The Hindu : Sport / Racing : Motor : Naren aims to break into WRC soon

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Thursday, Aug 16, 2007
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Sport - Racing : Motor

Naren aims to break into WRC soon

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: Naren Kumar is aiming to break into the World Rally Championship as soon as possible, and — if the financial angle works out — could break into the factory class in the next couple of years, though he hasn’t quite fixed any long-term plans.

Naren was speaking at a press conference here, after his second-place finish in Malaysia made him the first Indian to finish runner-up in an Asia Pacific Rally Championship event.

Tough conditions

“The rally in Malaysia takes place in tough conditions: the roads are narrow and extremely fast; the climate is very hot. It’s easy to end up in an ambulance if one is not physically fit. But my team had been consistent in all the races.

“Reece Jones Motorsport put together an excellent car. N. Leela Krishnan made a big difference with his technical inputs.”

After the first three races, Naren opted for the more experienced Jeff Judd as his co-driver. “The results have come immediately; for a while, we were in the third position in Japan.”

Thanks sponsors

Naren, whose next and final race in the series is in Indonesia, thanked his sponsors, JK Tyre, SIDVIN and Red Rooster Racing. “We hope to put up a better package next year. As for the World Rally Championship, it will involve a 100 per cent financial jump, but I hope to find sponsors and make that dream a reality soon.”

Tiruvallur takes trophy

Tiruvallur boys defeated Erode 25-11, 25-17 to win the State junior throwball championship in Karur recently.

Chess training

Emmanuel Chess Centre will conduct a seven-month intensive professional training for children in the age group of 5-14 years at the Marg Playschool, Dr. Seethapathy Nagar, Velachery.

New batch starts from August 20. Classes will be on Mondays and Wednesdays (5.30 p.m. to 8 pm.).

The panel of trainers includes FIDE trainer Ebenezer Joseph, FIDE rated Malick Jan Mohammed and others. For details, call 93810 62323 or 65470470.

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