National road racing from June 16, Lankan drivers in grid

Chennai, Jun 12 (UNI) A record number of 52 cars, international flavour in the form of Sri Lanka's participation and more prize money would enhance the appeal competitive edge of the 10th J K Tyres National Racing Championship this year.

The six-round event would be flagged off at the Kari Motor Speedway in Coimbatore this weekend and would conclude at the modern race track at Irungattukottai, about 40 km from here, on October seven.

While the first two rounds would be held at Coimbatore (June 16-17 and July 14-15), the remaining four rounds would be conducted at MMSC track here on August 11-12, September 1-2, September 22-23 and the final round on October 6-7.

The record number of cars this time not only increases the competitive edge but also reminds one of the halycon days of Sholavaram, once synonymous with motorracing, Championship Coordinator Vicky Chandok told reporters here today.

For the first time, the Sri Lankan racing team would be seen in action in all the six rounds.

Events would be held in three categories LGB Formula Swift, LGB Formula Hyundai and Formula Rolon Chevrolet for Indian drivers besides J K Tyre AMRC Cup for th Lankan drivers.

Since the Lankan drivers would also be using Maruti Swift cars the AMRC Cup would be held concurrently along with LGB Formula Swift. About ten Lankan cars would be part of the grid in the LGB Formula Swift.

Three Lankans would also be rubbing shoulders with the Indian counterparts in the Formula Rolon Chevrolet category but they would not be eligible for any points.

Among those who would be seen in action includes the established names like Raymond Banajee of Pune, Ameya Walvalkar, Ajay Kini, Aditya Patel and young guns like Saahil Shellar, Gautam Parekh and Amitrajit Ghosh.

The fledgling Team Gemini Racing would be making its debut in the championship which would have teams from NK Racing, Wallace Sports, Rams Racing, Meco Motorsports, Leela Racing and Prime Racing.

Mr Vicky Chandok said the prize money had been increased by about 50 to 60 per cent, with the winner of each race getting Rs 15,000, runner-up Rs 10,000 and third place finisher Rs 8,000. The overall championship winner would be richer by Rs 25,000 and the Champion in Formula Rolon Chevrolet Category would get a ''Chevy Optra SRV'' car.

In all there would be 12 races (two races per round) in four categories.

For the first time all cars would be fitted with Slick Tyres offered from J K Tyres providing better grip , Mr Chandok said and added the MMSC Track was re-surfaced and given a facelift at a cost of Rs ten million.

UNI