INDIA in F1

Tag: Naren Kumar

  • INRC: Winners’ Hall of Fame

    INRC: Winners’ Hall of Fame

    A list of all the winners of all the rounds starting for 1988 is compiled and given below. (Winners of a few years in the initial years are yet to be collected.)

    By David Bodapati

    Bengaluru: Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) has a special charm and attraction in India. It is the Crown Jewel of Indian motorsports and holds a respectable status among all the Nationals and vies for supremacy with National Racing Championship which, perhaps, has overtaken in popularity in the last few years due to the meticulous handling and organisational skills of the Madras Motor Sports Club. The overwhelming crowd patronage, the sheer passion and love shown by the drivers, officials, organisers and fans takes one into a different realm when one pours through the 32 editions held so far.

    The year 1996 is a special year in my life. It is the first year, I saw a rally live and was enamoured by it. I was working with Indian Express then and was transferred to Bangalore Sports Desk in 1996. Since then I have followed all the rallies and have covered at least one rally a year.

    In 1995, I had followed the reports from the rallies, and it was the largest calendar with 9 rounds and 1996 too had a menu of nine rounds, the best two years with the highest number of rounds in the 32 years of INRC history (as of 23Dec200). That year, the first three rounds were held in Nashik, Coimbatore and Madras and there were three different winners which opened up the race for the championship. We were eagerly waiting for the 22nd K1000. Come August and it is rally time here. And there was a new winner once again. Here, I met some of the legends with whom, over the years I developed great friendships. CK Chinnappa, George Francis, Shekar Bojanna, and the like. They used to reel out stories and I was mesmerised. And not to forget the two, Sujith Kumar and Madhu, who introduced me to live F1 screenings at Guzzlers Inn on Church Street, where the atmosphere used to be electric with two camps cheering their F1 heroes while guzzling draught beer. The McLaren fans on one side and the Tifosi on the other.

    Coming back to INRC, I have tried to put together all the winners of all the rounds since INRC began in the present format as a National Championship in 1988. I have started with overall winners and co-drivers. Soon I hope to dig in and come up with winners of different classes. There are a lot of gaps. I request all the respected senior drivers and veteran fans to chip in and help me pool in the missing information. I will be very thankful for any additions and corrections. You can click the link for a particular round, if the link is available, and it will take you to the rally report of that year’s round.

    A 2009 INRC image by Kishen Nanjappa. The IMG and PSP arrival as promoters has changed the rally scene in India in 2009.

    Here we go! Have a nostalgic trip!!

    Statistics Tables

    K 1000 Winners’ List

    2025 INRC – Promoter: Bluedband Sports

    Round 1: April 24 to 27: Chennai: South India Rally, Madras Motors Sports Club

    2024 INRC – Promoter: Bluedband Sports

    2023 INRC – Promoter: Bluedband Sports

    2022 INRC – Promoter: Bluedband Sports

    INRC 2021 Calendar: (announced by CYC on 22 March 2021)

    No rally was held in 2021. The revised calendar after many Covid postponements was supposed to start with Vizag opener from Dec 17 to 19. But it was cancelled in the last minute due to the cancellaltion of the Police permission and despite the best efforts of the Promoter Vamsi Merla, the rally could not be conducted even on the following Tuesday and Wednesday and all the 54 competitors had to go back.

    Later, FMSCI announced a 3-round 2021 calender to be conducted in 2022.

    2021 INRC round Held in 2022

    Aditya-Virender INRC 2021 champs

    Round 1: Coimbatore: Rally of Coimbatore, Coimbatore Auto Sports Club

    Aditya Thakur & Virender Kashyap clinch Rally of Coimbatore in style: INRC Ro.1

    Round 2: Chennai: Madras Motor Sports Club, South India Rally

    Karna Kadur wins APRC round on international debut; Nikhil Pai drives Polo magic again

    Round 3: Final round: Bengaluru: Karnataka Motor Sports Club, K-1000

    Gaurav Gill wins 7th K1000 title; 300th rally cap for Musa Sherif

    2021 INRC – Promoter: Champions Yacht Club

    Round 1 – Chennai: Madras Motor Sports Club – April 23-25; Postponed

    Round 2 – Bengaluru:  45th K1000, Karnataka Motor Sports Club -May 28-30; Postponed due to Covid.

    Round 3 – Coimbatore: Coimbatore Auto Sports Club – July 17-18; Not held.

    Round 4 – *Delhi, BND Motor Sports , August 27-28; Not held.

    Round 5 -Hampi: Motorsports Academy of Vijayanagar – Oct 1-3; Not held.

    Round 6 – *Nagaland, NAMSA, – November 12-14; Not held.

    *Subject to FMSCI inspection and confirmation of organizer

    2020 INRC – Promoter: Champions Yacht Club; Champion: Gill-Musa

    1. Itanagar, Tarmac NH415; 16-17 Dec 2020; Rally of Arunachal Pradesh; (Gaurav Gill-Musa Sherif, Mahindra XUV500, Team Mahindra Adventure, INRC, JK Tyres)
    2. Itanagar, Tarmac NH415; 19-20 Dec 2020; Rally of Arunachal Pradesh; (Gaurav Gill-Musa Sherif, Mahindra XUV500, Team Mahindra Adventure, INRC, JK Tyres)
    3. Coimbatore, Gravel; 29-31 Jan 2021; Rally of Coimbatore; (Gaurav Gill-Musa Sherif, Mahindra XUV500, Team Mahindra Adventure, INRC, JK Tyres)
    4. Bengaluru, Gravel; 12-14 Feb 2021; 45th K-1000 Rally; (Cancelled on 5 Feb 2021 by FMSCI)

    *Hampi* (Karnataka); Gravel, 5-7 Feb 2021; Rally de Hampi 4w contender for fmsci INRC 2021; Organised by Motorsports Academy of Vijayanagar

    **South India Rally at Chennai, Popular Rally in Kerala and Coffee Day Rally in Chikmagalur were cancelled initially for the year 2020 due to Corona Pandemic. Later in the last minute, K1000 was cancelled and Hampi did not get FMSCI clearance and ran as contender.

    Note – All rounds of INRC 2020 were put off due to COVID-19 and only began in Decd 202. The Original calendar was 1. Chennai, Mar 20-22; South India Rally (APRC); 2. Arunachal, April 24-26: Rally of Arunachal; 3. Kerala, May 29 to 31: Popular Rally; 4. Coimbatore, July 24-26; Rally of Coimbatore; 5. Bengaluru, Oct 9-11; 45th K1000 Rally; 6. Hampi (Karnataka), Nov 6-8; Hampi Rally; 7. Chikmagalur, Dec 5-7; Rally of Chikmagalur;

    2019 INRC (Champions: Brothers Chetan Shivram, Dilip Sharan)

    Promoter: Champion Yacht Club

    1. Chennai, Gravel, June 28-30; 41st South India Rally (Dean Mascarenhas-Shruptha Padival, VW Polo, Team Champions, INRC2-Overall 1st) 26/51 cars finished.

    2. Coimbatore, Gravel, Aug 9-11; Rally of Coimbatore (Chetan Shivaram-Dilip Sharan, VW Polo, Team Akshara, INRC3-Overall first) 40/57 finished.

    3. Jodhpur, Sept 20 to 22; Maxperience Rally 2019 (Cancelled after Stage 1 due to Gill accident*)

    4. Bengaluru, Gravel, Nov 22-24; 44th K1000 Rally (Chetan Shivaram- Dilip Sharan, VW Polo, Team Akshara, INRC3-Overall first) Only 23/50 finished.

    5. Kottayam, Asphalt, Dec 20-22;  Popular Rally, (Gaurav Gill-Musa Sherif, Mahindra XUV500, Team Mahindra Adventure, INRC)

    *Note: 3 died in the accident and the rally was cancelled after the first stage.

    2018 INRC (Champions: Gaurav Singh Gill, Musa Sherif)

    Promoter: RRPM

    1. Chennai, Gravel, April 27-29; MRF 40th South India Rally (Gaurav Gill-Musa Sherif, Mahindra XUV 500, INRC1) 19/30 cars finished.

    2. Coimbatore, Gravel, Aug 3-5; MRF Rally of Coimbatore (Gaurav Gill-Musa Sherif, Mahindra XUV 500, Team Mahindra Adventure, INRC1) 30/42 cars finished.

    3. Itanagar, Asphalt, Nov 2-4; Rally of Arunachal (Amittrajit Ghosh-Ashwin Naik, Mahindra XUV 500, Team Mahindra Adventure, INRC1) 13/17 finished

    4. Chikmagalur, Gravel, Nov 29-Dec 2; Coffee Day Rally (Karna Kadur-Nikhil Pai, VW Polo, Arka Motorsports, INRC2 – Overall first) 38/45 cars finished.

    5. Kochin, Asphalt, Dec 14-16; Popular Rally (Gaurav Gill-Musa Sherif, Mahindra XUV 500, INRC1) 30/36 cars finished.

    Note: K1000 missing in the calendar for the first time in INRC due to the Promoter RRPM’s decision.

    2017 INRC (Champions: Gaurav Singh Gill, Musa Sherif)

    Promoter: RRPM

    1. Coimbatore, Gravel, July 28-30; MRF Rally of Coimbatore (Gaurav Gill-Musa Sherif, Mahindra XUV 500, Team Mahindra Adventure, INRC). 22 of 32 finished.

    2. Chennai, Gravel, Aug 25-27, 40th MRF SIR – CANCELLED

    2. Jaipur, Gravel, Sept 22-24; Rally of Rajasthan (Gaurav Gill-Musa Sherif, Mahindra XUV 500, INRC) 11 of 16 finished. Note: One stage of 13.8km cancelled.

    3. Chikmagalur, Gravel, Nov 23-26; Coffee Day India Rally (Karna Kadur-Nikhil Pai, VW Polo, Arka Motorsports, INRC2 – Overall first) 26 of 38 cars finished.

    4. Arunachal Pradesh, Gravel, Dec 21-23; Rally of Arunachal (Gaurav Gill-Musa Sherif, Mahindra XUV 500, INRC) One stage of 18km cancelled. 14/17cars finished.

    5. Bengaluru, Gravel, Jan 19-21, 2018; 43rd K1000 Rally (Gaurav Gill-Musa Sherif, Mahindra XUV 500, INRC)* 17/27 finished.

    *Left over round of 2017 calendar held in 2018

    2016 INRC (Champions: Karna Kadur, Nikhil Pai)

    Promoter: RRPM

    1. Coimbatore, Gravel, July 23-24; MRF Rally of Coimbatore, (PG Abhilash- Srikanth Gowda, Lancer Evo 8, R3A PGA Motorsport, IRC)* 32 of 39 cars finished.

    *Note; On Aug 18 protest was upheld and Abhilash-Gowda were declared winners.

