc Girls class, Mumbai’s Sarah Khan of Axor Sparks Racing topped astride a Yamaha R15, to keep the championship race open with Soundari Sindy Anantharaj leading the points table with 62 points. But it will winner take it all in the final round and Sarah (58) will be looking to turn the tables on the defending champion.
The fourth and concluding round of the 2022 Championship will be run at the same venue on Friday.
Hemanth Muddappa on his Suzuki Hayabusa. INDIAinF1 File photo by Srinivasa Krishnan Girls class winner Sarah Khan (centre), along with Senior Technician Ebbi (red ‘T’), is flanked by second-placed Aditi Krishnan and Lani Zena Fernandez (extreme right). Chief guest Anoop, (MMSC) left, is also seen. Photo: Axor Spark Racing Round-3 results (Provisional, all 4-Stroke Super Sport unless mentioned):
Unrestricted: 1. Alimon Saidalavi (Bengaluru) (07.556secs); 2. Hemanth Muddappa (Mantra Racing, Bengaluru) (07.768); 3. Attaulla Baig (Bengaluru) (08.037).
1051-1650cc: 1. Hemanth Muddappa (Mantra Racing, Bengaluru) (07.910); 2. Mujahid Pasha (Bengaluru) (08.019); 3. Md Riyaz (Hyderabad) (08.103).
851-1050cc (Support race): 1. Saurabh Parabh (Mumbai) (07.880); 2. Hemanth Muddappa (Mantra Racing, Bengaluru) (08.065); 3. Sugan Prasad SP (Bengaluru) (08.236).
551-850cc: 1. Sidharth Ratan Parmar (Mumbai) (08.510); 2. Saurabh Parab (Mumbai) (08.552); 3. Mohammed Riyaz (Hyderabad) (08.630).
361-550cc (Super Sport Indian): 1. Anish Shetty (PRN Motorsports, Bengaluru) (12.243); 2. Bharath Raj (Rockers Racing, Chennai) (12.244); 3. Aiyaz Rem (Bengaluru) (12.363).
166-225cc (Support race): 1. Srikantha P (Bengaluru) (13.520); 2. Aiyaz Rem (Bengaluru) (14.293); 3. Madhan Kumar R (Chennai) (14.333).
Upto 165cc (Super Sport Indian): 1. Mohan Babu (Rockers Racing, Chennai) (14.154); 2. Arvind Ganesh (Chennai) (14.234); 3. Bharath Raj (Rockers Racing, Chennai) (14.235).
2-Stroke 131-165cc: 1. Prashanth (Bengaluru) (12.821); 2. Aiyaz Rem (Bengaluru) (12.983); 3. Shreyas Hareesh (Rockers Racing, Bengaluru) (13.069).
2-Stroke Upto 130cc: 1. Abdul Shaikh (Bengaluru) (13.497); 2. Mohamed Rafiq (Bengaluru) (13.778); 3. Mohammed Arfath (Bengaluru) (13.784).
GIRLS (165cc, Novice): 1. Sarah Khan (Axor Sparks Racing, Mumbai) (16.562); 2. Aditi Krishnan (Bengaluru) (16.639); 3. Lani Zena Fernandez (RACR, Puducherry) (16.704).
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Hemanth Muddappa begins campaign with a triple; Alimon bags Unrestricted class
Chennai, 24 July 2022: Multiple Indian National champion Bengaluru’s Hemanth Muddappa (Mantra Racing) continued his domination in the MMSC fmsci Indian National Motorcycle Drag Racing Championship with a triple crown in the season-opener which concluded at the Madras International Circuit, here on Sunday.
Muddappa, the nine-times National champion, participating in four different categories, emerged triumphant in three (one of them a support race), but his exploits notwithstanding, it was Alimon Saidalvi (Bengaluru) who was the quickest rider over the weekend as he topped the Unrestricted category, clocking a blistering 07.775 seconds for the 302-metre dash on a Kawasaki Ninja.
Muddappa, astride a Suzuki Hayabusa, topped in the Super Sport 1051-1650cc category in which he has remained unbeaten over the past few years. Earlier, riding a BMW S1000RR, Muddappa was the quickest in the Super Sport 551-850cc category after winning in the Super Sport 851-1050cc support race atop a Kawasaki ZX6R machine.
Mumbai’s Hussain Khan won in the Super Sport Indian 361-550cc category ahead of Aiyaz from Bengaluru and local rider Bharath Raj.
The results (all 4-Stroke):
National Championship – Unrestricted: 1. Alimon Saidalvi (Bengaluru) (07.775secs); 2. Attaullah Baig (Bengaluru) (08.090s); 3. Siddharth Ratan Parmar (Mumbai) (08.254s).
