INDIA in F1

Tag: FMSCI

  • Ashad Pasha dominates INAC South Zone qualifier; Pallavi Yadav tops Ladies class

    Ashad Pasha dominates INAC South Zone qualifier; Pallavi Yadav tops Ladies class

    Chennai, 11 January 2025: Six time National Autocross champion, Ashad Pasha of Chikkamagaluru, a last-minute entrant, clocked the fastest time, besides winning a triple crown in the South Zone qualifier of the Fmsci Indian National Autocross Championship 2024, at the Madras International Circuit, here on Saturday.+

    The Muscat-based driver, won three titles in different classes in 2022 fmsci Nationals and added two more last year, for which the Awards are yet to be distributed by the federation.

    The 31-year-old reigning National champion in three different INAC classes, Pasha flew in to support his brother, but with a car available, he took part, and he did it in style by clocking the fastest time of the day of two minutes, 28.615 seconds over the 2.4-Kms circuit which was a mix of dirt and tarmac. The event was conducted by the Madras Motor Sports Club.

    Kolhapur’s Pallavi Yadav, topped the Ladies class as she clocked 03:30.081 as against second-placed Reshma Inchalkar (Goa) (03:44.312).

    “I am from Chikkamagaluru but based in Muscat and flew in here to support my brother. But since a vehicle was available, I was persuaded to drive and so it was a last-minute decision to drive,” said Ashad who participated in three categories and topped them all.

    The qualifiers from South Zone will participate in the final round of the Championship to be run at the same venue on Sunday. They will be joined by toppers from North and East Zone qualifiers.

    Pallavi Yadav of Kolhapur in action. She drove all the way from Kolhapur to Chennai via Bengaluru for 16 hours and won the South Zone, in her class without any rest.

    Provisional results:

    INAC1 Class B: 1. Kiran Reddy (Bengaluru) (02:39.825).

    INAC1 Class C: 1. Ashad Pasha (Chikkamagaluru) (02:28.615); 2. Amandeep Singh (Delhi) (02:57.160); 3. Ashish Gupta (03:08.219).

    INAC2 Class B: 1. Ashad Pasha (02:35.871); 2. Kartik Konchady (Mumbai) (02:50.345).

    INAC2 Class C: 1. Arshad Pasha (02:29.400); 2. Areeb Rahman (Kolkata) (02:41.547); 3. Saneesh Sharma (02:43.353).

    INAC2 Class E: 1. Nameer Pasha (Chikkamagaluru) (02:36.185); 2. Areeb Rahman (02:37.118); 3. Saneesh Sharma (02:41.330).

    INAC3 Stock Class A: 1. Amey Desai (Mapusa) (02:52.865); 2. Kartik Konchady (02:55.585); 3. Karan Panikar (Navi Mumbai) (02:56.968).

    INAC3 Stock Class B: 1. Kushal Chaudhari (New Panvel) (02:51.735); 2. Althaf Hussain (Kolhapur) (03:14.388).

    INAC3 Stock Class C: 1. Kartik Konchady (02:41.524); 2. Amey Desai (02:49.772); 3. Sravan Kumar Kuttoor (Hyderabad) (03:01.017).

    INAC3 Stock Class E: 1. Karan Chaudhary (Kolkata) (02:39.694); 2. Amey Desai (02:46.588); 3. Kushal Chaudhari (02:55.132).

    Ladies Open: 1. Pallavi Yadav (Kolhapur) (03:30.081); 2. Reshma Inchalkar (Goa) (03:44.312).

    4WD Open: 1. Raunak Jana (Kolkata) (02:44.311); 2. Sravan Kumar Kuttoor (02:50.769).

    Amateur: 1. Nameer Pasha (Chikkamagaluru) (02min, 35.441sec); 2. Ashish Gupta (Chennai) (03:45.346).

  • Arindam Ghosh elected fmsci president

    Arindam Ghosh elected fmsci president

    Chennai, 25 Sept. 2024: Former rally driver and K1000 winner, Arindam Ghosh of Ramakrishna Race Performance Private Limited, Kolkata, is elected as the president of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (fmsci) at the Annual General Body Meeting and election of the office bearers held here at a private hotel on Wednesday.