    2. Nashik, Gravel, Aug 27-28; MRF Rally of Maharashtra (Gaurav Gill-Musa Sherif, Mahindra XUV 500, Team Mahindra Adventure, IRC) 25 of 32 cars finished.

    (Abhilash-Srikanth win IRC, Lancer Evo 8, R3A PGA Motorsport – Overall 9th)

    3. Gurgaon, Gravel, Sept 17-18; MRF Rally de North (Arjun Rao Aroor- Satish Rajagopal, VW Polo R2) (Dr Dhirendra-Honey win IRC, Overall 10th) 12/25 finished. Cancelled stage 16.7km.

    4. Chikmagalur, Gravel, Dec 3-5, Coffee Day India Rally (Gaurav Gill- McNeal Glenn, Skoda Fabia R5, Team MRF Tyres; APRC) (Karna Kadur-Nikhil Pai, VW Polo, Team Yokohoma, INRC 2000) 31 of 49 cars finished.

    5. Hosadurga, near Bengaluru, Gravel, Dec 17-18; MRF 42nd K1000 Rally (Amittrajit Ghosh-Ashwin Naik, Mahindra XUV 500, Team Mahindra Adventure, INRC); (Rahul Kantharaj-Vivek Bhatt, Cedia, Team Yokohama, 2000 – Overall 3rd) 20 of 31 cars finished.

    Note: Karna Kadur -Nikhil Pai, finish 5th in K1000; enough to win championship.

    2015 INRC (Champions: Lohith V Urs, Srikanth GM)

    1. Goa, May 29 to 31; – CANCELLED

    1.Nashik, Asphalt, June 12-14, Mahindra Adventure Rally of Maharashtra (Gaurav Gill-Musa, Mahindra XUV 500, Team Mahindra Adventure, IRC) 21 of 26 finished.

    2. Coimbatore, Gravel, July 30-Aug 1, Rally of Coimbatore, (Lohitt V Urs-Srikanth Gowda, Lancer Evo VIII, IRC) 24 of 35 cars finished.

    Rally of Kerala, CANCELLED, Oct 16 to 18 (Labour strike at plantations)

    3. Bengaluru, Gravel, Nov 20-22; Horizon 41st K1000 Rally (Pallath Ganesh Abhilash-Anoop Kumar, Lancer Evo 8, IRC) 23 of 36 cars finished.

    4. Chikmagalur, Gravel, Dec 11-13, Coffee Day Rally (Lohitt Urs- Srikanth Gowda, Evo 8, RC2 IRC). 17.9km stage cancelled. 28 of 41 cars finished.

    2014 INRC (Champions: Gaurav Singh Gill, Musa Sherif)

    1. Nashik, Tarmac, June 13-15; WISA Rally of Maharashtra (Gaurav Gill- Musa Sherif, Mahindra XUV 500, Mahindra Adventure team, IRC) 19 of 20 cars finished.

    2. Coimbatore, Gravel, July 11-13; Rally of Coimbatore (Gaurav Gill- Musa Sherif, Mahindra XUV 500, Mahindra Adventure team, IRC). 21 of 35 cars finished.

    3. Chennai, Gravel, July 25-27; AVT Premiuim 39th SIR (Samir Thaper- Gurinder Mann, Lancer Evo X, JCT Rallying, IRC). 18 of 29 cars finished.

    4. Kolkata, Durgapur, Gravel, Oct 31-Nov 2; 3 Rally de Bengal (Gaurav Gill- Musa Sherif, Mahindra XUV 500, Mahindra Adventure team, IRC). 11 of 18 cars finished.

    5. Bengaluru, Gravel, Nov 21-23; Kar 1000 Rally (Gaurav Gill- Musa Sherif, Mahindra XUV 500, Mahindra Adventure team, IRC). 24 of 41 cars finished. Stages Near Doddaguni, Tumkur.

    6. Chikmagalur, Gravel, Dec 13-14; Coffee Day Rally (Vikram Mathias- Swaroop Mohan, Lancer Evo IX, pvt, IRC). 19 of 34 cars finished.

    2013 INRC (Champions: Amittrajit Ghosh, Ashwin Naik)

    1. Chennai, Gravel, March 22-24; 38th AVT Premium South India Rally (Amittrajit Ghosh-Ashwin Naik, Mitsubishi Cedia, Group N). 19 of 35 cars finished.

    2. Nashik, Asphalt, June 7-9; Mahindra Adventure Rally of Maharashtra (Gaurav Gill-Musa Sherif, Mahindra XUV500, Mahindra Adventure, SUV). 16/28 finished. Amittrajit Ghosh-Ashwin Naik, Cedia, Group N, Overall Winners

    3. Coimbatore, Gravel, July 19-21; Rally of Coimbatore Rally (Gaurav Gill-Musa Sherif, Mahindra XUV500, Team Mahindra Adventure, SUV). 14 of 29 cars finished. Amittrajit Ghosh-Ashwin Naik, Cedia, Group N, Overall Winners.

    4. Bangalore, Gravel, Nov 9-10; IMG 39th K1000 Rally (Gaurav Gill-Musa Sherif, Mahindra XUV500, Mahindra Adventure, SUV). 23 of 36 cars finished.

    5. Chikmagalur, Gravel, Dec 19-21; Coffee Day Rally, (Arjun Rao Aroor-Satish Rajagopal, VW Polo, 1600-Overall first). 17/38 finished. 14.21km Stage cancelled.

    Note: Following rounds were announced in the Calendar but NOT HELD

    Bhuj, Northern Motorsports, April 12 to 14 (Gravel)

    Kolkota, RRPM, May 17 to 20 (gravel)

    Kochi, KASC, Sept 20 to 22 (TBA) tarmac

    2012 INRC (Champions: Amittrajit Ghosh, Ashwin Naik)

    Promoter: IMG-PSP;  (No Sponsor)

    1. Siddlaghatta, Bangalore, Gravel, Sept 21-23; 38th K1000 Bangalore Rally (Lohitt V Urs-Sujith Kumar, Mitsubishi Cedia, 2000, pvt). 22 of 39 cars finished.

    Coorg, Oct 19-21; Rally of Coorg. CANCELLED due to rains.

    2. Chikmagalur, Gravel, Nov 23-25; Coffee Day Rally (Amittrajit Ghosh-Ashwin Naik, Mitsubishi Cedia, 2000). 29 of 43 finished.

    Note: Karna Kadur-Somonnita Ghosh lost at the fag-end due to 40-sec late penalty at the last TC which virtually cost him the Championship.

    Ahmednagar/Nashik, Gravel, Dec 22-23; Rally of Maharashtra. CANCELLED for lack of gravel stage permissions from landowners.

    2011 INRC (Champions: Gaurav Singh Gill, Musa Sherif)

    Promoter: IMG-PSP; Sponsor Bharat Petroleum- Speed

    Calendar announced on 16 March 2011

    1. Nashik, Gravel, June 2-5; Rally of Maharashtra (Gaurav Gill- Musa Sherif, Mitsubishi Cedia, MRF Ltd, 2000N+) 18 of 27 cars finished.

    2. Chennai, Dirt with SSS on tarmac, June 23-26; 37th South India Rally (Amittrajit Ghosh-Ashwin Naik, Mitsubishi Cedia, MRF Tyres, 2000N+). 12 of 27 cars finished. SIR revived after 11 years.

    3. Coimbatore, Gravel, July 21-24; Rally of Coimbatore (Gaurav Gill- Musa Sherif, Mitsubishi Cedia, MRF Ltd, 2000N+). 26 of 39 cars finished.

    4. Bangalore, Gravel, Aug 19-21; 37th K1000 Rally of Bangalore (Gaurav Gill- Musa Sherif, Mitsubishi Cedia, MRF Ltd, 2000N+). 19 out of 41 cars finished.

    5. Chikmagalur, Gravel Nov 18-20; MSCC – Coffee Day Rally (Lohitt V Urs-PV Srinivasa Murthy, Mitsubishi Cedia, MRF Ltd., 2000N+). 29 of 39 cars finished.

    6. Bhubaneswar, Gravel, Dec 9-11; Rally of Odisha (Gaurav Gill- Musa Sherif, Mitsubishi Cedia, MRF Ltd, 2000N+). 15/18 cars finished. Organisers: BMSC & Kalinga MSC.

    7. Durgapur, Gravel, Dec 16-18; Rally de Bengal (Gaurav Gill- Musa Sherif, Mitsubishi Cedia, MRF Ltd, 2000N+). 15 of 21 finished. Organiser: RRPM

    2010 INRC (Champions: Naren Kumar, Dorairaj Ram Kumar)

    Promoter: IMG-PSP; Sponsor Bharat Petroleum- Speed

    1. Nashik, Tarmac-mix (1ss gravel for a bit), June 25-27; Rally of Maharashtra (Gaurav Gill-Musa Sherif, Mitsubishi Cedia, Team MRF Tyres, 2000N+). 25 of 31 cars finished.

    2. Coimbatore, Gravel, Aug 6-8; Rally of Coimbatore (Naren Kumar-D Ram Kumar, Mitsubishi Cedia, Red Rooster Racing, 2000N+). 37 of 50 cars finished.

    3. Jodhpur, Gravel, Sept 17-19; Rally of Rajasthan (Naren Kumar-D Ram Kumar, Mitsubishi Cedia, Red Rooster Racing, 2000N+). 28 of 38 cars finished.

    4. Siddlaghatta, near Bengaluru, Gravel, Dec 3-5; 36th K1000 Rally (APRC contender) (Arjun Rao Aroor-Satish Rajagopal, Mitsubishi Cedia, Team MRF Tyres, 2000N+). Only 12 of 41 cars finished.

    5. Kottayam, Asphalt, Dec 15-19; Misty Meadows Rally of Kerala (Gaurav Gill-Musa Sherif, Mitsubishi Cedia, Team MRF Tyres, 2000N+). 23 of 32 cars finished.

    2009 INRC (Champions: Gaurav Singh Gill, Musa Sherif)

    Promoter: IMG-PSP; Sponsor Bharat Petroleum- Speed

    1. Coimbatore, Gravel, June 26-28; Rally of Coimbatore (Arjun Rao Aroor-Satish Rajagopal, Mitsubishi Cedia, Team MRF Tyres, 2000N+). 28 of 46 finished.

    2. Bangalore, Gravel, Aug 21-23, 35th Rally of Bangalore (Arjun Balu-Sujith Kumar, Mitsubishi Cedia, Team MRF Tyres, 2000N+). 35 of record 61 entries finished.

    3. Durgapur, near Kolkata, Gravel, Sept 18-20; Rally of Kolkata (Gaurav Gill-Musa Sherif, MRF Ltd, 2000N+). 22 of 36 cars finished.

    4. Nashik, Asphalt, Oct 30-Nov 1; Rally of Nashik (Vikram Mathias- PVS Murthy, Mitsubishi Cedia, Red Rooster Racing, 2000N+). 21 of 27 cars finished.

