Gulf Dirt Track National championship in Bhopal from April 7

Bhopal, Mar 29 (UNI) The first round of the Gulf Dirt Track National championship will begin here from April 7.

Mr Srikanth Karani of Sportscraft, organiser of the event, said ten competitions -- including seven championship events and two local events -- would be organised in various categories during the first round.

He said a separate category for local motorcycle riders has been kept in the first round of the two-day event.

At the end of five rounds, the winner will take home a cash prize of approximately Rs 2.5 lakh and a trophy on the basis of points obtained. Besides, a cash prize of Rs 85,000 in various categories as well as trophies are up for grabs.

More than 200 riders from all over India, especially Nasik, Pune, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Jodhpur will vie for honours in a dozen categories. Among riders to watch would be previous champion Rustam Patel and Badal Doshi from Mumbai, Pinkesh Thakkar and Snehal Chouhan from Pune and Shamim Khan and Ganesh Lokhande from Nasik.

A minimum of 15 entries is required per classification, while a maximum of 30 entries would be accepted in a particular category.

The standard entries close on April 2.

Various categories include: Motorcycle upto 260 cc - two and four stroke - for Indian expert, Foreign Motorcycle upto 260 cc for Indian expert, Motorcycle from 80 cc upto 150 cc - two stroke - for novice championship, Scooters upto 110 cc, Foreign Motorcycle upto 260 cc -- Private Expert, Motorcycle from 125 cc upto 160 cc - four stroke - stroke novice championship.

Only Madhya Pradesh residents can take part in the following two categories -- motorcycle from 80 cc upto 150 cc and motorcycles from 110 cc to 250 cc.

The next four rounds will take place in Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Guragon and Belgaon respectively.

A separate prize had announced for photography in this event.

UNI