Kochi, Aug 29: Reigning national champion V R Naren Kumar and co-driver D Ram Kumar of Team MRF will lead the two-day Kerala Rally 2003, the third round of the Motorsports Association of India's Indian National Rally Championship, commencing here today.
As many as 18 cars participating in the rally will cover a distance of 355.46 kms with nine special stages on tarmac covering 117.20 kms.
The event, organised by the Kerala Auto Sports Club, will count for the MAI Indian National Rally Championship for drivers and co-drivers, the MAI Indian National Rally Championship for teams and the MAI Rally Star Cup for drivers and co-drivers.
The previous two rounds of the national championship were held at Chickmagalur (Karnataka) and Nashik (Maharashtra). Both the events were won by Naren Kumar.
The 1600cc class will see a new entrant in Sham Sundar while K Prassad of Bluelines will be driving a Honda City for the first time.


Bureau Report