    5. Chikmagalur, Gravel, Nov 20-22; Coffee Day Rally (Gaurav Gill-Musa Sherif, MRF Ltd, 2000N+). 27 of 37 cars finished.

    2008 FMSCI INRC (Champions: Vikram Mathias, PVS Murthy)

    1. Mysore, Gravel, June 13-15; Sidvin Rally of Karnataka (Vikram Mathias- PVS Murthy, Mitsubishi Cedia, Red Rooster Racing, 2000N+) 25 of 34 cars finished.

    2. Bangalore, Asphalt, Aug 8-10; 34th K1000 Rally (Vikram Mathias-PVS Murthy, Mitsubishi Cedia, 2000N+)  27 of 52 cars finished.

    3. Cochin, Asphalt, Sept 12-14; 23. Popular Rally of Kerala (Lohitt V Urs-CM Chandramouli, Mitsubishi Cedia, 2000N+). 20 of 35 cars finished.

    4. Coimbatore, Gravel, Oct 17-19; IMG Mill and Monsoon Rally (Vikram Mathias- PVS Murthy, Mitsubishi Cedia, 2000N+) ?? cars finished.

    5. Coorg, Nov 28-30; Rally de Coorg (Vikram Mathias-PVS Murthy, Red Rooster Racing, Mitsubishi Cedia, 2000N+)

    6. Nashik, Asphalt, Dec 19-21; IMG Rally of Maharashtra (Vikram Mathias-PVS Murthy, Red Rooster Racing, Mitsubishi Cedia, 2000N+)

    Chennai, Gravel, Nov 14 to 16, 36th SIR CANCELLED

    2007 MAI INRC (Champions: Gaurav Gill, Musa Sherif)

    1. Kochin, Asphalt, March 9-11; 22nd Heera Rally, (Gaurav Gill-Musa Sherif, Mitsubishi Cedia, 1600). 17 of 30 cars finished.

    2. Chikmagalur, Asphalt, May 4-6; Coffee Day Championship Rally, (Gaurav Gill-Musa Sherif, Mitsubishi Cedia, Team MRF Tyres; Class 2000). 22 of 37 finished. Day 1 Report,

    3. Bangalore, Asphalt, Aug 17-19; 33rd Bosch K1000 Rally (Gaurav Gill-Musa Sherif, Mitsubishi Cedia, Team MRF Tyres – 2000). 32 of 47 cars finished.

    4. Pune, Asphalt, Nov 30-Dec 1; Rally of Maharashtra (Lohitt V Urs-Jaidas Menon, Ford Fiesta, Team MRF Tyres, 1600). 30 of 37 cars finished. Preview

    2006 MAI INRC (Champions: VR Naren Kumar, D Ram Kumar)

    1. Pune, Gravel, May 5-6; Xtra Premium Overdrive Rally of Pune (Gaurav Gill-Farooq Ahmed, Maruti Baleno, 1600). ?? out of 12 cars finished.

    2. Chikmagalur, Gravel, May 26-28; Coffee Day Championship Rally, (Naren Kumar-D Ramkumar, ???, 1600).  ?? out of 21 cars finished. Day 1 report,

    3. Coimbatore, June 9-11; Rally of Coimbatore,  CANCELLED

    3. Maddur, near Bangalore, Gravel, Aug 11-13; 32 Bosch K1000 Rally 2006 (Gaurav Gill-Farooq Ahmed, Cedia 1600 class). 31 of 46 cars finished.

    4. Chandigarh, Gravel, Nov 3-5; Power Pine Forest Rally, (Lohitt V Urs-Musa Sherif, Maruti Baleno). 19 of 35 cars finished.

    5. Goa, Asphalt, Nov 18-19; WIAA Rally de Goa, (Naren Kumar-D Ram Kumar, Mitsubishi Cedia, 1600). 29 of 35 cars finished.

    Note: Round 6 in Hyderabad, Deccan Rally from Dec 1 to 3 was CANCELLED as organisers said they would not be able to host it.

    2005 MAI INRC (Champions: VR Naren Kumar, D Ram Kumar)

    1. Meghalaya, Gravel, Mar 11-13; Rally Tura (Sandeep Sharma-Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, Maruti Gypsy, Gypsy-Overall first). 9 of 16 cars finished.

    2. Mysore, gravel, May 26-29; Mysore Safari Rally (Arjun Balu-Kumar Ramaswamy, Maruti Baleno, 1600). 15 of 22 cars finished.

    3. Bangalore, Asphalt, Aug 12-14; Mico Bosch 31st K1000 Rally (Naren Kumar-D Ramkumar, Maruti Baleno, 1600). 18 of 25 cars finished.

    4. Chandigarh, Asphalt, Oct 21-23; Power M1 Challenge Rally (Naren Kumar-D Ramkumar, Maruti Baleno, 1600). 18 of 28 cars finished. Local Preview

    5. Delhi, gravel, Nov 11-13; Rally of the North, (Arjun Rao Aroor-CM Chandramouili, Baleno 1600, Team MRF tyres). Only 13 of total 40 cars finished. Preview.

    6. Cochin, Asphalt, Nov 25, to 27, -22nd Popular Rally, ???

    7. Hyderabad, Gravel, Dec 9-11; Sujana MRF Deccan Rally (Naren Kumar-D Ramkumar, Maruti Baleno, 1600). 17 of 26 cars finished. Preview.

    2004 MAI INRC (Champions: Vikram Mathias, B. Sujith Kumar)

    Awards Ceremony held on 24 January 2005

    1. Nashik, Asphalt, July 2-4: MAK Nashik Rally (Phillipos Mathai-Ashwin Naik, Esteem, 1400, Overall first) 12 cars of 14 finished.

    2. Bangalore, Asphalt, August 6-8: 30th Karnataka-1000 Rally (Naren Kumar-D Ramkumar, Baleno, Team MRF Tyres 1600) 18 of 24 cars finished.

    3. Cochin, Asphalt, August 20-22: 21st Popular Rally 2004 (Vikram Mathias- Sujith Kumar, Baleno, 1600) 15 of 20 cars finished.

    Note: Car No.1 Naren Kumar/ Ram hit a five-year-old who died immediately. After four stages, organisers decided to stop the rally.

    4. Panjim, Goa, Gravel, Sept 10-12: WIAA Rallye De Goa (Naren Kumar- D Ram Kumar, Baleno, Team MRF Tyres, 1600). 12 of 20 cars finished.

    5. Chandigarh, Gravel, October 29-31: Power M1 Challenge (Lohitt V Urs- Bonnie Thomas, Baleno, 1600). 17 of the 23 cars finished.

    6. New Delhi, Gravel, November 19-21: Maruti Suzuki India Challenge – Rally of the North (Vikram Mathias- Sujith Kumar, Baleno, 1600). 24 of 32 cars finished.

    7. Pune, Gravel, December 3-5: MRF India Rally (Lohitt V Urs-Bonnie Thomas, Baleno, 1600). 11 of 16 cars finished. A stage of 70.1km cancelled.

    2003 MAI INRC (Champions: Naren Kumar and D Ram Kumar)

    1. Chikmagalur, Asphalt, May 23-25; Coffee Day Rally, (Naren Kumar- D Ram Kumar, Honda City, Team MRF Tyres) 13/19 cars finished. Preview

    2. Nashik, Asphalt, June 6-8; MRF Taj Challenge (Naren Kumar- Musa Sherif, Honda City, MRF Tyres) 10 of 14 cars finished.

    3. Cochin, Gravel, Aug 29-31; 20th Kerala Rally (Naren Kumar – D Ram Kumar, Honda City, MRF Tyres, 1600); 13 of 17 cars finished.

    4. Chandigarh, Gravel, Sept 19-21; 1. Power M1 Challenge Rally (Naren Kumar – D Ram Kumar, Honda City, 1600); 10 of 16 cars finished. (Organiser: Motorsports One).

    5. Panjim, Goa, Gravel, Oct 31-Nov 2; WIAA Rally de Goa (Arjun Balu- Kumar Ramaswamy, Honda City, MRF Tyres, 1600) All 8 cars finished.

    6. Bangalore, Gravel, Nov 14-16; 29. Movva Rally de Bangalore 2003 (Karandip Singh- Jaidas Menon, Honda City, 1600). 11 cars of 14 finished.

    7. Pune, Gravel, Dec 5-7; MRF India Rally -APRC (Jiby Maliakkal- Nikhil Pai, Honda Civic-VTEC, 1600); 7 of 15 cars finished. Flag Off. Friday report. Saturday report.

    Coimbatore, Dec 26 to 28. NOT HELD

     (As per the calendar announced in Mumbai on 13 May 2003)

    2002 MAI INRC (Champions: Naren Kumar and D Ram Kumar)

    1. Coimbatore, Asphalt, Mar 30-31; Servo Mill and Monsoon Rally (Naren Kumar-D Ram Kumar, Honda City VTEC, Team MRF Tyres) 17 of 25 cars finished.

    Note: Organisers Spitfire Motorsports (Karthikeyan drives a Tata Indica Zero car)

    2. Nashik, Asphalt, July 5-7; WIAA Taj Nashik Rally (Naren Kumar-D Ramkumar, Honda City VTEC, 1600). 13 of 15 cars finished the rally.

    3. Panaji, Goa, Asphalt, Sept 27-29; WIAA Rallye de Goa (Naren Kumar-D Ramkumar, Team MRF Tyres, Honda City VTEC). 9 of 16 finished.

    Jiby Maliakkal- Nikhil Pai win 1400cc class.

    4. Bangalore, Asphalt, Oct 11-13; 28. Park Plaza Bangalore Rally (Naren Kumar-D Ramkumar, Honda City VTEC, 1600). 13 of 17 cars finished.

    Jiby Maliakkal-Nikhil Pai win 1400cc

    5.Bangalore, Gravel, Dec 7-8; MRF India Rally, (Arjun Balu-Kumar Ramaswamy, Team MRF Tyres, Honda City VTEC, 1600). 11 of 15 cars finished.

    2001 MAI INRC (Champion: N Leelakrishnan & Farooq Ahmed)

    (Runner-up Sagar Muthappa & Sandeep Rao)

    1. Coimbatore, Gravel, Mar 31 & Apr 1; Servo Mill Monsoon Rally, (Leelakrishnan-Farooq, Honda City)

    2. Nashik, June 8-10; Taj Rally India; (Vikram Mathias-Sujith Kumar, Esteem)

    3. Mumbai (gravel), July 6-8; Orange Monsoon Rally, (Leelakrishnan-Farooq Ahmed, Honda City)

    4. Bangalore, Aug 10-12; 27th K1000 Rally (Karandeep Singh-Jaidas Menon, Maruti Baleno)

    5. Goa, Sept 7-9; Gravel, Old Anchor Rally de Goa, (Naren Kumar-Ram Kumar, Honda City) 15 out of 18 cars finished.

    6. Coorg, Sept 28-30; Coorg Xpresso Rally, (Sagar Muthappa-Sandeep Rao, Honda City)

    7. Cochin, (Asphalt) Oct 26-28; 19th Chandrika Soap Popular Rally 2001 (Sagar Muthappa-Sandeep Rao, Honda City VTec 1600cc) 12 of 17 cars finished.

