Exciting action on the cards

Motor sports fans in and around the city are in for some exciting action as the Mahindra Adventures-IMG K-1000 rally, the fifth round of the Indian Rally Championship (IRC), hits the roads over the weekend.

The 40th edition of the event, which had its ceremonial flag-off on Friday, is set to test drivers and the navigators through a challenging circuit.

The rally will see 43 teams competing for glory in IRC 2000, IRC 1600, FMSCI 1600 Cup categories and the overall championship.

The main race will take place in three stages — Alpha (12.75kms), Beta (14.95kms) and India Mines (9.55Kms) — at the Indian Mines will, which start from Hotel Fairfield by Marriott on Saturday and will head to Doddaguni near Tumakuru for its showdown.
The race will consist of long straights, hair-pin curves, smooth flat sections, jumps and tight sections, testing the driver’s and the machine’s efficency to the optimum level.

“We believe this will be one of the difficult races where driver’s technical skills, navigators efficiency and also the vehicle’s endurance will be put to test,” said Shivu Shivappa, president of the Karnataka Motor Sports Club (KMSC).

While team Mahindra Adventures lead the overall standings with 145 points and a podium finish would be enough for the team to seal the title, they are aware of the challenge from Samir Thapar and Gurinder S Mann, driving a Mitsubishi Evo X, could pose.

“We are aware of the threat (Mitsubishi Evo X), but we are prepared for it. We are excited about the race and are looking forward to doing well. It is a historic moment be a part of the oldest race in the country and we will try out best to put our stamp on this 40th edition of the race,” said the Mahindra Adventures driver, Gill.

In the IRC 2000 class, Rahul Kanthraj-Vivek Y Bhatt, with 146 points, have already sealed the title. Byram Godrej-Somayya AG are second.

In the IRC 1600 class, Arjun Rao Aroor-Satish Rajagopal are in lead. They are also second overall. Adith KC-Harish KN are at the top in the IRC 1600 category.