Chennai, Jan 5 : Country’s top two-wheeler manufacturers–TVS, Honda, KTM and Yamaha–and racers congregate at the iconic MMRT circuit after a three-month break for the fourth round of the MRF MMSC-FMSCI Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship commencing tomorrow.
More than 100 entries are the fray for the event to be held during this weekend by following the COVID protocols.
Being the penultimate round of the 2021 championship which got spilled into the New Year due to the pandemic, the focus would be on the points leaders in various categories who will be looking to consolidate their respective positions.
However, if the previous three rounds are any indication, the competition is expected to be as fierce and close, providing for plenty of excitement.
A card of 18 races have been scheduled besides practice and qualifying sessions spread over three days that promise another dose of high octane action.
Multiple National champions Rajini Krishnan (RACR Castrol Power Racing) and Jagan Kumar (TVS Racing) head the championship stakes in the premier Pro-Stock 301-400cc and 165cc categories, respectively, with three wins apiece, though neither can afford to relax despite enjoying sizeable leads in the points table.
The situation is somewhat similar in the two other National championship categories. Thrissur’s Anfal Akdhar (Rockstar Racing) enjoys a 10-point advantage in the Novice (Stock 165cc) category, while local challenger Ryhana Bee (RACR Castrol Power Racing) has a 30-point cushion in the Girls (Stock 165cc) class following an unbeaten run.
Amarnath Menon from Kozhikode (Open, RTR 310), Kolhapur’s Jinendra Kiran Sangave (Rookie, RTR 200) and Chennai teenager Rakshita Dave (Girls, RTR 200) head the respective leaderboards in the TVS One-Make Championship organized by the Madras Motor Sports Club.
The Idemitsu Honda India Talent Cup has thrown up firm favourites after three rounds. Chennai teenager Kavin Quintal (NSF 250R), who is the only Indian selected for the Asia Talent Cup organized by Dorna Sports, and Prakash Kamath from Bokaro Steel City (CBR 150R) head their respective categories.(UNI)