Tag: FIM

Bengaluru, 5 Feb 2018: Seven-time Indian National Rally Champion, Sujith Kumar, was elected Vice- President of FIM Asia on behalf of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) at Thailand on Saturday. Sujith was also the head of the Indian Motorcycle (2W) Racing Commission.

Hailing the historic win for India as an important step for Indian motorsport, Akbar Ebrahim, FMSCI president said: “This is a significant development for Indian motorsport.”

Ebrahim who has been bring a string of upgrades and important enhancements in the Indian motorsports set-up at the top added: “We will continue to work towards promoting every discipline of motorsport in the country.” Sujit was nominated as the Indian candidate by the Federation.

With an unprecedented 11 candidates contesting for four posts of Vice-President position at Saturday’s General Assembly in Bangkok, the outcome was difficult to predict. However, when the results were announced, Sujith Kumar won with a comfortable majority of votes to become the first Indian representative to join the Board of FIM Asia, which is the governing body for motorcycle racing for 28 countries in the region. He will hold the position for a four-year term that began immediately.

As Chairman of the FMSCI’s Two Wheeler Racing Commission, the Bangalore-based Sujith has already had a positive impact in Indian motorcycle racing, advancing rider training, safety and licensing standards for competitors and race officials. Beyond national competitions, he has been responsible for bringing international events to India, including a round of the Asia Road Racing Championship to Madras Motor Race Track and the Asia Cup of Road Racing to Buddh Circuit. He has also given support and encouragement to the increasing number of Indian racers competing in the international circuit and off-road events.

Speaking after the election results were announced, Sujith said, “My interest is purely about the development of two-wheeler motorsports and the good of the riders. I believe this is the right time to ensure that India is represented on motorcycle racing’s governing body and can influence the development of the sport in the best possible way.”

“During 2018 we will have more international events coming to India and more Indian riders competing in other countries and championships. It is an exciting time and we are extremely fortunate to be working together with strong sponsors who recognise the commercial importance of motorcycle racing and are committed to making things bigger and better.”

Sujith is joined on the FIM Asia Board by Vice Presidents from Bahrain, China and Guam and new President, Stephan Macky Carapiet of Philippines.

eom/David Bodapati