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For the fast and the curious: The Hindu
Coimbatore, Dec 03: AFTER TURNING the spotlight on Coimbatore with the launch of the Kari Motor Speedway track at Chettipalayam, the Cotton City is back in the news. And this time it`s for being selected as venue by the Gulf Oil Corporation Ltd. to stage one of its autocross rounds for two-wheelers.
Coimbatore, Dec 03: AFTER TURNING the spotlight on Coimbatore with the launch of the Kari Motor Speedway track at Chettipalayam, the Cotton City is back in the news. And this time it's for being selected as venue by the Gulf Oil Corporation Ltd. to stage one of its autocross rounds for two-wheelers.
Organised by Sportscraft, Mumbai, in association with Coimbatore Auto Sports Club (CASC), under the aegis of the Federation of Motorsports Club of India (FMSCI), the Gulf Autocross will be flagged off at the VOC Park grounds on December 7. But what makes it different from the routine is that the race will be a time-trial in-stadium event where participants are timed to one hundredth of a second.
Shrikant Karani of Sportscraft says it is the first step to mould a rookie into a good rider. "Autocross forms the basis for any motorsports. We want to promote the sport at the grassroots level in India and that is the reason we are here." But one catch about autocross is that the thrills and spills associated with other forms of racing are likely to be absent, for this sport is more on testing the rider's skill. "There will be no question of riders either overtaking or bringing some one down from behind. On the track you are alone and given the golden chance to prove your mettle," adds Shrikant. Nevertheless, this sport promises to be a "drive", devoid of traffic, potholes or pedestrians obstructing your passage.
So what's the entire hullabaloo about, many tend to ask. Is it a massed start or a showdown of speed? "It's neither," says Shrikant. "It's basically an event which examines how safe a rider you are. It's not only the machine that matters, but also the man," he adds. During the race, the competitors are expected to drive around without touching a specially laid obstacle-laden zig-zag course. A `touch' along the course entails a penalty of 30 seconds, which matters much when it comes to the final time tally. The best timer of the day will be adjudged the `Fastest Driver of the Meet.' "One need not be a champion driver to come out in flying colours, everything depends on the acceleration, turning and braking."
Former national champions Zubin Patel and Jagat Nanjappa became professionals by taking part in similar autocross events. A maximum of 30 entries will be allowed per class on a first-come-basis. Entries reserved beyond the number will be placed in the reserved category and will be accepted on first-come basis in case of cancellation. Only two riders will be permitted to participate in the same vehicle except when the third is a woman.
Shrikant Karani of Sportscraft says it is the first step to mould a rookie into a good rider. "Autocross forms the basis for any motorsports. We want to promote the sport at the grassroots level in India and that is the reason we are here." But one catch about autocross is that the thrills and spills associated with other forms of racing are likely to be absent, for this sport is more on testing the rider's skill. "There will be no question of riders either overtaking or bringing some one down from behind. On the track you are alone and given the golden chance to prove your mettle," adds Shrikant. Nevertheless, this sport promises to be a "drive", devoid of traffic, potholes or pedestrians obstructing your passage.
So what's the entire hullabaloo about, many tend to ask. Is it a massed start or a showdown of speed? "It's neither," says Shrikant. "It's basically an event which examines how safe a rider you are. It's not only the machine that matters, but also the man," he adds. During the race, the competitors are expected to drive around without touching a specially laid obstacle-laden zig-zag course. A `touch' along the course entails a penalty of 30 seconds, which matters much when it comes to the final time tally. The best timer of the day will be adjudged the `Fastest Driver of the Meet.' "One need not be a champion driver to come out in flying colours, everything depends on the acceleration, turning and braking."
Former national champions Zubin Patel and Jagat Nanjappa became professionals by taking part in similar autocross events. A maximum of 30 entries will be allowed per class on a first-come-basis. Entries reserved beyond the number will be placed in the reserved category and will be accepted on first-come basis in case of cancellation. Only two riders will be permitted to participate in the same vehicle except when the third is a woman.