    The Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India convened its 51st Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 25th September 2024 here at Chennai.  There were a total of 17 Clubs which were eligible to vote and 15 Clubs were eligible to contest and vote based on the Criteria of Performance. FMSCI office bearers are elected for a term of two years. Any office bearer can only serve for a maximum of three terms (six years) as per the guidelines of the Government of India. Arindam Ghosh from Ramakrishna Race Performance Management Pvt. Ltd., Kolkata and Gautam Shantappa B from Karnataka Motor Sports Club, Bengaluru stood for election for President.  Arindam Ghosh was elected President. In the case of Vice President, Farooq Ahmed from the Motor Sports Clubs of Chikmagalur was elected Vice President unopposed as the other candidate J Balamurugan (Spitfire Motor Sports Pvt. Ltd., Coimbatore) did not get elected to the Council.

    Election officer lawyer Sriram declared the results and announced that Arindam was elected as President and Farooq Ahmed of Chikmagalur was elected as the Vice President.

    Out of the total of 13 Clubs which contested for election to the Council, the following Councillors were elected. 1. Calcutta Motorsports Club, Kolkata: Vir Raina; 2. Coimbatore Auto Sports Club, Coimbatore: J. Prithiviraj; 3. Indian Automotive Racing Club, Mumbai: Farokh Commissariat; 4. Karnataka Motor Sports Club, Bengaluru: B. S. Gautam; 5. Madras Motor Sports Club, Chennai: Bharat Vicky Chandhok; 6. Ramakrishna Race Performance Management, Kolkata: Arindam Ghosh; 7. Motor Sports Club of Chikmagalur, Chikkamagaluru: Khazi Farooq Ahmed; 8, Northern Motorsports, Noida: Raj Kapoor; 9. Motor Sports Association of Eastern India, Kolkata: Saurav Chatterjee; 10. Just Sportz Management Private Limited, Kolkata: Tamal Ghosh;
    New office bearers of fmsci
  • Diana Pundole creates history, becomes first woman to win a National title

    Diana Pundole creates history, becomes first woman to win a National title

    Chennai, 18 August 2024: As expected, teenagers Jaden Rahman Pariat (Shillong) and Bengaluru’s Abhay Mohan emerged champions in the premier MRF single-seater categories while Diana Pundole from Pune broke the glass ceiling by becoming the first female driver to win a championship title as the curtains came down on an action-packed fourth and final round of the MRF MMSC fmsci Indian National Car Racing Championship 2024 – Powered by STORM-X at the Madras International Circuit, here on Sunday.

    Others to win the championship in their respective categories were: Biren Pithawalla (Mumbai, N1 Racing) in Indian Touring Cars, Srinivas Teja (Chennai, Performance Racing) in Indian Junior Touring Cars, Viswas Vijayaraj (Nellore, DTS Racing) in Formula LGB 1300 and Diana Pundole, the mother of two from Pune, who also became the first female to annex the title in the MRF Saloons category. Incidentally, she celebrated her 28th birthday on Friday last. “But I didn’t touch my phone because I wanted to focus on this weekend’s races. I can’t describe the feelings now, but I’m very happy, of course,” she said.

    Jaden Pariat, left, and Abhay Mohan

    Businessman from Lonavla Dhruv Chavan survived massive battles through six races over the weekend to win the championship in the Polo Cup.

    Today, Jaden could not add to his eight wins, as he finished second behind Bengaluru’s Chetan Surineni in both MRF Formula 2000 races today. However, the 17-year-old Jaden accrued sufficient points to annex his maiden championship with Surineni in second spot on the leaderboard. “I have proved to myself that I have it in me to win a championship. After my win yesterday, I just wanted to bring the car home without trying anything risky, but it’s great to win my first-ever championship. It is also good for Chetan (Surineni) to win both races today,” said Jaden.  

