Karnataka - Mangalore   

Sport was the true winner

Staff Correspondent

The event brought out the best among participants

ACTION ON WHEELS: Motor sports enthusiasts watching the action at the Mangalore leg of the Gulf Dirt Track National Championship on Sunday.

MANGALORE: The B. Yenepoya School grounds at Jeppinamogeru on the outskirts of the city came alive to the vroom of engines on a calm, clear Sunday morning. A bunch of 120-odd intrepid riders set off on their two-wheelers of various descriptions. The scene was the first leg of the five-leg Gulf Dirt Track National Championships 2006.

The competition in various categories was intense and nail-biting.

The zeal of the riders in negotiating the track was matched by a large gathering of motor sports enthusiasts, who egged on their favourite riders from the safety of the spectators' enclosure. The sport was the true winner at the end.

Opportunity

The event provided an opportunity for motorsports fans of this coastal town a chance to see some of the best names in India showcase their skills. The city last hosted the event at Mangala Stadium exhibition grounds in 2004. After two years and at a new venue, the enthusiasm of people for the sport was as intact as ever.

For Srikanth Karani of Sportscraft, organisers of the event under the aegis of The Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India and Mangalore Motor Sports Association, coming back to Mangalore was fun. "The event has gone on a like a dream and provided a perfect launch pad for the championship. Things can only improve in the remaining legs at Coimbatore, Nagpur, Nasik and Jaipur," he added.

Local lads try their hand

It was not all about exploits of big names of the sport such as C.S. Santhosh or the promising and talented Karan Kadam, both from Bangalore.

Giving a local flavour to the event were local lads who participated in two exclusive races for them. It was an opportunity for them to showcase their talent in the sport. And they did not disappoint.

The event also provided an opportunity for photographers to freeze the action for ever. The only event that proved to be a non-starter was the Group D scooters up to 110 cc for women for want of competitor. They, however, were on hand to officiate.

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