    8. Mangalore (Asphalt), Nov 24, 25, Coffee Day Action Rally, (Karandeep Singh-Jaidas Menon, Maruti Esteem) 14 of 18 cars finished.

    2000 FMSCI/MAI INRC (Champion: VR Naren Kumar, D Ram Kumar)

    1*. Calcutta, April 28-29; Birla Tyres Wild Run Rally – PG Abhilash-Yogesh Gupta

    2*. Chennai, July 28-30; 36th South India Rally 2000 (Vicky Chandhok-Sandeep Lal, Mitsubishi Lancer (lancer debut) JK Tyre team) 11 of the 19 cars finished the rally.

    *Note: Conducted by FMSCI, so does not show in the MAI calendar. MAI came into existence as FIA ASN on April 5.

    MAI Official National Rounds

    1. Mumbai, Gravel, Aug 4-6; WIAA Monsoon Rally, (Naren Kumar-D Ram Kumar, Esteem)

    2. Pune, Gravel, Sept 1-3; Para-HRA Monsoon Rally of Pune 2000 (Leelakrishnan-Farooq Ahmed, Esteem)

    3. Goa, Gravel, Sept 22-24; Rally de Goa, (Arjun Balu -Kumar Ramasamy, Esteem)

    4. Coorg, Asphalt, October 13-15, Rally of Coorg, (Naren Kumar-D Ram Kumar, Esteem)

    5. Kerala, Asphalt, Nov 3 to 5; 18th Popular Rally, (Arjun Balu -Kumar Ramasamy, Esteem) 9 of 12 cars finished.

    6. Coimbatore, Gravel, Nov 24-26, Rally of Coimbatore, ??

    7. Bangalore, Gravel, Dec 15-17, 26th K1000 Rally, ??

    INRC FMSCI 1999 (Champions: VR Naren Kumar, Farooq Ahmed)

    1. Durgapur, Gravel, March 31-Apr 4; 5 Birla Tyres EMSA Wild Run Rally (Hari Singh-Gurinder Singh Mann, Esteem)

    2. Nashik, Asphalt, June 3-6; Nasa Challenge Rally, (Leelakrishnan- Farooq Ahmed, Esteem)

    3. Madras, Gravel, July 9-12; 35th South India Rally, (Arjun Balu- Kumar Ramaswamy, Esteem)

    4. Bangalore, Gravel, Aug 11-15; 25th Karnataka 1000 Rally (Hari Singh-Gurinder Singh Mann, Esteem)

    5. Cochin, Asphalt, Sept 16-20; 17th Popular Rally, (Naren Kumar-D Ram Kumar, Esteem- MRF). Organiser: KASC

    6. Coimbatore, Gravel, Oct 7-11; 17th Cotton City Rally, (Naren Kumar-D Ram Kumar, Esteem- MRF)

    7. Bangalore, Asphalt, Nov 11-14, 17th Rally d’ Endurance (Karamjit Singh- Jagdev Singh, JK Tyres Rally team, Esteem). Organiser: IASC

    8. Hyderabad, Gravel, Dec 10-13, 14th Deccan Rally, (Arjun Balu- Kumar Ramaswamy, Esteem). Organiser: APMSC, Secunderabad.

    INRC 1998 (FMSCI) (Drivers’ Champ: N Leelakrishnan; Navigators’ champ: Farooq Ahmed)

    Driver’s Championship standings; Navigators’ Final Standings

    1. Nashik, Gravel, May 8-10; Castrol Challenge, (N Leelakrishnan-Chander MK, Esteem)

    2. Madras, Gravel, July 3-6; 34th South India Rally (SIR), (Hari Singh-Gurinder Singh Mann, Esteem). Only 13 of the 28 cars finished the rally.

    3. Bangalore, Gravel, Aug 11-14; 24th Castrol Kar1000 Rally, (Leelakrishnan -Farooq Ahmed, Esteem) 15 of 28 cars finished. Winner time: 1:38:43.

    4. Cochin, Gravel, Sept 11-14; 16th Popular Rally, (Manik Raiky- Vivek Ponnusamy, Esteem)

    5. Coimbatore, Gravel, Oct 9-12; 16th Castrol Cotton City Rally, (Naren Kumar-Chander MK, Esteem)

    6. Coorg, Gravel, Nov 11-13; 16th Rally d Endurance, (Naren Kumar-Chander MK, Esteem) 10 of 23 cars finished.

    7. Hyderabad, Gravel, Dec 5-7, Castrol Deccan Rally, (Dicky Upkar Gill- Aditya Singh, Esteem)

    8. Jaipur, Gravel, Dec 25-28, Castrol Desert Rally (Hari Singh-Gurinder Singh Mann, Esteem).

    INRC 1997 (fmsci) (Champions: Hari Singh, Gurinder Singh Mann)

    1. Nashik, Gravel, May 2-5; Castrol Challenge Rally 97 (Thirumal Roy- Amita Roy, Esteem)

    2. Coimbatore, Gravel, May 23-27;  15th Scissors Action Rally, (Sanjay Agarwal-Shivu Shivappa, Esteem)

    3. Chennai, Gravel, July 11-13; 33rd Castrol SIR 1997 (Dicky Upkar Gill- Manish Kapur, Esteem)

    4. Bangalore, Asphalt, Aug 12-14; The Club 23rd Karnataka 1000 Rally, (Hari Singh- Gurinder Singh Mann, Esteem)

    5. Cochin, Asphalt, Sep 13-14; 15th Popular Rally (Naren Kumar-Chander MK, Esteem)

    6. Simla, Gravel, Oct 3-6, Castrol Mountain Challenge, (Hari Singh-Gurinder Singh Mann, Esteem)

    7. Bangalore, Gravel, Nov 6-9, Castrol Rally d’Endurance (Hari Singh-Gurinder Singh Mann, Esteem)

    8. Hyderabad?, Gravel, Dec 6-8, Castrol Deccan Rally, (Naren Kumar-Ram Kumar, Esteem)

    INRC fmsci 1996 (Champions: Hari Singh, Gurinder Singh Mann)

    1. Nashik, Gravel, Jan 6-7; Castrol Challenge Rally (Farad Batheena- Farooqh Commissariat, Gypsy) 12 of 24 cars finished. Winner time: 1:57:16;

    2. Coimbatore, Gravel, June 1-3, 14th Scissors Action Rally (Sanjay Agarwal-Shivu Shivappa, Esteem) 9 out of 10 cars finished.

    3. Madras, Gravel, July 12-14; 32nd Castrol South India Rally (Majithia-CDR Chowdary, Esteem) 11 of 28 cars finished

    4. Bangalore, Asphalt, Aug 11-13, 22nd Karnataka 1000 Rally, (Samir Thapar-Rahul Rao Koka, Esteem) 28 of 35 cars finished.

    5. Cochin, Gravel, Sept 13-16; 14th Popular Rally (Hari Singh-Gurinder Singh Mann, Esteem). 17 of 29 cars finished.

    6. Delhi, gravel, Oct 11-14; Castrol Mountain Challenge, (Hari Singh-Gurinder Mann, Esteem). 15 of 26 cars finished.

    7. Coorg (Madikeri), Gravel, Nov 7-10; 14th Castrol Rally de Endurance, (Bikram Singh Majithia-Vijayant Chowdhry). 13 cars finished.

    8. Hyderabad, Gravel, Dec 6-8; Castrol Deccan Rally (Naren-??, Esteem)

    9. Bombay, Asphalt, Dec 27-29; Masa Rally (???)

    INRC 1995 (Champions: Hari Singh, Gurinder Singh Mann)

    1. Nashik, Gravel, April 7-8; Castrol Challenge Rally, (Hari Singh -Gurinder Mann gypsy); 20 out of 25 cars finished.

    2. Coimbatore, Gravel, May 27-29; 13 Scissors Action Rally, (Leelakrishnan-Farooq Ahmed, Esteem)

    3. Madras, Gravel, July 6-8; 31st Castrol South India Rally (Hari Singh- Gurinder Singh Mann Gypsy)

    4. Bombay, Gravel, June 21-23; Castrol Masa Rally, (Majithia-Aditya Singh, Gypsy)

    5. Bangalore, Gravel, Aug 12-14; BPL 21st K1000 Rally (Naren Kumar-Chander MK Esteem)

    6. Cochin, Asphalt, Sept 16-17, 13th Castrol Popular Rally, (Majithia-Aditya Singh, Gypsy) 26 of 37 cars finished.

    7. Delhi, Asphalt, Oct 14-15; Castrol Mountain Challenge, (Hari-Gurinder Gypsy)

    8. Bangalore, Asphalt, Nov 11-12, Castrol Rally de Endurance, (Hari-Gurinder Gypsy)

    9. Hyd?? Gravel, Dec 2-3, Castrol Deccan Rally (Hari-Gurinder Gypsy)

    INRC 1994 (Champions: Hari Singh, Gurinder Singh Mann)

    (To be completed)

    1?. Madras, 30th South India Rally, ??

    2?. Coimbatore, Cotton City Rally, ??

    3?. Bombay, ?? MASA Rally, (Jagat Nanjappa-Anita Nanjappa)

    4?. Cochin, Sept 12-15; 12th Popular Rally (Hari Singh and GS Mann, Gypsy)

    5?. Bangalore, 20th Scissors K1000 Rally, (N Leelakrishnan and Farooq Ahmed, Gypsy, Team MRF) (Naren Kumar-??? won Group N) (Shyam Kothari & C Patil won 2w K1000)

    6?.Deccan Rally, Dec 1, Gravel, *(Gurmeher Singh-??? Gypsy)

    INRC 1993 (Champions: N Leelakrishnan, N Mahindran or Farokh Commissariat)

    1?. Kodaikanal, Castrol 29th SIR (N Leelakrishnan-N Mahindran, Gypsy)

    2?. Bombay, MASA Rally, (2W winners: Jagat Nanjappa-Anita Nanjappa)

    3?. Bangalore, Aug 14-15; 19th Scissors Karnataka 1000 (Team Paarel, Vinil Varghese and Anil Devaraj)

    4?. Cochin, Sept 17-19; 11th Popular Rally (For Castrol FIRD and FIRR Championship) (Farad Bathena, Farooq Commissariat, Team MRF)

    5?. Coimbatore, Cotton Rally

    6. Hyderabad, 11th Charminar Challenge Car Rally, (N Leelakrishnan, Farooq Ahmed, Team MRF)

    INRC 1992 (Champions*: N Leelakrishnan, N Mahindran)

    Leela had ten wins in 92-93

    1. Coimbatore, 4 May 1992, Scissors Action Rally (Overall first: N Leelakrishnan/ P Vivekanand, Team MRF) Bikes: (Jagat Nanjappa- Anita Nanjappa)

    2. Kodaikanal, 13 July 1992; 28th South India Rally (N Leelakrishnan/ R Mahendran, Team MRF)

    3. Bangalore, 15 Aug 1992; K 1000 Rally, (N Leelakrishnan/ R Mahendran, Team MRF)

    4. Cochin, Sept 18-20; 10th Popular Rally, (Leelakrishnan, R Mahendran, Gypsy), organisers: Kerala Auto Sports Club (KASC).

