Full grids for National Racing Championship

Chennai:The Formula Rolon class, once the premier class in the JK Tyre National Racing Championship, was finally consigned to the history bin after a run of five seasons as the 2011 series commences in Coimbatore this weekend (June 18-19).

The 14th edition of the championship will have only three classes - the Formula LGB Swift, the Volkswagen Polo Cup which is a single make series, and the Saloon car that is split into Super Saloon (modified) and Junior Touring Car (stock) - and all will have full grids. At a media conference here Wednesday, Vicky Chandhok, president, Federation of Motorsport Clubs of India (FMSCI), said the increase in number of entries in the LGB Swift and Touring car categories was encouraging. "This season has seen a quantum jump in the number of entries across all the categories. The Formula LGB Swift category has 21 entries as against 17 last seasons, while the Super Saloons has 55 participants as compared to 15 last seasons."With addition of 12 new cars in Formula LGB Swift category, motorsport lovers can look forward to 20 cars in the initial stages. With another fresh set of cars being produced, the stability of this championship bears testimony to single-seater racing at affordable prices in India," he said. The Formula Rolon cars powered by Chevrolet engine was thus put to rest, struggling as it was in the recent seasons with patched-up chassis and for want of ready spares. But at its peak, the Rolon class was the most coveted among the aspirants.The 2011 championship is spread over six rounds. The opening two rounds will be held at the Kari Speedway in Coimbatore, followed by three in Chennai before moving to Delhi where it will be a support event for the inaugural Formula One India GP in October. The second Volkswagen Polo Cup has 13 new drivers on the grid, shortlisted from over 1,000 applications and they will join 10 repeaters. Meanwhile, the Indian Junior Touring category has taken a major leap this year as LG Sports will supply components free of cost. IANS