Super Sport 1051-1650cc: 1. Hemanth Muddappa (Bengaluru, Mantra Racing) (08.228s); 2. Vignesh Purushotham (Bengaluru) (08.309s); 3. Hafizullah Khan (Bengaluru) (08.398s).
Super Sport 551-850cc: 1. Hemanth Muddappa (Bengaluru, Mantra Racing) (08.614s); 2. Siddharth Ratan Parmar (Mumbai) (08.788s); 3. Saurabh Parab (Mumbai) (09.086s).
Super Sport Indian 361-550cc: 1. Hussain Khan (Mumbai) (12.247s); 2. Aiyaz (Bengaluru) (12.350s); 3. Bharath Raj (Chennai) (12.691s).
Support race – Super Sport 851-1050cc: 1. Hemanth Muddappa (Bengaluru, Mantra Racing) (08.013s); 2. Khaja Awais Ahmed (Hyderabad) (08.281s); 3. Saurabh Parab (Mumbai) (08.325).
Support race – Super Sport 166-225cc: 1. Badhusha M (Chennai) (13.639s); 2. Srikkanth P (Bengaluru) (14.054s); 3. Karthik M (Chennai) (15.324s).
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Sindy hoists AS Motorsports flag high; Aiyaz, Chandra, Madhan win
Chennai, 23 July 2022: Active motorsports couple Soundari ‘Sindy’ and her tuner Ananthraj ‘Andy’ combined successfully to hoist the AS Motorsports flag high taking the honours in the Girls ‘Stock up to 165cc’ category in the first round of the MMSC fmsci Indian National Motorcycle Drag Racing Championship 2022 which commenced at the rechristened Madras International Circuit (MIC) here on Saturday. Bengaluru’s Chandra Shekar N topped in the Super Sport Indian up to 165cc while local rider Madhan Kumar and Aiyaz of Bengaluru also won their respective classes.
Ananthraj and Soundari, the proud motorsports couple! “This win is awesome and it is an unforgettable moment for me as a rider. It is also special for me because, as a rider I won and got my husband his first tuner trophy. As a couple it is a historic day for us. Today the bike setup is perfect and competing with competitive young girls as a mom, makes that feeling great,” said Sindy, who also volunteers as an active official for many motorsports events.
The Drag Nationals promoted by Madras Motor Sports Club (MMSC) under the aegis of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (fmsci) has attracted a record 145 entries as the 2022 season got off to a bright start with Soundari, popular known as Sindy, edging out Puducherry’s Lani Zena Fernandez of RACR Castrol Power 1, in a close battle with a tenth of a second separating the two. Mumbai’s Sarah Khan of Axor Sparks Racing completed the podium.
Chandra Shekar was in his elements in winning from Bharath Raj of Rockers Racing from Chennai with another Bengalurean, Gowtham R finishing third fastest in the Super Sport Indian upto 165cc class.
Bengaluru’s Aiyaz wins 2-stroke Super Sport (131-165cc) class.
All photos by Srinivasa Krishnan/INDIAinF1Aiyaz from Bengaluru emerged a comfortable winner in the 2-stroke Super Sport (131-165cc) category ahead of Madhan Kumar R of Chennai and Abudul Shaikh, also from Bengaluru, finished third.
Madhan Kumar, however, came up trumps in the 2-stroke Super Sport (up to 130cc) category with local rider Aravind Ganesh of AP Motorsports taking second ahead of Abdul Shaikh of Bengaluru in third.
The two-day event concludes on Sunday, July 24, which will see races in six more categories, including the high-end Above 1000cc class and the Unrestricted Open where 9-time National Champion, Hemanth Muddappa, is set to begin his campaign in four different classes.
The (Provisional) results :
4-Stroke – Girls (Stock Up to 165cc): 1. Soundari Ananthraj (Chennai, AS Motorsports) (16.491secs); 2. Lani Zena Fernandez (Puducherry, RACR Castrol Power 1) (16.571s); 3. Sarah Khan (Mumbai, Axor Sparks Racing) (17.023s).
Super Sport Indian (up to 165cc): 1. Chandra Shekar N (Bengaluru) (13.989s); 2. Bharath Raj (Chennai, Rockers Racing) (14.292s); 3. Gowtham R (Bengaluru) (14.469s).
2-Stroke – Super Sport Up to 130cc: 1. Madhan Kumar R (Chennai) (13.449s); 2. Aravind Ganesh (Chennai, AP Motorsports) (13.582s); 3. Abdul Shaikh (Bengaluru) (13.777s).