    Similarly, 16-year-old Abhay Mohan marked his debut season by clinching his maiden championship in the MRF Formula 1600 category though he was denied an all-win record by Mumbai’s Zahan Commissariat. With 11 wins from 12 starts, Abhay emerged champion by a massive margin. “It is still to sink in. I mean, winning a championship in my debut season is great, but I can’t find words to express my happiness. It was a good run overall and I thank my JA Motorsports, my family and friends for their support,” said Abhay.

    Nellore’s 26-year-old Viswas Vijayaraj claimed the title in the Formula LGB 1300 category despite retiring early in the last two races, one of which was won by Mira Erda who, starting from pole, held off stiff competition to score her first-ever win in single-seater since her debut in 2014. “I have waited for 10 years for this moment. I have been racing in a single-seater class since 2014, but apart from a few podiums, I have never won a race. So, I am absolutely delighted by today’s win which I am told is the first by a female driver in FLGB 1300,” said an ecstatic 23-year-old Mira who is also making a career as a driver-coach.

    The day’s post-lunch session was extended due to a couple of crashes and spins leading to Red Flag stoppages with title contenders involved in wheel-to-wheel battles.

    Provisional results:

    MRF F2000 (Race-2, 10 laps): 1. Chetan Surineni (Bengaluru) (15min, 59.892sec); 2. Jaden Rahman Pariat (Shillong) (16:03.671); 3. Akhil Agarwal (Mumbai) (16:26.390). Race-3 (8 laps): 1. Chetan Surineni (16:17.445); 2. Jaden Rahman Pariat (16:18.863); 3. Tarun Muthaiah (Bengaluru) (16:31.961). Champion driver: Jaden Rahman Pariat (Shillong).

    MRF F1600 (Race-2, 10 laps): 1. Zahan Commissariat (Mumbai) (17:31.861); 2. Abha Mohan (Bengaluru) (17:32.137); 3. Saishiva Sankaran (Pune) (17:35.536). Race-3 (8 laps): 1. Abhay Mohan (16:45.609); 2. Saishiva Sankaran (16:49.407); 3. Raaj Bakhru (Mumbai) (16:57.507). Champion driver: Abhay Mohan (Bengaluru).

    Indian Touring Cars (Race-2, 10 laps): 1. Biren Pithawalla (Mumbai, Team N1) (19:15.391); 2. Anant Pithawalla (Mumbai, Team N1) (19:35.441); 3. Jeevanantham Subramaniam (Coimbatore, Pvt.) (20:04.964). Race-3 (6 laps): 1. Biren Pithawalla (11:34.635); 2. Deepak Ravikumar (Chennai, Team Performance Racing) (11:34.970); 3. Anant Pithawalla (11:38.379). Champion driver: Biren Pithawalla (Mumbai, Team N1).

    Indian Junior Touring Cars (Race-2, 10 laps): 1. Srinivas Teja (Chennai, Performance Racing) (19:42.384); 2. Hatim Shabbir (Chennai, Team Performance Racing) (19:43.443); 3. Yug Italiya (Mumbai, Team N1) (20:05.723). Race-3 (6 laps): 1. Srinivas Teja (11:50.328); 2. Hatim Shabir (11:50.786); 3. Nikung Vagh (Surat, Team N1) (12:00.937). Champion driver: Srinivas Teja (Chennai, Performance Racing).

    Super Stock (Race-2, 10 laps): 1. Justin Singh (Gurugram, Redline Racing) (21:07.530); 2. Anirudha Aravind (Chennai, Redline Racing India) (21:09.109); Angad Matharoo (Chandigarh, Buzzing Hornet Motorsports) (21:11.496). Race-3 (6 laps): 1. Justin Singh (12:35.884); 2. Anirudha Aravind (12:40.607); 3. Manan Patel (Mumbai, Redline Racing India) (12:40.825). Champion Driver: Withheld pending investigation.

    Formula LGB 1300 (Race-2, 10 laps): 1. Mira Erda (Vadodara, DTS Racing) (19:53.382); 2. Dilijith TS (Thrissur, DTS Racing) (19:54.804); 3.  Dhruv Goswami (Bengaluru, MSport) (19:57.549). Race-3 (8 laps): 1. Diljith TS (15:08.241); 2. Balaprasath (Thrissur, DTS Racing) (15:11.699); 3. Neev Datta (New Delhi, MSport) (15:17.425). Champion driver: Viswas Vijayaraj (Nellore, DTS Racing).

