MARGAO
There has been a tremendous response for the much-awaited Cheryl Sequeira Memorial Supercross Goa event which is to be held on January 1, as part of the 3-day festival, organised by Sirvodem Racing Club de Goa, near Sewage Treatment Plant at Sirvodem, Margao, under the auspices of FMSCI (Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India).
The FMX event which will feature nine SMX races- SX 1, 2, 3, Indian Expert Group B and C, novice class Group C upto 250cc, Goa local class upto 250cc, women class, youth U-10 and U-14 and a special FMX freestyle event on January 3. It has drawn excellent response from the local riders, with Goan girls and young riders gearing up to showcase their talent. It will be for the first time, that women are expected to participate.
Addressing during a press conference, Yogiraj Kamat, Patron of Sirvodem Racing Club de Goa stated, "The interest in the supercross is at all-time high as besides India's top riders, there will be a record number of Goan motorcycle riders. And as part of history, for the first time -ever, women will showcase their talent in an official contest. Also, in order to encourage the sport at the grassroots, two special events for Under-10 and Under -14 are being planned."
"The Goan riders include Zabi Mulla, Alec Sequeira, Abdul Kadar, Tavir Shaikh, Irfan Killerdar, Tusif Shaikh, Swapnil Korgaonkar, Mario Fernandes, Suraj Salgaocar, Asif Bepari. They have already begun their regular practices with former National Supercross and Motocross champion Alan Sequeira and former National Supercross champion Javed Shaikh who are providing mentorship in the art and science of supercross," disclosed Yogiraj said for the first time, that women are eager to showcase their talent.
"Goa's Olesya Dias, Rita, Ashana Shaikh, Buran Khan are gearing up to display their skills. They started their training in right earnest with regular practices a s they believe that the more they ride, the more they learn so as to improve on their strengths and get past the limitations," stated Yogiraj.
"Many of the riders who were mostly on a solo-learning mission, are now being provided with necessary technical in puts which will help them to ride better, create a strategy and maintain well their machine. The objective is to improve their technique and style," disclosed Allan, secretary of Sirvodem Racing Club de Goa.
"Allan, alongwith Javed Shaikh, besides providing coaching, have been educating the participants on the rules and regulations of FMSCI, which is the premier global regulatory body for all two-wheeler motor sporting in India. Stress is being laid on the need to wear proper protection equipment like helm et, full torso armour, riding pants, boots which is mandatory due to the nature or riding which is inherently dangerous. There is always the risk of serious injury and, as such we will also stress on the need to have adequate medical insurance cover to cover catastrophic injuries," disclosed Antonio Rodrigues, president of the club.
Former National champion Allan Sequeira said that the track is designed him and Javed Shaikh. Prizes totalling Rs 9 lakhs will be awarded to various categories. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant will flag off the race.
