The MRF MMSC fmsci Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship 2022 moves to the iconic, rebranded Madras International Circuit, Sriperumbudur, near here, for the second round, scheduled for July 8-10, after an action-packed season-opener in Coimbatore last month.
The proceedings this weekend are expected to witness more of the high-octane action with some 200 entries in the fray.
The first round dished out some surprise results, notably a double 1-2 finish by Pacer Yamaha riders in the Pro-Stock 165cc category with Trichy’s Mathana Kumar winning both the races ahead of Prabhu Arunagiri (Chennai).
The pair virtually overshadowed established and hitherto dominant Petronas TVS Racing and arch-rivals Idemitsu Honda SK69 Racing teams. The results have injected heightened expectations of stirring duels over the weekend.
In contrast, veteran Rajini Krishnan (RACR Castrol Power1), who notched his 10th National title last season, looked imperious in the premier Pro-Stock 301-400cc category, winning both races on a Yamaha R3. He looks set to further distance himself from the pack in the Championship standings.
The Girls category (Stock 165cc) race had its share of twists and turns with former champion Ann Jennifer (Sparks Racing) securing a win after race-winner Lani Zena Fernandez (Speed Up Racing) was disqualified for a technical infringement. Defending champion Ryhana Bee (Pacer Yamaha), who won all five races last season, managed just one point with a 10th place finish, but will be keen to make up this weekend.
READ: British GP: Albon feeling fine for Austria after Silverstone crash
In the Novice category (Stock 165cc), which has always attracted over 40 entries, Hubballi’s Sarvesh Balappa had a bright start, winning both the races, to lead the points table in this class.
The 19-race programme this weekend also includes two One-Make Championships organised by the promoters Madras Motor Sports Club, celebrating their 70th anniversary – the Petronas TVS One-Make Championship (Open, Rookie and Girls) and the Idemitsu Honda India Talent Cup (NSF 250R and CBR 150, besides Hornet 2.0 as a support race).
Both these One-Make Championships are bubbling with young, talented riders, hailing from all parts of India, who have been provided with a platform to showcase their skills.
Rains that are forecast for the weekend, could add some spice and drama to the proceedings, putting a premium on experience.
MMSC president Ajit Thomas, welcoming the stakeholders to the second round, said: “We are happy that the new season got off to a flier in Coimbatore with the Rolon Round last month and which also reflected the unpredictable nature of the sport. Now, the Madras International Circuit welcomes the stakeholders, including our title sponsors MRF Tyres, the competitors, the manufacturers and the Media, for Round 2 and again, MMSC thanks all for their participation and support.”
Comments
SHARE