Mapusa
The FF1600 is the highest level racing series in India. With a grid comprising of the best seasoned drivers in India, expectations were not very high from the young Goan lad, but he proved that he has the pace right from his first practice session.
Coming from a touring car racing background where he won the National championship last year, the switch to the faster formula cars would be an uphill task. Expectations were not only met but surpassed.
The pace in qualifying was good but a weight penalty meant that Keith would only start in 6th position. Keith had a good launch and got past 2016 Vento Cup champion Ishaan Doodhiwala into turn 1 when an incident between Anindith Reddy and Chetan Korada opened up an opportunity for Keith, of which he took full advantage to make a move which saw him in 2nd position behind pole sitter Sandeep Kumar.
The battle with Sandeep for the win was a close one with Keith pushing hard for an overtake, but Sandeep didn't put a foot wrong and Keith didn't want to be over enthusiastic in pulling off a difficult overtake which could have led to a crash. The difference between the two at the end was only half a second. Keith has also been the only Goan to have stepped up on the Formula Ford podium and bring home a National Championship Trophy this year.