    MRF Saloons (Toyota Etios) Race-2 (10 laps): 1. Anirudha Aravind (Chennai) (21:03.555); 2. Diana Pundole (Pune) (21:03.824); 3. Muskaan Jubbal (Delhi) (21:04.229). Race-3 (8 laps): 1. Diana Pundole (16:42.428); 2. Anirudha Aravind (16:46.799); 3. Muskaan Jubbal (16:49.432). All Redline Racing. Champion driver: Diana Pundole (Pune, Redline Racing).

    Polo Cup (Race-4, 8 laps): 1. Romir Arya (Mumbai) (15:33.374); 2. Dhruv Chavan (Lonavala) (15:42.731); 3. Munjal Savia (Mumbai) (15:43.284). Race-5 (10 laps): 1. Aditya Patnaik (Mumbai) (19:30.762); 2. Munjal Savla (Mumbai) (19:40.753); 3. Romir Arya (Mumbai) (19:41.461). Polo Cup (Race-6, 8 laps): 1. Ojas Surve (Mumbai) (15:34.195); 2. Dhruv Chavan (15:39.358); 3. Aditya Patnaik (15:40.331). Champion driver: Dhruv Chavan (Lonavla).

  • Jaden Pariat dominates the opening round of MMSC Car Racing Nationals; Triple for Abhay

    Jaden Pariat dominates the opening round of MMSC Car Racing Nationals; Triple for Abhay

    Chennai, 18 February 2024: Teenager Jaden Rahaman Pariat of Shillong showcased his immense talent dishing out high speeds that touched 199 kmph dominated the opening round of the National races in the MRF Formula 2000 class. He won the final two races after losing an unexpected first race, which he was leading by over 18 seconds, but lost in the final lap with his engine playing a stop-start game. “I had to switch it on for at least eight times. But I am glad I could salvage the second place an the points,’” quipped the gentle giant who did a few races in the British F4 last year. “I feel this car is much faster and powerful than the ones at British F4,” he revealed.

    Diana Pundole, the lady from Pune, bulldozed her way to two victories in the saloon class dominating a male field to begin the season on a promising note. Last year, she ended up second in many races and is raring to go for the champion ship this season.

    Meanshile, Bengaluru’s Abhay Mohan, the youngest competitor at 15 years of age, in the MRF Formula 1600 category, swept to a triple crown while as the first round of the MRF MMSC fmsci Indian National Car Racing Championship 2024 concluded at the Madras International Circuit here on Sunday.

    Diana Pundole flanked by second-placed Anirudha Arvind (left) and third-placed Jai Prashanth Venkat in Race-1 of MRF Saloons. Diana went on notch a double (Feb 18) Photo by Anand Philar

    Mumbai’s Biren Pithawalla (Team N1 Racing) crowned himself with a grand double in the Indian Touring Cars category as did Angad Matharoo (Buzzing Hornet Motorsport) from Chandigarh in the Super Stock class.

    Also notching a double was Pune’s Diana Pundole, a mother of two, in the MRF Saloons (Toyota Etios) category besides one P3 finish, while DTS Racing dominated the Formula LGB 1300 triple-header, with a podium sweep as Nellore’s Viswas Vijayaraj won two races and team-mate Arya Singh, the other with Balaprasath finishing third in all three outings.

    Jaden, the 17-year-old from Shillong, displayed impressive pace to win both the races today in the MRF F2000 category to make up for his P2 finish yesterday when he surrendered a massive lead in the last lap due to engine issues. Bengaluru’s Chetan Surineni, the Race-1 winner yesterday, came in second in both the outings today.

    Reviewing his performance this weekend, Jaden said: “I did some preparation by watching my onboard videos from my December race. I realised there was plenty in the car. It was a question of putting things together which I did this weekend. I feel there is still a lot I can extract from this car. Of course, my stint in British Formula 4 helped, but the F2000 is far quicker and I felt very comfortable this weekend.”

