Mysuru is slowly but steadily becoming an autocross hotspot. Being home to renowned rallyists including Lohitt Urs, Palguna Urs, Abdul Wahid and N. Prasad, the city has been making its own name in the Indian Racing Circuit. Recently, Automotive Sports Club of Mysuru had organised Mysore Gravel Fest – 2017 that attracted over 70 participants from all over the country. This Weekend Star Supplement gives a racy picture of the car war which was a big hit among city autocross enthusiasts.
Autocross enthusiasts go gaga over…
Mysore Gravel Fest
It is a known fact that motor-sports did not have a good beginning in our country as it took many years for cars to just to make an appearance. It was only Kings and the rich who could afford cars while it was a dream for a common man to own one.
It was during 1970s that motor-sports was introduced in India during which the Western India Automobile Association (WIAA) in Mumbai conducted the 7,000 km All India Highway Motor Rally based on Monte Carlo Rally. It was to be completed in a week’s time and formed part of the silver jubilee celebrations of India’s independence. Subsequently, mortor-sport gained popularity in the country and many took to racing.
Mysuru, which has been catching up with the latest trends in autocross activities, along with Bengaluru and Coimbatore, has been the epicentre of motor-sport-related activities. The city is home to national champions like Abdul Wahid, Lohitt Urs, Palguna Urs, N. Prasad and has a potential to bring out more such talents.
Over a period of time, motor-sports have reduced in our city despite having many enthusiasts who wish to make a name for themselves in the autocross circuit. In an effort to revive this ageless sport, several like-minded individuals, with keen interest and experience in motor racing, have come together to form Automotive Sports Club of Mysuru (ASCOM)
ASCOM, in an effort to put the city in the racing the map, had organised Mysore Gravel Fest 2017 Sunday last at the ground located near the Lalitha Mahal Palace Helipad.
The event was flagged off with 1,110 cc cars starting the line-up. The entire track was barricaded to prevent spectators from entering the racing the area. Participants, who had come from all over the country, were overwhelmed to see ace drivers Rahul Kantharaj, Dhruva, Suhem Kabir taking part.
Mysore Gravel Fest is one of most successful and well-organised autocross in Indian Federation of Motor-sport. The event has received appreciation from participants as well many motor-sport enthusiasts. Mysuru’s own rallyist Lohitt Urs gave a demo of the newly-released Jeep Compas and Subaru Impressa to the crowd.
The ASCOM had announced Rs. 1 lakh cash prize along with a 4-ft trophy for the first time in the history of Karnataka motor-sport which was won by Kongetira Bopaiah of Kodagu.
The winners in each category received silver plate as a memento along with a certificate and cash prize of Rs. 10,000, Rs. 5,000 and Rs. 3,000 respectively. Veteran drivers from the motor-sport federation Asgar Ali/ Yathiraj Bhagvan, Dilip, Vishwanath, Somendar Singh, Srikanth, Jangir graced the occasion.
SCROLL OF HONOUR…
Sl Driver’s Name Vehicle City Timing
Over 1100 cc Upto 1,400 cc Classification
1 Ravikiran Gowda Maruti Esteem Mysuru 00:02:17.134
2 Chethan Shivaram Maruti Esteem Bengaluru 00:02:17.184
3 Syed Salman Ahmed Maruti Esteem Mysore 00:02:17.810
Ravikiran Gowda, Chethan Shivaram, Syed Salman Ahmed, who were placed first, second and third in Upto 1400 CC classification are seen with their trophies.
Over 1,400 cc Up to 1,650 cc
1 C. Druva Honda City Bengaluru 00:02:08.121
2 K.M. Bopaiah VW Polo Kodagu 00:02:09.706
3 Syed Salman Ahmed VW Polo Mysuru 00:02:11.180
SUV Open Class Classification
1 Suhem Kabeer Toyota Prado Kodagu 00:02:14.222
2 I.B. Nanaiah Izuzu V-Cross Kodagu 00:02:17.436
3 Gagan Karumbiah Maruti Gypsy Kodagu 00:02:19.950
Suhem Kabeer, I.B. Nanaiah and Gagan Karumbiah who ended up in first, second and third places in the SUV Open Class Classification are seen posing with their trophies.
Unrestricted Class Classification
1 K.M. Bopaiah VW Polo Kodagu 00:02:05.499
2 Syed Salman Ahmed VW Polo Mysuru 00:02:08.248
3 C. Druva Honda City Bengaluru 00:02:08.475
Ladies Open Class Classification
1 Harshitha Gowda Maruti Esteem Bengaluru 00:02:29.395
2 Kiran V. Gowda Honda City Mysuru 00:02:54.779
3 Mekala Kagli Toyota Prado Mysuru 00:04:06.570
Johnson of JO1 Rallying is seen receiving the Best Turner Trophy along with his team.
Mysuru Local Open Classification
1 Ravikiran Gowda Maruti Esteem Mysuru 00:02:15.900
2 N.A. Appanna Maruti Esteem Mysuru 00:02:23.269
3 R. Varun Honda City Mysuru 00:02:24.579
Indian Open Class Classification
1 K. M. Bopaiah VW Polo Kodagu 00:02:05.439
2 C. Druva Honda City Bengaluru 00:02:06.443
3 B. G. Den Thimmaiah Maruti Swift Kodagu 00:02:09.177
Fastest Driver of the Day
1 K. M. Bopaiah VW Polo Kodagu 00:02:05.439
Kongetira Bopaiah of Kodagu lifted the Fastest Driver Trophy
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