Coimbatore: August 10 & 11 will give motorsport lovers reason to rejoice as Coimbatore’s Kari Motor Speedway hosts Round 2 of the JK Tyre Racing Championship 2013. India’s most talented racing drivers are all set to converge at the motorsport capital and battle it out in the racing championship’s newly introduced JK Racing India Series using BMW powered FB02 international Formula cars as well as the Volkswagen Polo R Cup and the Formula LGB 4 class.
As a city that is home to India’s finest racing and rallying drivers in addition to a large motorsport loving community, Coimbatore is fast turning into the country’s motorsport hub and a favorite speed race destination. The city hosted Round 1 of the JK Tyre Racing Championship in spectacular style as JK Tyre kick-started its 2013 racing season with a bang by presenting a motorsport extravaganza unlike any other seen before. As an unbeatable racing track preferred by both new and experienced racing drivers, and the most viewer friendly in India, Kari Motor Speedway has proved to be a worthy host for countless racing events.
At Round 1 of the JK Tyre Racing Championship, the company fulfilled the desires of innumerable motorsport enthusiasts and the event drew more than 5000 spectators by offering an all-inclusive package for viewers and drivers alike. Individuals who have a wealth of experience in the sport head India’s top professional racing teams such as Meco Racing, Rayo Racing and Dark Don Racing. Specialized racing outfits such as these compete in the JK Tyre Racing Championship and take competition to a whole new level. The entire experience has been a delight for motorsport lovers as well as the participants.
The championship offers young and talented Indians drivers with an average age of 15 years a platform to train, excel and graduate to the higher levels of racing. It is heartening to see drivers like Vishnu Prasad, Arjun Maini, Chittesh Mandody and Ameya Bafna performing hard and record podium finishes.
Mr. Sanjay Sharma, Head - Motorsport - JK Tyre & Industries Limited, said, “We have put together a package that will regale motorsport aficionados and drivers besides giving the city of Coimbatore a new boost as far as motorsport in India is concerned. It has always been our endeavor to nurture and provide our drivers a platform to launch themselves into the international arena. This season has taken off in that direction and we will spare no efforts to reach greater heights in the records of Indian motorsport.”
Sharing his views about Round 1 of the JK Tyre Racing Championship 2013, Antonio Ferrari, Team Principal, EUROINTERNATIONAL, said, “I am amazed looking at the way young Indian racers are using the FB02 to excel. The JK Tyre Racing Championship presents itself as a phenomenal platform to give Indian race drivers world-class exposure. I believe their skills are at par with drivers who participate in international races and certain that three years down, a few names will feature in leading motorsport events around the world.”
Round 2 will witness three races each of the JK Racing India Series & Formula LGB 4, and two races of the Polo R Cup apart from a host of other exciting support events. Keeping the excitement factor like Round 1, which achieved new benchmarks in terms of packaging rallying and racing in the form of an inimitable racing event, Round 2 promises to live up to the expectations of its fans. The main attraction in Round 2 will be full-scale remote controlled cars, reaching unimaginable speeds that can be achieved without drivers in them. A special set up is being created within the track for spectators to witness these cars. These extravagant RC Cars are being specially brought to add an element of thrill to the hundreds of fans gathered at the track. An international standard stunt-show performed by some legendary names from Indian motorsport such as six-time National Rally Champion and Asia Zone Champion Hari Singh and former rallyists Rohitaaz Kumar and Sunny Kumar will charm spectators once again.
Qualifiers for all classes are scheduled to be held on Saturday, August 10.The first main race of the JK Racing India Series and two races of the Formula LGB 4 class will also be held on the same day. The final race of the Formula LGB 4 class, the second and third race of the JK Racing India Series, and both races of the Polo R Cup will be flagged off on Sunday, August 11.
In Round 1 of the JK Racing India Series, where JK Tyre is presenting 12 of India’s best racing talents an opportunity to drive powerful FB02 cars with a Mygale chassis and 1.2 litre BMW bike engine, young driver Akhil Khushlani impressed everyone by winning all three races, leaving his mark on the championship. Ruling the roost, the youngster dominated proceedings with a thrilling display of speed and expert control of a car he knows better than most other contending drivers. The surprise element of this category was the performances by racers like Arjun Maini, Vishnu Prasad, Chittesh Mandody, Ameya Bafna, Krishnaraj Mahadik and Dhruv Mohite for whom it was a maiden experience in the car. After Round 1, Akhil stands at 84 points followed by Vishnu Prasad and Akhil Rabindra at 37 points each. Arjun Maini is three points behind them at 34 points. With drivers understanding the FB02 better and getting a grip on the car after one round, Round 2 promises to be a thrilling affair. It will be interesting to see whether Akhil will continue to maintain his lead, or will we have a new driver cross the finish line before him.
In the JK Tyre- Volkswagen Polo R Cup, Rahil Noorani is in top form, and drove remarkably well with podium finishes in both the races of Round 1. The 23-year-old Mumbai driver is a strong contender in this year’s championship after narrowly missing the championship title last season. New drivers in the fray like Karthik and Prashant Tharani from Chennai can prove to be tough competition for Noorani in the rounds to come.
In the Formula LGB 4, 2012 champions - Team Dark Don Racing started their season with ruling the championship points table once again with a podium finish in all three races of Round 1. Their star drivers Sarosh Hataria, Karthik Krishna are in top form and a definite threat to the other drivers in the category. In the second year of making their debut in the racing championship, Dark Don Racing has its eyes set on taking home the coveted title this year too. The other teams are not behind; Team Meco Racing, Team Rayo Racing, and Team Avalanche Racing are all working hard to give neck-to-neck competition to their competitors. Sarosh Hataria leads with 51 points followed by Saran Vikram at 46, Karthik Krishna at 38, and Vishnu Prasad at 34 points. With a grid of over 25 cars, the FLGB 4 category will see the maximum action on the track.
Forthcoming rounds are expected to continue to throw up surprises and thrill motorsport lovers with exhilarating ups and downs like in Round 1. With a strong presence of cars and several new teams across categories, enthusiasts can look forward to a great race weekend in Coimbatore.
