Inaugural MMSC Motorcycle Endurance Race 2019

CHENNAI: Some of country’s top riders are among 34 entries that will line-up for the first-ever MMSC Motorcycle Endurance race 2019 powered by Honda, to be held at the MMRT circuit, here on Sunday, March 3.

The grid for the two-hour race, to be held from 2 pm to 4 pm, comprises two categories – the Honda CBR 250 and Stock 165cc which is age-based with only riders under 23 years of age permitted to participate.

“We at the MMSC introduced the Stock 165cc class as part of our continuing endeavor to attract young riders for whom the Endurance will provide a platform to test their skills against some of India’s leading riders. This is just another baby step towards our vision to spread racing at the grassroot level. We are also offering attractive cash prizes which hopefully would entice more riders to this event going forward,” said Vicky Chandhok, Vice-President, Madras Motor Sports Club.

As per the format, each team comprising two riders will race for two hours with a minimum of one compulsory fuel stop. Further, each rider is allowed a maximum of 45 minutes per outing with a mandatory 20-minute rest between sessions. Thus, the format puts as much premium on team strategy as race pace.

On offer are unprecedented cash-prizes for teams finishing on the podium. The top three teams will receive Rs 40,000, Rs 20,000 and Rs 10,000, all based on the number of laps completed in two hours, with the Overall winners eligible for another Rs 40,000 in cash prize.

A feature of the Endurance race is the running start with riders lined up on one side of the start-finish straight before sprinting across the track to their machines to start the first session.

The entry list includes two teenaged pairing of Mohammed Mukail (15) and Karthik Vasanth Habib (18) who are graduating to the Honda CBR 250 class after finishing at the top in 2018 championship.

Among the favourites are Mathana Kumar, last year’s winner but with a different partner, who is teaming up with young Mithun Kumar, 2018 Pro-stock National champion Anish Shetty along with Abhishek Vasudev, last year’s Novice category National champion Karthik Mateti and Aditya Rao combine.

Also lining up on the grid is the lone female contestant Lani Zena Fernandes who is pairing with Lakshmipathi Balaji in the Stock 165cc category.