    Abhay Mohan, as in the first race yesterday, was in a league of his own in both the outings today to complete a triple crown and underline his talent and potential. “My only target for this round was to be on top, which I did. The car too was pretty good and so were the MRF tyres. My preparation was to get fit and learn from my Formula LGB 1300 outing last season. Yes, I feel good to have won all three races this weekend,” said Abhay.

    Biren, having won a close Race-1 on Saturday, started P4 on the reverse grid in today’s 10-lap Race-2, but in the very first lap, seized the lead, hotly pursued by Ritesh Rai (Arka Motorsport) and, cousin and team-mate Ananth Pithawalla.

    The trio quickly distanced themselves from the pack before both Rai and Ananth packed up with punctures. Rai rejoined after a visit to the pit, but it was too late. Ananth suffered yet another tyre-burst to finish the weekend without points. Meanwhile, Biren was in cruise mode and comfortably won the race ahead of pole-sitter Pratik Sonawane (Buzzing Hornet Motorsport) and Deepak Ravikumar (Team Performance Racing).

    Down the combined grid, Srinivas Teja (Team Performance Racing) edged out Race-1 winner and team-mate Hatim Shabbir Jamnagarwala in the Indian Junior Touring Cars class, while Matharoo fought his way to his second win of the weekend with a late burst in the Super Stock category.

    The results (Provisional):

    MRF Formula 2000 (Race-2, 10 laps): 1. Jaden Rahman Pariat (Shillong) (15mins, 44.717secs); 2. Chetan Surineni (Bengaluru) (16:02.706). Tarun Muthaiah (Bengaluru) who finished third was disqualified for a black flag violation. Race-3 (8 laps): 1. Jaden Rahman Pariat (12:35.788); 2. Chetan Surineni (12:50.154); 3. Tarun Muthaiah (13:31.154).

    MRF Formula 1600 (Race-2, 10 laps): 1. Abhay Mohan (Bengaluru) (17:14.365); 2. Zahan Commissariat (Mumbai) (17:26.618); 3. Monith Kumaran (Chennai) (15:47.911+1 lap). Race-3 (8 laps): 1. Abhay Mohan (13:51.711); 2. Zahan Commissariat (14:00.143); 3. Raaj Bakhru (Mumbai) (14:03.179).

    Indian Touring Cars (Race-2, 10 laps): 1. Biren Pithawala (Mumbai, Team N1 Racing) (19:14.983); 2. Pratik Sonawane (Pune, Buzzing Hornet Motorsport) (19:35.983); 3. Deepak Ravikumar (Chennai, Performance Racing) (19:36.365).

    Indian Junior Touring Cars (Race-2, 10 laps): 1. Srinivas Teja ((Chennai, Performance Racing) (19:43.845); 2. Hatim Shabbir Jamnagarwala (Chennai, Performance Racing) (19:44.608); 3. Yug Italiya (Mumbai, Team N1 Racing) (19:54.746).

    Super Stock (Race-2, 10 laps): 1. Angad Matharoo (Chandigarh, Buzzing Hornet MS) (21:03.892); 2. Manan Patel (Mumbai, Redline Racing) (21:04.737); 3. Anirudha Arvind  (Chennai, Redline Racing India) (21:13.128).

    MRF Saloons (Toyota Etios) Race-2 (10 laps): 1. Anirudha Arvind (Chennai, Redline Racing) (20:47.868); 2. Jai Prashanth Venkat (Coimbatore, Redline Racing) (20:54.145); 3. Diana Pundole (Pune, Redline Racing) (20:54.735). Race-3 (8 laps): 1. Diana Pundole (16:31.795); 2. Anirudha Arvind (16:33.562); 3. Kesara Godage (Sri Lanka, Redline Racing) (16:43.645);

    Formula LGB 1300 (Race-1, 8 laps): 1. Viswas Vijayaraj (Nellore, DTS Racing) (14:57.600); 2. Arya Singh (Kolkata, DTS Racing) (15:00.136); 3. Balaprasath (Coimbatore, DTS Racing) (15:14.379). Race-2 (8 laps): 1. Arya Singh (15:07.040); 2. Viswas Vijayaraj (15:11.098); 3. Balaprasath (15:15.423). Race-3 (8 laps): 1. Viswas Vijayaraj (14:56.286); 2. Arya Singh (15:01.417); 3. Balaprasath (15:06.693).

