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SPORTS

At home in motorsport's maze

There were very few hit and run cases at the Kerala Autocross, says STAN RAYAN

PHOTO: MAHESH HARILAL

CLEAN RUN Kerala drivers took to autocross quite comfortably

Driving on Kerala roads is a nightmare these days. You just have to try out one devilish stretch in Kochi, the Kaloor-Kadavanthra Road, to get the real picture.

Thankfully, there's a positive side too. If performances at the recent New Bharath's Pitstop Kerala Autocross at Nedumbassery are any indication, the car rattling, backbreaking experience on Kerala roads has come in very handy for drivers in the State.

Though tarmac autocross was making its Kerala debut at Nedumbassery, the State drivers took to the sport like fish to water. Many of them found their way through the narrow maze of cans and cones without much fuss.

"Our drivers fared very well, especially the boys from Thrissur," said Shajan Daniel, the secretary of the newly formed Motorsports Association of Kerala, which organised the Nedumbasery event.

"And now, they're asking for more. The response from the sponsors is also very encouraging. We're now planning a TSD (time-speed-distance) rally in the near future," said Daniel, who has a few years' experience in organising motorsport events, especially in Dubai.

The Pitstop autocross also turned out to be a get-together of sorts for Kerala's motorsport fraternity. On the course, among other close runs, there was an interesting tussle between rally veteran George Anthony, who drove under the Team MRF banner a few years ago, and his son Anthony George, with the latter winning the contest. And off track, there was a nice bonhomie with leading members of the Kerala Auto Sports Club also joining in the fun.

The autocross was also a merry family outing for many. For Rema Sangeeth, who picked up driving and motorsport lessons from her hubby, National rally circuit star Sangeeth, the event offered a nice stage to try them out.

LIKE HUBBY Rema Sangeeth won a title too

Rema, from Kochi, emerged with flying colours, winning the ladies trophy with a smooth drive. There were a few big names too, like Team MRF's rally star Lohith Urs who lived up to his billing and emerged as the fastest man, and Coimbatore's Prithveen E. Rajan who won his category honours rather comfortably.

Beginnings are supposed to be tough. But after a smooth take-off, the MAK officials must now try to find out ways to improve the security aspect.

The marshalls at the autocross were standing right in the middle of the course, inviting danger. Fortunately, everything went off well but it may not be the same story every time in the future.

"We'll be working on the safety angle," said Daniel.

The Kerala Auto Sports Club's annual Popular Rally has earned a name for itself in the MAI's National championship calendar. And with MAK now planning a series of events, motorsport in Kerala is in for some busy days.

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