Super Sport 131-165cc: 1. Aiyaz (Bengaluru) (12.845s); 2. Madhan Kumar R (Chennai) (13.310s); 3. Abdul Shaikh (Bengaluru) (13.313s).
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9-time drag champ Hemanth Muddappa gunning for a dozen: Drag Nationals
Bengaluru, 21 July 2022: The fastest Indian rider and a nine-time Indian National champion, Hemanth Muddappa of Mantra Racing, is hungry for more National titles, as he begins campaign in the 2022 season of the MMSC fmsci Indian National Drag Championship that begins at the rechristened Madras International Circuit (MIC), about 30 km, from Chennai, on Saturday.
In an unprecedented move, the champion based in Bengaluru will be riding in four classes this season, including the above 851 to 1050cc class, which is now a supporting race. This year Hemanth will also take part in the 550-850cc class, and with the re-introduction of the Unrestricted Open category as a Championship class, the Drag Nationals will now allow Hemanth Muddappa to gun for historic 12 National titles. He is preparing hard and has tested a Kawasaki ZX6R which is the new addition to his armoury besides his Suzuki Hayabusa and BMW S1000RR, between whom he bagged a rich haul of nine National titles from 2016 in two different classes.
The combination of Mantra Racing and Hemanth Muddappa has created record after record at every circuit in India and all the top National records in the top-two classes, stand in his name making him the fastest Indian motorsports athlete. A high-performance rider, he trains hard both on physical fitness and mental conditioning with a focus on his riding skills. “We started right after the last round and put in sustained efforts. One of the classes is not there anymore but with the introduction of a new class, I will be taking part in four classes. The aim is to go for three National titles this year,” said the confident rider from Coorg, who is also a champion at the fmsci-licensed Lonavala event, that is run on a proper quarter-mile format. That track record is also in Muddappa’s name.
Known as “LightningR1”, for his superfast runs, he holds both the National records in ‘851 to 1050cc class’ and the ‘1051cc and above class’ which he bettered last season at the now rechristened Madras International Circuit.
From the original four rounds, the Promoters Madras Motor Sports Club reduced the calendar to three rounds. The second round will be on November 5 & 6 and the final round is scheduled to be held at the same venue on Dec 17 and 18. The length of MMSC Track is 302 metres (1000 feet) for vehicles above 550cc and for all other classes it is 402 metres. The “Braking Distance” is 451.2m for vehicles above 550cc and 351.2m for all other vehicles. The new class of 4-stroke unrestricted has been given National Championship status. There will be eight different classes including a Ladies class for 4Stroke stock upto 165cc bikes. Based on the total points allotted in each round, the National champion will be declared after the third round.
Hemanth Muddappa’s winning Machines:
National Championshp classes: 1. 550-850cc – Kawasaki ZX6R; 2. 1050cc & Above – Suzuki Hayabusa; 3. Unrestricted- Suzuki Hayabusa.
Non-championship category: 4. 851-1050cc – BMW S1000RR.
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Hemanth Muddappa claims feature race: Drag Nationals
Chennai, 8 August 2021: Riders from Bengaluru, spearheaded by reigning champion Hemanth Muddappa of Mantra Racing swept the honours in the first round of the MMSC fmsci Indian National Motorcycle Drag Racing Championship which concluded at the MMRT, here on Sunday amidst strict Covid safety protocols.
Muddappa, 31, astride his Suzuki Hayabusa, was the quickest of all riders, clocking 07.882 seconds over 302-metres strip while winning the featured Super Sport Above 1051cc category ahead of fellow-Bengalureans Hafizullah Khan (08.116) and Harish Naik (08.538). Muddappa currently holds the National Drag record at 7.783 which he set here on 10th October in the 2020 first round last year.
Hemanth Muddappa (centre), winner of the Above 1051cc class, flanked by second-placed Havizullah Khan (left) and third placed Harish Naik in the 2021 Drag Nationals Round 1 at MMRT, Chennai on 8 Aug 2021. Despite the comfortable win, Muddappa said due to the high track temperature, the timing was a tad slower than he wanted. “The track temperature affected all the riders and we all posted slower timings. We were much quicker in January during the final round of the 2020 championship,” said Muddappa.
Another Bengalurean, Mohd Riyaz (08.026) topped the time sheets in the Super Sport 851-1050cc class, followed by Muddappa (08.116), who was a bit slow off the mark, and debutant NV Satyanarayana Raju (08.191) from Hyderabad.
On Saturday, Chennai riders swept the podium spots in the Girls (4-stroke, up to 165cc) category with Lani Zena Fernandez, Nivetha Jessica and Soundari Sindy finishing in that order.