    Feature photo caption: Jaden Rahman Pariat, who scored a double in the MRF F2000 category, has dominated the opening round of the 2024 season at MIC which concluded on 18 Feb 2024. Photo by Anand Philar

  • Formula 1500 replaces F1600 as Round 2 begins: 4w Racing Naionals

    Formula 1500 replaces F1600 as Round 2 begins: 4w Racing Naionals

    Chennai, 21 Sept. 2023: Multiple-national champion Arjun Balu from Coimbatore, who is leading the championship and Gurunath Meiyappan of Chennai will resume their battles as the MRF MMSC fmsci Indian National Car Racing Championship 2023 second round begins after a two-month gap at the Madras International Circuit here this on Friday. Over 50 entries are the fray.

    The two premium MRF single-seater cars, Formula 2000 and Formula 1500, will be headlining the second round of the championship commencing on Friday. Also on the grid are the Formula LGB 1300, Touring Cars that will be run in three classes and the MRF Saloons (Toyota Etios). In all, 13 races are scheduled.

    Friday, Sept 22, is set aside for practice sessions in the afternoon, while the qualifying sessions and the races will be run on Saturday and Sunday.

    The first round in July witnessed exciting wheel-to-wheel racing in all categories. Multiple National champion from Coimbatore, Arjun Balu (Race Concepts), won two of the three races in the premier Indian Touring Cars (ITC) category for a 10-point lead over team-mate Gurunath Meiyappan.

    The situation is somewhat similar in the Indian Junior Touring Cars (IJTC) class where Performance Racing duo of Deepak Ravikumar and Akkineni Anand Prasad head the championship table with seven points separating them.

    In contrast, veteran Diljith TS (DTS Racing) from Thrissur won all three races in the Super Stock category for a 30-point advantage over Jarshan Singh (DB Motorsports) in the points standings.

    The Formula LGB 1300 triple-header threw up three different winners. Two Chennai veterans, Raghul Rangasamy (MSport) and Deepak Ravikumar (Ahura Racing), head this category with the former enjoying a 10-point buffer in the points tally.

    Organising committee chairman and MMSC vice-president Vicky Chandhok said: “We can expect some high-octane action this weekend in keeping with the trend in the past few seasons. The number of entries is very encouraging and we expect it to grow as we go deeper into the season. Once again, MMSC thanks main sponsor, MRF Tyres, for their continued involvement in the National Championship as also the competitors and the Media.”

  • MIC set to host Round 3 of National 2W Racing Championship

    MIC set to host Round 3 of National 2W Racing Championship

    Chennai, 3 August 2023: The MRF MMSC fmsci Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship 2023, boasting of over 150 entries, moves into its crucial phase this weekend as the third round gets underway at the Madras International Circuit here on August 4-6 with front-runners looking to consolidate their positions on the leaderboard with a clutch of challengers snapping at their heels. 

    The two premier Pro-Stock categories – 301-400cc Open and 165cc Open – will undoubtedly headline the card that includes Stock 165cc, Girls classes and a support race for Novice (301-400cc) riders, besides the Petronas TVS One-Make Championship and the Idemitsu Honda India Talent Cup, both organised by promoter Madras Motor Sports Club which is celebrating its 70th anniversary. A total of 16 races, besides practice and qualifying sessions, are scheduled for the weekend.

    The ongoing season has seen the emergence of a new generation of teenaged riders who have come through the ranks and some of whom have benefitted from exposure at the Asian level. As such, the established stars are feeling the heat as these young guns are unafraid to race wheel-to-wheel with their seniors, thus scripting some thrilling and knife-edge contests. 

    MMSC President Ajit Thomas said: “Presently, it is an extremely exciting scenario where the old guard is being pushed by a new crop of talented youngsters who are fast making a mark in the championship. Further, the entries are not any more metro-centric as the championship is attracting riders from smaller towns across India, and their numbers are growing. While MMSC has striven hard to promote and popularise the sport, kudos to the manufacturers TVS and Honda, besides our title sponsors MRF Tyres, for providing a platform for the talent to be nurtured and groomed.”  