    5. Bangalore, 17 Oct 1992: McDowell Rally de Endurance (Nikhil Taneja/ Askif Haidari) or (Hari Singh, GS Mann) – to be confirmed

    *Note: There was a tie between Leelakrishnan-Mahendran and Farad Bathena-Farookh Commissariat, and Leela-Mahendran won the tie-breaker.

    INRC 1991 (Champions: N Leelakrishnan, N Mahindran)

    1. Coimbatore, Gravel, June 21-23, Cotton City Rally, (Leelakrishnan-Jose, Gypsy)

    2. Kodaikanal, Gravel, July 13, 27th South India Rally,  (Farad Bathena- Farookh Commissariat, Gypsy) 9 of 15 cars finished.

    3. Tumkur, near Bangalore, Gravel, Aug 12-13, Rally de’ Endurance, K1000, (Leelakrishnan-Mahendran or GVL Gopal, Gypsy)

    4. ??? – Gravel, Sept 20-21, McDowell Rally, (Farad Batheena-?? Gypsy)

    5. Bombay, Gravel, Oct 5-7, Castrol Rally, (Leelakrishnan-??, Gypsy)

    6. Hyderabad, Gravel, Dec 7-9, Charminar Challenge, (Leelakrishnan-?? Gypsy)

    INRC 1990 (Champions: N Leelakrishnan, CF Jaykumar)

    (To be completed)

    1?. Madras, 26th South India Rally ??

    2?. Bangalore, 16th K1000 Rally, Leelakrishnan, Mahendran, Gypsy Team MRF

    3?. Coimbatore, Cotton City Rally ??

    4?. Hyderabad, Charminar Challenge ??

    INRC 1989 (Champions: Farad Bathena, Raj Bagri) (To be completed)

    1. Bangalore, Rally de Endurance, Farad Bathena/ Farooq Commissariat

    2. Madras, 25th? South India Rally (Farad Bathena- Raj Kumar Bagri, Team MRF, Gypsy)

    3. Bangalore, 15th K1000 Rally, (Harish Samtani/ Rajiv Choudhry, Gypsy, Team MRF)

    3?. Coimbatore, Cotton City Rally ??

    4?. Hyderabad, Charminar Challenge ?? (Ashok Rao Aroor?)

    INRC 1988 (Champions: Farad Batheena, Raj Bagri) (To be completed)

    1. Coimbatore, Gravel, Scissors Master Action Rally  (L Gopoalakrishnan-R Mahendran, Maruti 800, Group A(II) Ind)

    2. Great Desert Rally, Farad Bathena/ Raj Kumar Bagri

    3. Kodaikanal, 24th South India Rally, Farad Bathena/Raj Kumar Bagri (Team MRF)

    4. Karavalli, Karavalli Rally, George Anthony (Team MRF)

    5. Mumbai, MASA Rally, Farad Bathena

    6. Cochin, July 29-31; 6th Popular Rally; (George Anthony, Jose Anthony, Jiju Elias Paarel, Roy)

    7. Bangalore, 14th K1000 Rally (Indian category) Kamlesh Patel, KD Madan, 118 NE.

    8. Great Himalayan Rally (Nikhil Taneja/ Sandeep Lal) Team MRF

    8. Great Desert Rally (Motorycycles), Jagat Nanjappa/ Anita Nanjappa, Team MRF

    9?. Hyderabad, Dec ??; 5th Charminar Challenge ??

    Rallies in 1987* (Champions: N Leelakrishnan, CV Jayakumar)

    1. Rally de Endurance, July 1987, Vicky Bharat Chandhok and Manoj Dalal.
    2. Cochin, 24-25 July 1987, 5th 1000-km Popular Rally,
    3. Bangalore, August 1987, Karnataka 1000, Kamlesh Patel/ KD Madan, Team MRF.
    4. Madras, September 1987, 23th South India Rally, MS Zachariah/ Jagdish Bhatia, Team MRF.
    5. Coimbatore, October 1987, Scissors Action Rally, Subash Chandra
    6. ???, November 1987, Great Himalayan Rally, Nikhil Taneja/ Manjeev Singh Bhalla, Team MRF. (To be confirmed if this round is part of National championship)
    7. Chikmagalur, Nov 1987, Coffee 500, N Leelakrishnan/CV Jayakumar.
    8. Hyderabad, December 1987, 4th Charminar Challenge, N Leelakrishnan/CV Jayakumar.

    *Status of National Championship was not confirmed in 1988

    ends/17apr2020/last updated 2mar2021 11pm; to be updated…

  • Naren Kumar- Ramkumar win Bosch 31st K1000 Rally

    Bangalore, 14 Aug 2005: Four-time National champion Naren Kumar with talented navigator Ramkumar conquered the Mico Bosch 31st K1000 Rally, the 3rd round of the Indian National Rally Championship (INRC), which concluded here on Sunday.

    The duo now under the colours of Team JK Tyre stole the thunder once again leaving behind the disappointment of a disqualification in the previous Mysore round and proved their talent to take the overall top honours. The JK Team’s reentry into the national rally scene after a gap of over five years has rekindled considerable excitement bringing back the memories of big fights with the Reds in the late nineties.

    After trailing overnight by 13 seconds, Naren Kumar stepped up the gas going all out in aggressive fashion to overtake overnight leaders Karandeep Singh and Jaidas Menon of MRF, and won the rally with a comfotable margin of 17 seconds.

    (Results not available)

  • Naren Kumar-Ram win Rally de Goa for 2nd win

    Naren Kumar-Ram win Rally de Goa for 2nd win

    Panajim (Goa), 12 Sept 2004: Defending champions VR Naren Kumar and D Ramkumar of Team MRF edged out strong contenders and teammates Vikram Mathias and Sujith Kumar to win the WIAA Rally de Goa, the fourth round of the MAI Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) here on Sunday.

    Naren Kumar put the tragedy in the second round behind him and drove a steady rally driving his Baleno with control to win by 13 seconds. Naren, thus gained valuable points, with this second win in the INRC, having won K1000, the second round at Bangalore. The first round at Nashik was won by Philippos Mathai and Ashwin Naik while Vikram Mathias and Sujith Kumar clinched the third round at Cochin.

    1600cc and Overall winners, Naren Kumar, left, and Ram Kumar at the podium ceremony in Goa on Sunday. Photo courtesy Team-BHP.com
    1600cc and Overall winners, Naren Kumar, left, and Ram Kumar at the podium ceremony in Goa on Sunday. Photo courtesy Team-BHP.com

    Prithveen Rajan and co-driver PVS Murthy won the 1400cc class beating Ranjit Ballal and co-driver Ramesh while Sanjay Agarwal and co-driver Chandramouli won the Rally Star Cup. Gaurav Chirpal along with navigator GM Srikanth won the Gypsy Class beating Anil Wadia and co-driver Pradeep Kumar.

    Provisional (Unaudited) Results: 1600cc INRC: 1. VR Naren Kumar/ D Ramkumar (Team MRF) (1hour, 13min, 32sec); 2. Vikram Mathaias/ Sujith Kumar (Team MRF) (1:13.45).

    1400cc: 1. Prithveen Rajan/ PVS Murthy (1:18.44); 2. Ranjit Ballal/
    Ramesh (1:18.57); 3. Purujit Singh/ Musa Sherif (1:22.43); 4. Philippos Mathai/
    Ashwin Naik (1:22.59); 5. Nitin Batra/ Gaurav Srivastav (1:23.14).

    Rally Star Cup: 1. Sanjay Agarwal/ Chandramouli (1:00.11); 2. Jasbir Singh
    Randhwa/ Jeetendra Nath (1:02.11); 3. Rajesh Gadakh/ Paritosh Kohok (1:04.02).

    Gypsy category: 1. Gaurav Chiripal/ GM Srikanth (1:24.16); 2. Anil Wadia/
    Pradeep Kumar (1:24.16).

  • Mishap mars Popular Rally; Sad end to the rally

    Kochi, 21 August 2004: An unfortunate mishap in the 21st Popular Rally 2004, involving competitor No. 1 Naren Kumar and co-driver D Ramkumar, which resulted in the death of a five-year-old spectator Bobby, forced the organisers, the Kerala Auto Sports Club (KASC) to terminate the rally after four special stages which were run in the area around the forest sanctuary of Boothathankettu, about 40 kms from Kochi, here, on Saturday.

    Trailing behind Vikram Mathais by four seconds after the completion of three special stages, defending champion Naren Kumar was touching speeds of over 100 kms when the mishap happened, the young kid crossing the road unexpectedly to join his father on the other side and colliding head on with the speeding Maruti Baleno.

    According to the other spectators, the boy was on the opposite side of his father and brother just beyond a narrow bridge and ran to join them on being called. The father did not take into consideration the fast speed of the rally cars and it resulted in the unfortunate mishap. The child was rushed to hospital in the rally ambulance but succumbed to his injuries before reaching the hospital, where he was declared dead.

    An official statement released by the organisers said, “After running 4 special stages, the organisers have decided to terminate the Popular Rally 2004, in view of an unfortunate accident in a closed special stage section, wherein a spectator, Bobby, a 5-year-old boy succumbed to his injuries in an accident involving competitor No. 1, Naren Kumar. The boys was accompanied by his father and his brother.

    The fast and treacherous stages also claimed its own victims, three cars, which crashed out in the first special stage, the 15.06 km long Illythodu stage. Overall leader Philipose Mathai, the last round’s 1400cc winner, Prithveen Rajan and Rally Star Cup leader Rajesh Gadakh, all went off the road at high speeds, crashing their cars but escaping unhurt. Also going off the road was Karandip Singh, who smashed into a tree and destroyed the front arm of his car.

    After three special stages, Vikram Mathais was leading the overall field with a time of 25.40 seconds, four ahead of Naren Kumar (25.44). Arjun Balu was in third place with 26.13.

    Following are the provisional results after three stages:

    Overall: Vikram Mathais/Sujith Kumar 25.40 mins; V R Naren Kumar/D Ramkumar 25.44; Arjun Balu/Kumar Swamy 26.13.

    1400cc: Arjunrao Aroor/CK Chinappa 26.52; Ranjith Ballal/Ramesh Kumar 28.33; Sandeep Sharma/Kulbeer Singh 28.52.

    Rally Star Cup: Sanjay Agarwal/Chandra Mouli 28.20; Khalid Faraz/G S Joshi 31.40; Jasbir Singh/Jeetender Nath 35.33.