The results:
Lani Zena Fernandez (centre), winner of the Girls race, flanked by second-placed Nivetha Jessica (left) and third-placed Soundari (Sindy) on Saturday. Photos by AB Photography Super Sport (Above 1051cc): 1. Hemanth Muddappa (Mantra Racing, Bengaluru) (07.882secs); 2. Hafizullah Khan (Bengaluru) (08.116); 3. Harish Naik (Bengaluru) (08.538). 851-1050cc: 1. Mohd Riyaz (Bengaluru) (08.026); 2. Hemanth Muddappa (Mantra Racing, Bengaluru) (08.116); 3. NV Satyanarayana Raju (Hyderabad) (08.191).
Super Sport Indian – 361-550cc: 1. Aiyaz Rem (Bengaluru) (12.568); 2. Zuheeb Ahmed (Bengaluru) (12.860); 3. D Annish Samson (Speed Up Racing, Bengaluru) (12.942). 226-360cc: 1. Bharath Raj (Rockers Racing, Chennai) (12.602); 2. Yogeshwaran (Speed Up Racing, Chennai) (12.798); 3. D Annish Samson (Speed Up Racing, Bengaluru) (13.050). Up to 165cc: 1. Kevin Kannan (RACR Castro Power, Chennai) (14.573); 2. Anand R (Chennai) (14.824); 3. Chandrashekar (Bengaluru) (14.910).
GIRLS (4-Stroke, up to 165cc): 1. Lani Zena Fernandez (Chennai) (16.591); 2. Nivetha Jessica (Chennai) (16.640); 3. Soundari Sindy (Chennai) (16.794).
2-Stroke Up to 130cc: 1. Mujahid Pasha (Bengaluru) (13:547); 2. Prashanth (Chennai) (13.682); 3. Mohd Rafiq (Bengaluru) (13.733). 131-165cc: 1. Mohd Rafiq (Bengaluru) (12.818); 2. Husain Khan (Mumbai) (13.002); 3. Aiyaz Rem (Bengaluru) (13.047).
Note: All photos published are taken by Shameem Fahath for `Aditya Bedre photography’
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Hemanth Mudappa annexes drag crown for a hat-trick; Jessica wins girls title: Drag Nationals
Hemanth Mudappa with the trophies at MMRT on Sunday. Photo by Team Mudappa for INDIAinF1 Chennai, 30 Dec 2019: Defending champion from Bengaluru, Hemanth Muddappa of Mantra Racing dominated the 2019 MMSC fmsci Indian National Motorcycle Drag Racing Championship as he annexed the title for the third year in a row with a grand double while also equalling the course record at the MMRT, here last weekend.
Attributing his success to the team work by Mantra Racing, in preparing his BMW S1000RR bike in the top-end Unrestricted Supersport class, Muddappa won both the Rounds 3 and 4 for a clean sweep. He clocked 8.070 seconds in Round 3 on Saturday and then, in the next round on Sunday, he did 7.976 seconds to equal the record he had set in the second round in October erasing his own earlier record.
The 29-year old Coorgi made a clean sweep winning all the four rounds for a maximum of 100 points. Hafeez Khan and Harish Naik finished second and third in the National championship. Hemanth, currently heads the leading sports nutrition brand, `1up Nutrition India’ and is based in Bengaluru.
Also scoring a double and claiming the National title is Nivetha Jessica in the Girls category. The 22-year old rider scored her maiden National Championship scoring 93 points. The Bio-Tech engineering graduate from Chennai who made her debut as a privateer in 2017, said: “I have faced a lot of hurdles and finally to overcome all of them with hardwork and support from my team, family and friends makes me so glad.”
Another rider to score a double is Bengaluru’s Aiyaz, who is crowned Nationial Champion in the 361-550cc Supersport Indian class. Local challenger Yogeshwaran, though failing to win a race over the weekend, still garnered enough points to claim the title in the 226-360 Supersport Indian category with 67 points, just two ahead of fellow-Chennai rider AS Alexander.
Bengaluru’s Mohammed Rafiq topped both the 2-Stroke categories (up to 130cc and 131-165cc) and bagged the National title in both classes.
Round 3 of the championship was held on Saturday, Dec 28 and Round 4 on Sunday, Dec 29.
File photo of Hemanth Muddappa with his BMW S1000R and his trophy from Round 2 Sporting a T-shirt that proclaimed him as 2019 champion, with years 2017and 2018 at the bottom denoting his hat-trick, a visibly pleased Mudappa said: “Much hard work went in this year and I am thrilled to complete my hat-trick and a big thank you to my team.’’