    As for the championship standings in various categories, not much separates the title contenders. Rajiv Sethu (RACR Castrol Power1 Ultimate) leads both premier Pro-Stock Open fields. He enjoys a 46-point cushion against Petronas TVS Racing’s new recruit Sarthak Chavan, a 16-year-old from Pune, in the 301-400cc Open class, having won all four races in his debut season in this category. 

    Sethu also heads the 165cc Open category with a 10-point lead over Pacer Yamaha’s 2022 champion Mathana Kumar, who scored a double in the first round in Coimbatore but failed to secure any points in the next outing last month following a disqualification (technical infringement) and a non-start. Behind this pair are Sarthak Chavan, winner of one race, and three other Petronas TVS Racing riders – Chiranth Vishwanath, the 16-year-old from Bengaluru, KY Ahamed and multiple National champion Jagan Kumar. Just 19 points separate the top six. 

    In the Novice class, Hyderabad’s 19-year-old Vignesh Goud (Race’ists Motorcycle Club), winner of all four races over two rounds, has a healthy 40-point advantage over Bengaluru teenager Savion Sabu (Axor Sparks Racing) while Alpha Racing’s Ann Jennifer, a former National champion, tops the Girls category, albeit by just three points over Puducherry’s Lani Fernandez (RACR Castrol Power1 Ultimate), both having won a race apiece. 

    Idemitsu Honda India Talent Cup (NSF 250): Chennai teenager Kavin Samaar Quintal, with three wins in four starts this season, is firmly entrenched at the top of the points table, some 19 points clear of Steel City’s Prakash Kamath with another local rider, Rakshith Dave, only 14, a further two points adrift. 

    Petronas TVS One-Make Championship: Two Chennai riders, Alwin Sundar (78 points) and Manoj Yesuadiyan (70) are locked in a close battle in the Open (RR 310) category. Shreyas Hareesh, a 13-year-old from Bengaluru), with four wins from as many starts, heads the Rookie (RTR 200) class, 37 points ahead of Chennai’s Nandanan. Another Bengaluru rider, Nithila Das, 13, leads Nadine Faith Balaji from Chennai, by 14 points in the Girls (RTR 200) category. 

    The races will be streamed live on various social platforms. 

  • MRF MMSC Indian National Car Racing Championship 2023 to begin on Saturday

    MRF MMSC Indian National Car Racing Championship 2023 to begin on Saturday

    Chennai, 20 July 2023: The 2023 season of the MRF MMSC fmsci Indian National Car Racing Championship will commence at the Madras International Circuit here over the weekend. The two-day event (July 21-22) with a nine-race card has attracted over 50 entries. 

    The touring and saloon cars will be headlining the season-opener. The ever-popular touring cars will be contested across three classes – the premium Indian Touring Cars, Indian Junior Touring Cars and Super Stock. Races in these three categories will be run concurrently from a combined grid. 

    Two other categories are the MRF Saloons (Toyota Etios) and the Formula LGB 1300 which saw some of the closest races last season. 

    There will be three races for all the classes, offering a maximum of 75 championship points. 

    Organising committee chairman and MMSC vice-president Vicky Chandhok said: “We welcome the participants to the new season that we expect to be as competitive and well-fought as in the previous years.  

    “Having said that, it is heartening to note that the entries include a few women drivers who, going by last season’s performance, are capable of holding their own competing against their male counterparts. 

    “As promoter of the championship, the MMSC is thankful to the main sponsor, MRF Tyres, who have been associated with us for many years.” 

    New timing equipment: Meanwhile, the MMSC will be deploying MYLAPS timing equipment as part of upgrading process. “We plan to give a transponder for each competitor for the weekend against a deposit which they can return after the event. The move is a reflection of MMSC’s endeavours to constantly upgrade facilities and equipment,” said Chandhok.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The results (Provisional): 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The results (Provisional):

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

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

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

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