    Vikram Mathias (right) and co-driver BS Sujith Kumar with the Overall Trophy they won at the Popular Rally 2004. Photo by George Francis, Scorp News.

  • Naren Kumar-Ram notch up third straight win, clinch Kerala Rally

    Kochi, 31 Aug 2003: Reigning National champion VR Naren Kumar and co-driver D Ramkumar of Team MRF notched up their third consecutive win clinching the overall title Kerala Rally 2003, the third round of the MAI Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) here on Sunday.

    Naren, behind the wheel of a Honda City, clocked a time of 1hour, 23minutes and 16 seconds to complete the special stages beating teammate Karandip Singh, who paired with Bangalore navigator Jaidas Menon. Karandip took a time of 1.25:32 secs while multiple-national champion N Leelakrishnan and Farooq Ahmed finished the course in 1.26:54 secs to take the third spot.

    In the 1600 cc category, Naren Kumar took the honours while Karandip bagged the second and Leelakrishnan the third place.

    In the 1400 cc category, R Karthikeyan and co-driver G Sathish won the top spot in the class with a time of 1.35:04 seconds followed by George Antony and Bijoy Paul who clocked 1.38:01 seconds. Renjith Paul and co-driver Anoop Xavier came third in a time of 1.45:43.

    In the MAI Rally Star Cup category, Arjun Rao and experienced CK Chinnappa won with a penalty time of 1.33:59 secs followed by Thirtha Patil and co-driver Lohith Anand who took 1.36:56 secs ahead of third-placed K Ranjith Ballal and co-driver Shanmuga with a time of 1.38:33, a Scorp News release said.

    Organisers add:

    The Kerala Auto Sports Club organised and hosted the Kerala Rally 2003, the third round of the MAI Indian National Rally Championshipo for Cars, which was run through the forest stages of Bhoothanthankettu and Edamalayar Dam. One of the most-alluring aspects of the event is its excellent picturesque, smooth and winding tarmac.

    The Kerala Rally covered a distance of approximately 380km. There were nine Special Stages which covered a distance of 117km and run over a period of two days. Apart from Team MRF, Team Chettinad and Team Blue Lines participated in this year’s event.

    The entire event was tracked and controlled with the aid of HAM Radios. Ham Radios have linked the Clerk of the Course (CoC) to all Stage Commanders, Ambulances, and important officials of the event. The Mobile Control Room was stationed at Thundam. The Radio Network this year was coordinated by Girish Babu, code name `VU2 KGB’ and Jacob Elias, `VU2 ADV’.

  • Team MRF’s Naren-Ram win second successive rally

    Nashik, 7 July 2002: Ace Coimbatore pair, VR Naren Kumar and co-driver D Ramkumar representing Team MRF notched up a facile win in the WIAA Taj Rally 2002, the second round of the MAI Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) here on Sunday. The 2000 champions have now back-toback wins following their triumph in the season opener at home in March.

    Organised by Western India Automobile Association (WIAA) under the aegis of National Federation, the Motorsports Association of India, the two-day rally favourites Naren and Ram clinch the issue once again to top the table in the National Championship.

    After taking a narrow two seconds lead overnight, the duo were expecting a tough fightback kfrom talented team-mates Arjun Balu and co-driver BS Sujith Kumar and raised the tempo despite the rains that made the stages slippery. In the process, Naren, increased the lead to a comfortable level in the very first stage and then eased off.

    “We decided to go flat out and opened a gap on Arjun with over 20 seconds lead. Then we eased off and nurtured the car to win the event”, said an elated Naren Kumar. However, he said any talk about the championship are `premature’ right now. “But two wins in the bag, is good to start,” the two-time National champion concluded.

    The current Asian Zone champions, Naren and Ram took part in the Asia Pacific Rally Championship also and have driven two rallys at Canberra and New Zealand and are expected to run two more rallies in Asia.

    Team MRF’s Karandip Singh with Bangalore navigator Jaidas Menon finished Overall third followed by National champion N Leelakrishnan and co-driver Farooq Ahmed in Overall fourth.

    Soharab Zorabian and co-driver Rio Kapadia won the Rally Star Cup category while Parvinder Saundh and co-driver Paritosh Kohok came second with Tirtha Patil and co-driver Ashwin Naik taking the third spot.

    Soharab who finished ahead of the more powerful 1400 cc cars, on Saturday, had a lead of 13 seconds over Parvinder Saundh (the only entrant from Nashik), and he managed a 31 seconds

    lead in the first stage on Sunday and three seconds in the second stage. Parvinder managed to gain a second in the last stage, and finished second in this category with co-driver (ex two-wheeler navigator National champion) Paritosh Kohok. Tirhta Patil (co-driver Ashwin Naik) finished third in the class.

    Jiby Maliakkal and co-driver Rohan Rego the reigning Rally Star Cup champions found the going very comfortable with Abhilash out of the reckoning and romped home with a huge lead, winning the 1400cc category. Jiby and Rohan finished a creditable Overall fifth also. Abhilash and co-driver Sangeeth Kumar came second with N Jayakumar and co-driver G Satish taking the third place in the 1400cc class.

    All drop-outs of the first leg except Ram Prashanth started today’s leg and finished the Leg. And twelve of the total 15 starters finished the rally in full.

    Final provisional results:

    Overall & 1600 cc: 1. VR Naren Kumar /D Ramkumar (Team MRF) (1hour, 18min, 42sec); 2. Arjun Balu /BS Sujith Kumar (Team MRF) (1:19:09); 3. Karandip Singh /Jaidas Menon (Team MRF) (1:20:21); 4. N Leelakrishnan /Farooq Ahmed (Team MRF) (1:19:35).

    1400cc class: 1. Jiby Maliakkal /Rohan Rego (1:28:54); 2. PG Abhilash /Sangeeth Kumar (1:34:30); 3. N Jayakumar /G Satish (1:34:50).

    Rally Star Cup: 1. Soharab Zorabian /Rio Kapadia (1:25:44); 2. Parvinder Saundh /Paritosh Kohok (1:26:31); 3. Tirtha Patil /Ashwin Naik (1:27:51); 4. N Arun Rahul /Harsha Thaminar (1:31:19); 5. Karthikeyan R /SB Rajkumar (1:31:20).

  • Naren Kumar, Ramkumar begin season with a win; Reds sweep top-six spots

    Coimbatore, 31 March 2002: Strong contenders and local stars VR Naren Kumar and navigator D Ramkumar of Team MRF led a sweep of all the top-six places by the `Reds’, topping the stage times on the outskirts of the city, in the Servo Mill & Monsoon Rally, 2002, the opening round of the Motorsports Association of India’s (MAI) Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) here on Sunday.

    Naren and Ram, the defending Asian Zone Rally Champions, had an overnight lead of 12 seconds over teammates Sagar Muthappa and Sandeep S Rao from Bangalore. But the narrow lead proved to be too short as Sagar attacked the stages right from the word `go’ and in the very first stages not only made up the 12 seconds, but managed to take a lead of 40 seconds and to add to the complications for Naren, his Honda City suffered technical problems. But Naren carefully guarded his second place till then. And after the Service break after Stage 2, took care of the struts, Naren and Ram, had no other way but go all-out to bridge the gap, if had to eye a victory. “We were a bit worried but judging the pace of others, we decided to attack and go all-out. The struts were worrying us, but after the Service stop, we took off,” said Naren.

    In the last three stages, Naren was fastest and garnered enough time on Muthappa and by the end of the five stages of the day, he not only bridged the gap but took a minute and four seconds lead.

    “We had something loose at the rear and the car was not handling well. By the time we could set it, we lost time to Naren. But it is still a good beginning for the season and we hope for a good year,” said Muthappa.

    Team MRF’s Karandip Singh and co-driver Jaidas Menon took the third place on the podium, a further 56 seconds behind Muthapopa. Former multiple-National champions N Leelakrishnan and co-driver Farooq Ahmed came fourth behind Karandip.

    Talented Karnataka duo of Vikram Mathias and BS Sujith Kumar were Overall fifth clocking 2hours, 16min and 37seconds, but importantly they won their class, the 1400cc category. Vijyant Chaudhry and Moosa Sherif finished 6th overall.

    “We were pushing hard to see whether we can match the 1600cc machines but gave up mid-way as we were keen not to win our class and avoid problems to the car,” said Mathias. They comfortably beat the Kerala duo of PG Abhilash and Sangeet Kumar, who were supported jontly by JK Tyres, Maruti Motorsport and Chettinad Sport.

    But it was the day Team Chettinad, as their pair of Jiby Maliakkal and Rohan Rego, the Rally Star Cup champions last year, bounced back after an incident in Stage 3 where thier car turned turtle, and with a stunning effort they took the final place on the podium in the 1400cc class.

    It was Q-Wait Oil’s Kerala duo of Dr Bikku Babu and Bonnie Thomas, who built on their Saturday’s lead and won the Rally Star Cup nurturing their car mixing caution with aggression. “We did have pressure yesterday, but today we went for a win making sure to bring the car home,” said Bikku Babu.

    Shamsundar V and PV Srinivasa Murthy of Team Blue Lines, who were sixth overnight in their class took the third place despite two punctures and rued missed chances of taking the second. But others were not so lucky. The Rally Star Cup, overnight leaders Lohitt V Urs and Bopanna MK pulled out due to technical problems and others to follow suit were Phillipos Matthai and Bhopesh Gadotra, who had suspension issues, and Arjun Rao Aroor and Dunstan JM D’Silva who could not finish due to mechanical problems.

    Of the 19 cars that started on Sunday, only 16 finished the rally. The second round will be at Nashik on June 15 & 16.

    Provisional results:

    Overall and Upto 1600cc: 1. VR Naren Kumar /D Ramkumar (Team MRF) (2hours, 13min, 13sec); 2. Sagar Muthappa /Sandeep S Rao (Team MRF) (2:14:17); 3. Karandip Singh /Jaidas Menon (Team MRF) (2:15:13); 4. N Leelakrishnan /Farooq Ahmed (Team MRF) (2:16:15).

    Upto 1400cc: 1. Vikram Mathias /BS Sujith Kumar (Team MRF) (2:16:37); 2. PG Abhilash / Sangeet Kumar (Team JK, Maruti, Chettinad) (2:21:43); 3. Jiby Maliakkal /Rohan Rego (Team Chettinad Sporting) (2:26:17); 4. Along Aier and Vikishe Shome (pvt) (2:30:09).

    Rally Star Cup: 1. Dr Bikku Babu /Bonnie Thomas (Team Q-Wait Oil) (2:27:12); 2. Manju JM/ Sudharshan Gowda M (pvt) (2:30:52); 3. Shamsundar V/ PV Srinivasa Murthy (Team Blue Lines) (2:33:11); 4. Thirtha S Patil /Lohit Anand (pvt) (2:34:37).