“I can’t thank the almighty enough for all his blessings to close this perfect season and end 2019 on a high. I thank the prayers and blessings of my parents and the special lady,’’ he added.
He had a special mention for Mantra Racing and the man behind it, Sharan J Pratap but did not forget his mechs Maruti, Mueen, Manju, Omkar and Nithin. “And off course, the big daddy Pratap Jayaram. Without all of them this season would not have been possible. Big thank you to my wingmen And #1 bike transporter Appu Raj of Power Star and Mohan who are the best support crew I could ask for.
In his hour of triumph, he remembered his friends who gave him a tough fight with the top-three finishing very close. “Hearty congratulations to my great friend Hafeez Khan on securing 2nd in the championship. Congratulations to Harish Naik to get 3rd in his debut racing season,’’ he quipped adding kudos to Zubair Ali Jung for giving a great fight. There was also a special shout-out to Nihas from Colour Me Crazy Customs, who custom-made the Gold championship helmet, in MotoGP style.
“Thank you MMSC and FMSCI, the organisers and governing body of motorsports in India. Thank you all my friends and supporters for the wishes you showered me with,’’ he concluded.
Nivetha Jessica with her tropies at the MMRT on Sunday. Photo by Team Jessica for INDIAinF1 The results (All 4-Stroke unless mentioned):
Unrestricted Supersport (Round-3): 1. Hemanth Muddappa (Mantra Racing, Bengaluru) (08.070secs); 2. Zubair Ali Jung (Bengaluru) (08.315); 3. Harish Naik (Bengaluru) (08.676). Round-4: 1. Muddappa (07.976, equals course record); 2. Hafizulla Khan (Bengaluru) (08.411); 3. Naik (08.554). National champion: Hemant Muddappa (100 points).
361-550cc Supersport Indian (Round-3): 1. Aiyaz (Bengaluru) (12.503); 2. Attaulla Baig (Bengaluru) (12.522); 3. Anandhu KK (12.583). Round-4: 1. Aiyaz (12.230); 2. Baig (12.337); 3. Anandhu (12.443). National champion: Aiyaz (90 points).
226-360cc Supersport Indian (Round-3): 1. AS Alexander (Chennai) (13.123); 2. Bharath (Chennai) (13.192); 3. Ashish Rungta (Chennai) (13.413). Round-4: 1. Shankar Guru (Bengaluru) (12.896); 2. Rungta (12.986); 3. Alexander (13.009). National champion: Yogeshwaran (Chennai) (67 points).
166-225cc Supersport Indian (Round-3): 1. N Deepak (Chennai) (13.655); 2. Aiyaz (Bengaluru) (14.194); 3. S Ahamed Vasin (Chennai) (14.883). Round-4: Deepak (13.366); 2. Venu SMD (Bengaluru) (13.835); 3. Mohammed Imran (Bengaluru) (14.251). National champion: N Deepak (83 points).
Up to 165cc Supersport Indian (Round-3): 1. Sooriya PM (Chennai) (14.352); 2. Anand R (Chennai) (14.468); 3. Bharath (Chennai) (14.501). Round-4: 1. Anand R (14.373); 2. Sooriya (14.472); 3. Bharath (14.586). National champion: Sooriya PM (68 points).
GIRLS (Up to 165cc, Round-3): Nivetha Jessica (Chennai) (16.075); 2. Czimkhy (Kerala) (16.438); 3. Ann Jennifer (Chennai) (16.450). Round-4: 1. Nivetha Jessica (15.954); 2. Soundari Ananth Raj (Speed Up Racing, Chennai) (16.328); 3. Ann Jennifer (16.387). National champion: Nivetha Jessica (93 points).
2-Stroke Up to 130cc Supersport (Round-3): 1. Mohammed Rafiq (Bengaluru) (13.183); 2. Hussain Khan (Mumbai) (13.376); 3. Syed Nayeem (Bengaluru) (13.549). Round-4: 1. Mohammed Rafiq (12.990); 2. Hussain Khan (13.499); 3. R Madhan Kumar (Chennai) (13:590). National champion: Mohammed Rafiq (100 points).
2-Stroke 131-165cc Supersport (Round-3): 1. Aiyaz (Bengaluru) (13.042); 2. K Mohan (Chennai) (13.055); 3. Mohd Rafiq (Bengaluru) (13.059). Round-4: 1. Mohd Rafiq (12.356); 2. Salman Khan (Bengaluru) (12.815); 3. Syed Nayeem (Bengaluru) (12.918). National champion: Mohammed Rafiq (90 points).
Mantra Racing, the team behind the National Champion Hemanth Mudappa’s success. Photo for INDIAinF1 from Mudappa/Team Mantra Racing