  • Naren-Ram win Asia Zone; Leela-Farooq clinch INRC Overall win

    Coimbatore, 1 April 2001: Double National champion Naren Kumar and co-driver D Ramkumar of Team MRF won the Asia Zone round this time around while multiple former champion and N Leelakrishnan and co-driver Farooq Ahmed, also of Team MRF, won the Overall honours in the opening round of Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) in the Servo Mill and Monsoon rally, which ran simultaneously with the Asia Zone round, here on Sunday.

    Once again the rally saw stiff rivalry between Karamjit Singh of Malaysia and Naren Kumar, but it was the Indian who came out trumps this time driving his Honda Civic to victory displaying his skills while Karamjit in his Proton Satria with Jagdev Singh as co-driver, had to settle for a second for JK Tyre, after running 432 km of rally distance where the special stages consisted of 146.2km. There were 10 gravel Special Stages run in the Servo Mill and Monsoon Rally under the aegis of Motorsports Association of India (MAI).

    Naren, had a comfortable lead of over 80 seconds and another Indian pair of Hari Singh and GS Mann, came third after their problems in the second leg ruined chances of any better performance.

    MRF’s Naren and co-driver Ram Kumar, had a 16-second lead overnight, Naren gained another 15 seconds on the very first stage on Sunday to take the sting out of the competition and thereafter, managed a steady pace. He did ease off in the rough second stage to preserve the car and despite losing the lead he made in the first stage he managed to keep the lead with an aggressive drive in the third stage, to win the rally.

    Hari Singh and GS Mann, the reigning champions from Chandigarh, suffered flat tyres twice in two different stages and lost time. They had to be content with a third place as changing tyres put them completely out of a rally win.

    In the National Championship class of 1600cc, it was N Leelakrishnan, five-time former national champion, who stole the limelight. While Team MRF’s, husband and wife pair of Jagat and Anita Nanjappa won the 1400cc title, Lohitt V Urs and co-driver MK Bopanna lifted the Rally Star Cup. Jagat Nanjappa, a legend in two-wheeler racing with 9 National riders’ titles, overcame a young field of drivers to win his maiden title in a four-wheeler class.

    Provisional Final placings:

    Asia Zone: 1. Naren Kumar /Ram Kumar (India, MRF); 2. Karamjit Singh /Jagdev Singh (Malaysia, J K Tyre); 3. Hari Singh / Gurinder Singh (India).

    National Rally championship: 1600cc: 1. N Leelakrishnan /Farooq Ahmed (Team MRF).

    1400cc Class: 1. Jagat /Anita Nanjappa (Team MRF).

    Rally Star Cup: 1. Lohit Urs /MK Bopanna.

  • Naren-Chander win Rallye de Endurance

    By George Francis

    Madikeri, 13 Nov 1998: Team MRF roared through the coffee estates of Madikeri, to place Overall one to six in the Castrol Rallye de Endurance, 1998. Naren Kumar and MK Chander, N Leelakrishnan and Farooq Ahmed, Arjun Balu and Kumar Ramaswamy, Sagar Muthappa and Sandeep S Rao, Karandip Singh and Jaidas Menon, and Jagat Nanjappa and Anita finished in that order. While the first three were driving Group A Modified cars, the following three were in Group N un-modified class.

    Arch rivals, Team JK Tyres crashed all their six Esteems on the treacherous roads of Coorg. But Team Chettinad Sporting’s Navaz Bathena and Sherin Balachandran and the three private teams Thyagu Valliappa and Sujith, NK Ramesh and Vishnu Kamath, and Homi Dhunjibhoy and Zubir Nariman finished the ardous route. Never has Indian rallying seen such domination by one team in any event.

    On November 11, the pre-event scrutiny was gone through at Capitol Village, Madikeri, and the compulsory drivers’ briefing was held the same evening. Twenty-three cars passed scrutiny and were ready for the challenge. They comprised eight cars sponsored by MRF Tyres, six sponsored by JK Tyres, two from Team Chettinad Sporting and one from Birla Tyres, and six private entries.

    The route looked quite simple. Five estates of the Consolidated Coffee, namely Polibetta, Cottabetta, Woshully, Margolly and Siddapur, repeated three times in the same direction, in the same order, followed by a 60-minute re-grouping of the rallyists and an opoposite run of Polibetta, Siddapur, Margolly, Woshully and Cottabetta in that order, and the repeat of the same barring Cottabetta, made up the 134.81km stages. A service park was set-up near Polibetta, and could be visited once after each sequence, totalling four service stops of 15 minutes each, and a resort in the outskirts of Bangalore on the Bangalore-Hyderabad highway.

    At 9.02 hours on November 12, the Castrol Rallye de Endureance started with the 1997 winners and four-times National champion Hari Singh and Gurinder Singh Mann taking the starter’s flag. At 2-minuate intervals, the 23 cars took off. It was interesting to note that Yemagoondi, a very difficult stage in the 1997 chapter of this rally, was dropped this year. The first stage was run with not much of difficulty. But when the rallyists reached Cottabetta the second time, things turned topsy-turvy. Manik RAikhy, of JK Tyres, crashed and pulleld out. Behind him came RAvi JOuhari of BIrla Tyres whose navigator brother Deepak Jouhari missed a call and crashed next. Niaz Ali, the Indian settled in Australia, brought in by JK Tyres, with his Aussie Navigator Darren Mark Macro, also ended their endurance there. With two prime cars for JK Tyres gone, Hari Singh continued his valiant fight for his team.

    In the meantime, there was a faux paux by the organisers. When Manik Raikhy crashed, VR Naren Kumar and MK Chander of Team MRF, the third car had already started the Cottabetta stage. Raikhy’s car had blocked the route and Naren and Chander were waiting for the car to be moved out. One of the officials manning the start TC at Cottabetta, arrived on the scene and advised Naren to go back to the start of the stage for a restart. Naren informed the official that it was against the National Competition Rules to go in the opposite direction of the rally, but was told that all other cars behind him have been stopped and there is no danger. Naren went back for the re-start, and it became an issue after the rally was over.

    Meanwhile, when the third stage of the day, the Woshully, was on BS Pruthvi and Shivu Shivappa (JK Tyre) and Samir Thapar and Koka Rahul Rao (JK Tyre) gave up with mechanical problems. The only JK cars that remained were of Hari Singh and Satish Bhat. A private entrant Roshan Akhtar and R Thiagarajan also pulled out here.

    Upkar Dicky Gill and Aditya Jaswal (Team MRF) decided that Pollibetta was best they can complete and pulled out. That was the first casualty for MRF. Even as the other challengers became more and more confident, Umakanth Alva and Nikhil Dhruv, the last starters, gave up their bid in the Woshully stage, in the first repeat. On the 10th Special Stage namely, Siddapur, JK Tyres Rally Team lost Satish Bhat and Moosa Sherif, who pulled out with mechanical problems. Only Hari Singh continued with the rally.

    When the rally reached the 12th stage, the third run of Cottabetta, Vijayant Chowdhry, the navigator turned driver for Team MRF, found his Group N car sputtering to a stop. Piqued by the unbelievable situation, Vijayant checked everything and found all in order. Suddenly, he realised that something important was missing, the Petrol tank. He went back a kilometre, and found the tank with 25 litres of petrol lying on the wayside. That was the second casuality, for Team MRF. SA Sridhar, the two-wheeler legend from Coimbatore, along with navigator Victor, driving for Team Chettinad Sporting, also pulled out here.

    The next stage, the third run of Woshully, saw the total `rout’ of JK Tyres Rally Team, as Hari Singh and Gurinder Singh Mann bowed out. STories of Team JK’s plight spread like wildfire across the route. Sandeep Kadur and Dilbagh Gill also pulled out in this stage. There were only 10 cars remaining out of the 23 who challenged the Rallye de Endurance.

    Team MRF Tyres was sitting pretty with 1-to-6 placings with Navaz Bathena and Sherin Balachander  and three other private teams continuing behind them. The most interesting fact to note was Karandeep Singh and navigator Jaidas Menon, were leading the Group N placings, followed by Sagar Muthappa and Sandeep S Rao, both from Team MRF. That, Team MRF has found an excellent driver in Karandeep, was proved. But, it is reported, that both Karandeep and the third placed in Group N, Jagat Nanjappa, were asked by the team to ease up on the pedal and let Sagar win.

    When the second part of the rally took off after the re-group, Team MRF played it cool, to avoid mistakes and finished 1-6. Never has the team had it so good, and every member was all praise for the preparation of the cars.

    In the wee hours of November 13, the remaining 10 cars checked into the finish time control at Dominion. The post-event scrutiny put eveyone of the competitors in the 1-10 order, and the stewards asked Naren Kumar of Team MRF for an explanation for going in the opposite direction, which he promptly said was on the official’s insistence. The official requested the steward of the meet to mark them low in the points for running the championship rally, but to spare the competitor.

    Team MRF, which took the 1 to 6 placings of the Castrol Rallye de Endurance, also claimed the Group A and Group N championships for 1998.

    Provisional Results:

    Overall: 1. VR Naren Kumar/ MK Chander (Team MRF) (2hours, 23minutes, 50seconds); 2.N Leelakrishnan/ Farooq Ahmed (Team MRF) (2:25:02); 3. Arjun Balu/ KR Kumar (Team MRF) 2:26:23).

    Group A:  1. VR Naren Kumar/ MK Chander (Team MRF) (2hours, 23minutes, 50seconds); 2.N Leelakrishnan/ Farooq Ahmed (Team MRF) (2:25:02); 3. Arjun Balu/ KR Kumar (Team MRF) 2:26:23).

    Group N: 1. Sagar Muthappa/ Sandeep S Rao (Team MRF) (2:27:33); 2. Karandeep Singh/ Jaidas Menon (Team MRF) (2:28:45); 3. Jagat Nanjappa/ Anita Nanjappa (Team MRF) (2:32:02).

    National Rally Championship Sandings after six rounds:

    Overall: Drivers: 1. N Leelakrishnan 115 points; 2. Arjun Balu 61.5 points; 3. Sagar Muthappa 72 points.

    Navigators: 1. Farooq Ahmed 95 points;  2. MK Chander 80 points; 3. Sandeep S Rao 72 points;

    Group A Modified: Drivers: 1. N Leelakrishnan 115 points; 2. Arjun Balu 61.5 points; 3. VR Naren Kumar 34 points;

    Navigators: 1. Farooq Ahmed 95 points;  2. MK Chander 80 points; 3. KR Kumar 34 points.

    Group N unmodified: Drivers: 1. Sagar Muthappa 72 points; 2. Jagat Nanjappa 38.5 points; 3. Karandip Singh 36.5 points;

    Navigators: 1. Sandeep S Rao 65 points; 2. Anita Nanjappa 38.5 points; 3. Jaidas Menon 36.5 points.

  • Naren-Chander win Cotton City Rally

    By George Francis/Scorp News

    Coimbatore, 12 October 1998: Talented local youngster and strong contender VR Naren Kumar along with another local lad, MK Chander, calling the pace notes, conquered the Castrol Cotton City Rally 1998 brushing aside the challenge from four-time National champion Leelakrishnan and co-driver Farooq Ahmed, here on Sunday.

    The Coimbatore duo became the fourth different winners in this year’s Castrol National Rally Championship for cars winning the fifth round of the eight-round National Championship. Leelakrishnan leads the table with two overall wins.

    Sagar Muthappa and navigator Sandeep S Rao, who won Group N in Coimbatore on Sunday. Photo by George Francis/ Scorp News
    Sagar Muthappa and navigator Sandeep S Rao, who won Group N in Coimbatore on Sunday. Photo by George Francis/ Scorp News

    But the story of the day, are the Limited slip differentials, Leela’s gear boxes and magical suspensions turned the Red Cars into winners in the Castrol Cotton City Rally here. Team MRF won the top two spots but it was not the famed Leelakrishnan on the top. The expert driver and tuner had to play second fiddle to Naren Kumar for once, as the youngster put in a determined performance to take the first win of the season.

    Team JK Tyre which brought in veteran Niaz Ali (co-driver Vivekanandan) and Vicky Chandhok (navigator Manoj Dalal) to increase the pressure on Sagar Muthappa had to bite the dust. Both veterans, who led initially had to pull out due to a roll and mechanical problems, respectively. Sagar Muthappa finished fourth Overall while another Team MRF driver Jagat Nanjappa with his wife Anita as co-driver, finished fifth overall.

    Riding the crest of success, Team Red finished first and second in Group A modified Class and took all the top-four placings in the Group N unmodified Class.

    In the two-wheeler category, too, Team Red took the first four placings overall, and similar positions in Group C modified class. Only in Group D unmodified class was there a non-MRF winner.

    The Coimbatore Auto Sports Club (CASC), well known for its organisational skills and riding high on a 1.5 coefficient in the championship points in the Castrol National Rally Championship, 1998, had moved away from its long-time sponsor ITC. Castrol stepped in as the sponsor. CASC, which had a hell of a problem last year in running the Special Stages at Palladam, about 40km from here, ensured the stages were planned out well this time and allowed an organised reconnaissance to help build the competitors’ confidence.

    All the top rallyists were there, with only three newcomers in Niaz Ali of Team JK, Lt.Col. Sukhinder Singh Sekhon and Vijayant Chaudhry of Team MRF. The 40-year old Niaz, who rallied in India until 1986, when he won the Rallye de Endurance Overall top spot, is now an Australian citizen and was offered a drive by Team JK Tyre in this event. “I always wanted to be back in this country rallying, and here I am,” better known as brother of former Miss India, Nafisa Ali. Niaz who rallied in Australia now, has won the Western Australia sprint (1300cc, Group N stock) in a Suzuki Swift and placed second in Rally Australia (World championship) in the Group N Class. That he had a clear advantage over the others in the speeds touched in rallying, was very clear. Ponnusamy Vivekanandan, another Indian settled in Australia and who navigated JK Tyres’ Manik Raikhy to Overall victory in the Popular Rally last month, was Niaz’s navigator.

    Vijayant Chaudhry, a former JK navigator and now in Team MRF is the only navigator turned driver among the current breed. Lieutenant Colonel Sukhinder Singh Sekhon, who used to navigate for Team JK driver Kulbir Singh Chauhan, also from the Regiment of Artillery, was in the red shirts, navigating for Vijayant.

    The entry of `Pacer Yamaha’ into the rallying circuit with 135 bikes had robbed Team Nanjappas of K Prasad, and put the pressure on Zen Rallying and TVS-Suzuki factory bikes. But their cornering ability was to stand the Suzukis in good stead. In their bid to find a new performer, Suzuki put Amol Talpade, the 1997 Group D National Champion and Mazadayar Vatcha of Pune on Suzuki Shaolins. Zubin Patel and Amar Sandhu of Team MRF were on factory supported Suzuki Shoguns. Team Pacer Yamaha, seemed to have done their homework well, roping in MRF’s Rohitaaz Kumar, K Prasad and RH Vikram along with Srinivas and Nipender Jassy, two die-hard youngsters.

    The Cotton City Challenge was two-day event, run over 570km, of which 140km made up 14 Special Stages. A basic three stages with enough run-off area, were repeated to run seven stages on day one and two. The presence of Team JK and Team MRF, after two years of boycotting the CASC rally due to various reasons, put the spirit back into the Cotton City Challenge.

    Fifty-nine motorcycles and 28 cars were flagged off into a 90-minute transport section to reach the Special Stages on the Udumalaipet road. Set among windmill farms three Special Stages were in the villages near Palladam. A total dirt rally, with a service park in between the transport section from Stage 2 to Stage 3, ensured absolute order. The spectator-friendly rally had thousands of visitors from Kerala, Bangalore and Coimbatore itself.

    Set on smooth dirt, the Cotton City stages looked very different, with none of the dangerous elements noticed in the South India Rally at Chennai. One could drive his heart out and enjoy the rally, but pushing the pedal also meant running off the route most of the time. That the route was well marked out is an understatment. Last Year’s `short-cutting phobia’ ensured the presence of scores of judges from the neighbouring Kerala Auto Sports Club and the CASC to police the event. The pace set by the riders and drivers took the local spectators by surprise.

    On Day 1, Team JK’s anchor driver Hari Singh and navigator Gurinder Singh Mann, driving an Esteem suffered two early punctures, losing precious time. Satish Bhat, also of Team JK, navigated by Moosa, rolled in Special Stage 1 and the winner of the earlier Popular Rally, Manik Raikhy and navigator CK Chinnappa, flipped on the second stage. The latter rolled thrice, landed on all fours and tried continuing the run, until his broken car refused to carry him. Team MRF’s Arjun Balu and navigator Kumar Ramaswamy, broke his Esteem’s gear box and retired in the early stages of the rally. Dicky Gill, also from Team MRF and navigator Aditya Jaiswal, broke two imported rims, and lost a lot of time, but continued fighting a lost battle, valiantly.

    In the two-wheeler category all riders opted for solo riding, due to the reconnaissance, and the top shots kept the pace high, except for RH Vikram (Team MRF) of Bangalore. His Yamaha engine seized in the very first Stage, forcing him to pull out unceremoniously. Almost every driver and rider was working at improving his performance due to the repeats. Stage 1 was repeated thrice, and the other two stages twice, all in the same direction, to make up the seven Special Stages on the first day.

    At the end of the day, completed by 23 cars and 49 bikes, Team MRF led in all classes. Naren Kumar and navigator MK Chander, led Overall, followed by Leelakrishnan and navigator Farooq Ahmed, both from MRF, followed by Team JK’s Niaz Amed and Vivekanandan. Among the two-wheelers , Team MRF’s Zubin led, followed by K Prasad and Rohitaaz Kumar from the same team.

    In the stock cars class, Team MRF’s Sagar Muthappa and Sandeep S Rao led, followed by Vicky Chandhok and navigator Manoj Dalal from Team JK Tyre and Karandeep Singh and Jaidas Menon from Team MRF in third.

    Paritosh Kohok of Nasik, led in the Group D stock Class for motorcycles, followed by SP Chinnappa and Udayakumar, both from Team Zen Rallying of Bangalore.

    On Day 2, all the seven stages were run in the opposite direction. Most of the surviving participants were running the 8-14 stages to complete the rally and pick up some points for the championship. While this was going on, Hari Singh of JK an Dicky Gill of MRF were driving their heads off to gain time lost on the first day.

    Team JK lost Niaz Ahmed due to mechanical problems, Vicky Chandhok (accident) and V Ram Narayan due to gear box problems and was fighting valiantly until the finish. Among motorcyclists, Zubin’s impeccable ride on dirt forced on spectator to say, “The rider should be using some gum on the wheels that stops him from falling off his bike in the tight corners.”

    Leg II finished as on the earlier day, at the Suguna Kalyana Mandapam in Coimbatore. The percentage of finishers being high, the mood was upbeat as the rallyists went to rest.

    Hardwork and perfection in preparation proved that Team MRF still had stuff to win a rally and amass placings, as in the olden times. “In rallies, car preparation is 80 per cent and only 20 per cent is driving, we are happy that we have found the right combination, and our drivers will perform better and better, event after event,” said MRF driver and Group A cars tuner Leelakrishnan. “Team JK is pushed to perform and when you push, one tends to make more mistakes,” opined Group N cars tuner J Anand, a former racer for MRF.

    Provisional Results:

    CARS Overall: 1. VR Naren Kumar/ MK Chander (Team MRF) (2hours, 13minutes, 51seconds); 2. N Leelakrishnan/Farooq Ahmed (Team MRF) (2:15:35); 3. Nikhil Taneja/Sandeep Lal (JK Tyres) (2:16:52); 4. Sagar Muthappa/Sandeep S Rao (Team MRF) (2:19:28); 5. Jagat Nanjappa/ Anita (Team MRF) (2:19:43).

    Group A Modified cars: 1. VR Naren Kumar/ MK Chander (Team MRF) (2hours, 13minutes, 51seconds); 2. N Leelakrishnan/Farooq Ahmed (Team MRF) (2:15:35); 3. Nikhil Taneja/Sandeep Lal (JK Tyres) (2:16:52); 4. BS Pruthvi/Shivu Shivappa (Team MRF) (2:19:54); 5. Hari Singh/ GS Mann (JK Tyres) (2:23:15).

    Group N Unmodified cars: 1. Sagar Muthappa/Sandeep S Rao (Team MRF) (2:19:28); 2. Jagat Nanjappa/ Anita (Team MRF) (2:19:43); 3.Karandeep Singh/Jaidas Menon (Team MRF) (2:20:49); 4. Ravi Jouhari/ Deepak Jouhari (Birla Tyres) (2:22:47); 5. Vijayant Choudhry/SS Sekon (Team MRF) (2:23:01).

    BIKES Overall: 1. Zubin Patil (Team MRF) (2:20:15); 2. Rohitaaz Kumar (Team MRF) (2:21:06); 3. K Prasad (Team MRF) (2:21:25); 4. Amarinder Sandhu (Team MRF) (2:23:40); 5. S Nipendar Jassy (Pacer Yamaha) 2:24:47).

    Group C modified bikes: 1. Zubin Patil (Team MRF) (2:20:15); 2. Rohitaaz Kumar (Team MRF) (2:21:06); 3. K Prasad (Team MRF) (2:21:25); 4. Amarinder Sandhu (Team MRF) (2:23:40); 5. S Nipendar Jassy (Pacer Yamaha) 2:24:47).

    Group D Unmodified bikes: 1. Paritosh K Kohok (2:28:16); 2. SP Chinnappa (2:29:57); 3. D Uday Kumar (2:31:07); 4. Vikram Singh (2:33:03); 5. GS Ganapathy (2:33:45).